I don't usually do too many pranks for April Fools Day, but I have come up with something for the kids on my school bus the last two years. (Unfortunately, April 1 this year falls over our spring break, so there won't be any jokes this year!)
If you are still looking for something you can do for a family member, friend, or co-worker tomorrow, here are a few tech-related ideas.
1) Spill Milk - Using this recipe, make a fake milk spill that you can put on someone else's device. Add a glass next to it for an even more realistic image.
2) Switch It Up - Make the screen display everything upside-down. In Windows, right-click on the desktop and select "Screen Resolution". Change the orientation option to "Landscape (flipped)".
If you want to produce the same effect on an Android device, you can use the app Set Orientation.
3) Block It - Tape a post-it note or a piece of paper over the sensor on a remote or the sensor on an optical mouse.
4) Screenshot - Take a screenshot of the desktop or home screen of the device, then remove all the icons from that page and set the screenshot as the background. Watch people go crazy trying to click the "icons".
5) Buy an "iPad" - Tell your kids you bought them an iPad. Then give them one of these.
One final rule, you may not use any of these ideas to trick me!
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015
Easily Create PDFs
It seems that you find PDF files everywhere you go. They are a simple and convenient way to share information. At one time, the only way to produce a PDF was to purchase Adobe's Acrobat program, which can run over $100. Now, there are many other programs that can produce PDF files for free.
My favorite is doPDF. It accomplishes the process of creating a PDF in the easiest way: by adding itself as another printer. Simply get your file ready in any program, print it, and select the doPDF option as the printer. A dialog box will open giving you options for quality and location, and then it will save your PDF file at the location you indicated.
If you need additional features, such as watermarks or encrypted PDFs, you can purchase NovaPDF, an upgraded version of doPDF.
To download doPDF, click here
My favorite is doPDF. It accomplishes the process of creating a PDF in the easiest way: by adding itself as another printer. Simply get your file ready in any program, print it, and select the doPDF option as the printer. A dialog box will open giving you options for quality and location, and then it will save your PDF file at the location you indicated.
If you need additional features, such as watermarks or encrypted PDFs, you can purchase NovaPDF, an upgraded version of doPDF.
To download doPDF, click here
Friday, March 27, 2015
Don't Fall for these Facebook Hoaxes
"You can't put anything on the internet that isn't true," stated a recent commercial. Unfortunately, false information is abundant on the internet, especially on social sites like Facebook. There seems to be no end to the fake stories that eventually spread would be too long to maintain (and impossible to keep up-to-date), but here are three hoaxes about Facebook that seem to keep coming around.
1) Pay for Facebook - This one has reared its head a few times. According to Facebook's Help Center, "Facebook is a free site and will never require that you pay to continue using the site." Is it possible that Facebook may one day charge to use it? I suppose, but the backlash from these hoaxes makes it unlikely that Facebook would ever consider it.
2) See Your Views - This one usually asks you to install an app and give it permissions. Some of these just post to your wall and try to suck your friends into downloading it, but others are designed to steal your personal information. Once again, Facebook's Help Center states, "Facebook doesn't let people track who views their profile. Third-party apps also can't provide this functionality."
3) Content Notice - Something like this starts being passed around every time Facebook changes its terms of use. This post does absolutely nothing. Even if Facebook's terms of service did allow for use of your posts, no legal notice like this could change the terms of service you agreed to when you signed up.
1) Pay for Facebook - This one has reared its head a few times. According to Facebook's Help Center, "Facebook is a free site and will never require that you pay to continue using the site." Is it possible that Facebook may one day charge to use it? I suppose, but the backlash from these hoaxes makes it unlikely that Facebook would ever consider it.
2) See Your Views - This one usually asks you to install an app and give it permissions. Some of these just post to your wall and try to suck your friends into downloading it, but others are designed to steal your personal information. Once again, Facebook's Help Center states, "Facebook doesn't let people track who views their profile. Third-party apps also can't provide this functionality."
3) Content Notice - Something like this starts being passed around every time Facebook changes its terms of use. This post does absolutely nothing. Even if Facebook's terms of service did allow for use of your posts, no legal notice like this could change the terms of service you agreed to when you signed up.
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Three Checks to Keep Your Computer Safe
We are only three months into 2015, and we have already had several major online security issues come up. While the majority of the issues that make the news occur at large companies, securing your home computer and network is just as important. Here are four ways to check your online security. (Links for programs and sites mentioned are included at the end of the article.)
1) Windows Settings - If you have Windows, use the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) to check your settings. The MBSA checks a variety of Windows settings, including password strength, updates, administrator accounts, and file/folder sharing. It will provide recommendations on how you can improve the security on your own computer. Do not simply click through each recommendation! Sometimes, there are reasons why your computer is configured the way it is, so make sure you thoroughly understand each suggestion before implementing it.
When you click the download link, you will be given several different downloads to choose from. The key is to know whether you have a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system. If you are unsure, use Windows + Pause to open the System window, then look at System Type. If you have a 64-bit system, you will want to use the version that says "x64". If you have a 32-bit system, use the one that says "x86". Also, make sure you get the one that ends with EN, standing for English, unless you want it in another language!
2) Browser Add-Ons - Using an up-to-date browser is important for your security, but any add-ons installed in your browser also need to be kept up-to-date. Mozilla, the maker of Firefox, has a free plugin checker to determine if you need to update any of your add-ons. Even though it is made by the company that makes Firefox, this works with all major browsers. Simply head over to the site and see your results (no installation is necessary).
3) Facebook - I don't recommend that you post any information about your schedule or vacation until after it is over. (For example, "Taking the kids to the park at 2:00 today. Anyone want to join us?" isn't just an invitation for your friends to join you at the park; it is also an invitation for potential criminals to pay your empty home a visit a little after 2:00.) How well do you know every person on your friends list? If you are like me, your list probably includes acquaintances from high school, college, and old jobs that you barely know anymore.
However, if your post is public, then your problem could be even worse. Any comment or like broadcasts your post to people you don't know. Some simple searching could expose your address and make your home a target for thieves.
If you want to check what the public (or any friend) can see on your profile, Facebook has a tool for you. Go to your profile page (not your timeline), click on the three dots next to "View Activity Log", and select "View as ...". You will then see how your profile appears to the public. Change the link at the top of the page to see how it appears to specific people or groups of people.
Links:
Download the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
Mozilla's Plugin Checker
1) Windows Settings - If you have Windows, use the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) to check your settings. The MBSA checks a variety of Windows settings, including password strength, updates, administrator accounts, and file/folder sharing. It will provide recommendations on how you can improve the security on your own computer. Do not simply click through each recommendation! Sometimes, there are reasons why your computer is configured the way it is, so make sure you thoroughly understand each suggestion before implementing it.
When you click the download link, you will be given several different downloads to choose from. The key is to know whether you have a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system. If you are unsure, use Windows + Pause to open the System window, then look at System Type. If you have a 64-bit system, you will want to use the version that says "x64". If you have a 32-bit system, use the one that says "x86". Also, make sure you get the one that ends with EN, standing for English, unless you want it in another language!
2) Browser Add-Ons - Using an up-to-date browser is important for your security, but any add-ons installed in your browser also need to be kept up-to-date. Mozilla, the maker of Firefox, has a free plugin checker to determine if you need to update any of your add-ons. Even though it is made by the company that makes Firefox, this works with all major browsers. Simply head over to the site and see your results (no installation is necessary).
3) Facebook - I don't recommend that you post any information about your schedule or vacation until after it is over. (For example, "Taking the kids to the park at 2:00 today. Anyone want to join us?" isn't just an invitation for your friends to join you at the park; it is also an invitation for potential criminals to pay your empty home a visit a little after 2:00.) How well do you know every person on your friends list? If you are like me, your list probably includes acquaintances from high school, college, and old jobs that you barely know anymore.
However, if your post is public, then your problem could be even worse. Any comment or like broadcasts your post to people you don't know. Some simple searching could expose your address and make your home a target for thieves.
If you want to check what the public (or any friend) can see on your profile, Facebook has a tool for you. Go to your profile page (not your timeline), click on the three dots next to "View Activity Log", and select "View as ...". You will then see how your profile appears to the public. Change the link at the top of the page to see how it appears to specific people or groups of people.
Links:
Download the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
Mozilla's Plugin Checker
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Be Anonymous Online
Wouldn't it be great if you could just go about your business online without worrying about companies and governments that want to track everything you do? Yes, you could sell your computer, phone, and tablet and disconnect from everything, but that's not practical for most people today. Fortunately, there are a few ways to keep your privacy when you go online.
1) Blur - If you want a simple program that will keep companies from monitoring you, I recommend Blur. It is a simple program that installs in your internet browser and blocks the cookies that companies use to track you. (If you want an idea of what is out there, I installed this add-on six months ago, and I have already blocked over 2300 trackers. Yes, there's that much out there!)
Blur also has other features that can help you stop spam and even protect your credit card number. While the basic version is free (including blocking trackers), some features must be activated with a monthly subscription. Blur is available for a variety of devices and browsers. If you want to try it out, visit the download link at the end of this article.
2) Tor - If you are wanting to take a step up in your privacy, then Tor might be the right option for you. The Tor network passes your internet traffic through relays around the world before it reaches its destination, and responses are routed back through the same system of relays before they come back to you. This makes it virtually impossible for anyone to know where Tor traffic originated without very advanced tools and a substantial amount of power.
Tor is used for a variety of reasons. It is a great way to keep yourself anonymous and avoid tracking. However, many people around the world use it to defeat censorship or make political revelations. Do not think you can use Tor for illegal activity. It is possible to track Tor traffic through the various relays and back to your computer; however, in practice, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies have used other tools to trick you into exposing your identity without tracing everything. Regardless of the method used, Tor traffic can be tracked if law enforcement wants to devote enough resources.
I have experimented with Tor for the past several years (although I do not use it as my primary browser). I have found that the latest version has implemented many settings that have made it much more user-friendly. If you have reasons for using Tor beyond basic privacy, you will want to make sure to read the list of browsing habits to avoid to make sure you don't accidentally expose yourself online.
3) Tails - Tails takes the Tor network to the next level. Instead of installing the Tor browser inside Windows, OS X, or Linux, Tails gives you a complete operating system on a flash drive that fights to maintain privacy. Download the Tails ISO, install it to a flash drive or DVD, and then tell your computer to boot to that drive. Once Tails loads, all your online traffic will be automatically routed through the Tor network, advanced encryption tools will help keep your traffic safe, and your computer will have no trace of your activities.
Preparing to use Tails is not nearly as simple as installing Blur or Tor, so I would recommend it only for advanced users who have a need for extreme privacy. If you do want to try Tails, be sure to read the documentation first!
Links:
Download Blur
Download Tor
Download Tails
1) Blur - If you want a simple program that will keep companies from monitoring you, I recommend Blur. It is a simple program that installs in your internet browser and blocks the cookies that companies use to track you. (If you want an idea of what is out there, I installed this add-on six months ago, and I have already blocked over 2300 trackers. Yes, there's that much out there!)
Blur also has other features that can help you stop spam and even protect your credit card number. While the basic version is free (including blocking trackers), some features must be activated with a monthly subscription. Blur is available for a variety of devices and browsers. If you want to try it out, visit the download link at the end of this article.
2) Tor - If you are wanting to take a step up in your privacy, then Tor might be the right option for you. The Tor network passes your internet traffic through relays around the world before it reaches its destination, and responses are routed back through the same system of relays before they come back to you. This makes it virtually impossible for anyone to know where Tor traffic originated without very advanced tools and a substantial amount of power.
Tor is used for a variety of reasons. It is a great way to keep yourself anonymous and avoid tracking. However, many people around the world use it to defeat censorship or make political revelations. Do not think you can use Tor for illegal activity. It is possible to track Tor traffic through the various relays and back to your computer; however, in practice, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies have used other tools to trick you into exposing your identity without tracing everything. Regardless of the method used, Tor traffic can be tracked if law enforcement wants to devote enough resources.
I have experimented with Tor for the past several years (although I do not use it as my primary browser). I have found that the latest version has implemented many settings that have made it much more user-friendly. If you have reasons for using Tor beyond basic privacy, you will want to make sure to read the list of browsing habits to avoid to make sure you don't accidentally expose yourself online.
3) Tails - Tails takes the Tor network to the next level. Instead of installing the Tor browser inside Windows, OS X, or Linux, Tails gives you a complete operating system on a flash drive that fights to maintain privacy. Download the Tails ISO, install it to a flash drive or DVD, and then tell your computer to boot to that drive. Once Tails loads, all your online traffic will be automatically routed through the Tor network, advanced encryption tools will help keep your traffic safe, and your computer will have no trace of your activities.
Preparing to use Tails is not nearly as simple as installing Blur or Tor, so I would recommend it only for advanced users who have a need for extreme privacy. If you do want to try Tails, be sure to read the documentation first!
Links:
Download Blur
Download Tor
Download Tails
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Find the Lowest Price on Amazon
It is no secret that Amazon's prices fluctuate on a regular basis. If you are not paying attention to the current price, you will have no idea if the price is at the low or high end of Amazon's spectrum. If you don't want to have to check Amazon on a regular basis to monitor price changes, then what you need is a site that will do it for you!
Fortunately, there's CamelCamelCamel. It monitors the price on a wide variety of items on Amazon and displays a chart showing price trends. If you don't want to buy right now, you can sign up for free alert when the price drops. If you are ready to buy, a link on the page takes you straight to Amazon's site.
Click here to visit CamelCamelCamel.com.
Fortunately, there's CamelCamelCamel. It monitors the price on a wide variety of items on Amazon and displays a chart showing price trends. If you don't want to buy right now, you can sign up for free alert when the price drops. If you are ready to buy, a link on the page takes you straight to Amazon's site.
Click here to visit CamelCamelCamel.com.
Monday, March 23, 2015
Who Can Access Your Wi-Fi?
Anything that goes through your home's router will be automatically tied to your internet account. It stands to reason, then, that you would want to make sure no unauthorized person can access your network. If someone unauthorized uses your network for illegal activities, it will be traced back to you. While you may eventually be able to clear your name with the authorities, you will have a lot of headaches before that happens. Because it can often be accessed from outside your house, Wi-Fi is an easy point of attack for unauthorized users. Therefore, it is important that you properly secure your Wi-Fi. Here are six things you can do to keep your Wi-Fi safe from intruders:
1) Do You Even Need It? - If all of your devices have a wired connection, you don't even need Wi-Fi. Even if your router is Wi-Fi capable, it would be best just to turn it off in the router's control panel. If it is something you only use occasionally (maybe when you have visitors), you can disable it for now and enable it around the time your visitors arrive.
2) Location - Your Wi-Fi access point will broadcast evenly in all directions (excluding interference by walls, cabinets, other devices, etc.). If you place the access point near an exterior wall, half of your signal is being broadcast outside the house. Not only is this a waste of your signal strength, but it also gives someone the ability to sit outside your house and still use your Wi-Fi. The ideal position is to place your access point centrally on the highest floor of your house. If you must place it along the edge, consider using aluminum to reflect the signal away from the outside and back into your house.
3) Set a Password - Setting a password should be a basic security measure, but the number of unsecured access points is shocking. A password provides two types of protection. First, it keeps unauthorized users off of your network. Second, it keeps someone from being able to see everything being sent in and out of your router. If you don't have a password, anyone can read the data you are sending over your Wi-Fi, including passwords and credit cards.
4) Guard Your Password - Since your Wi-Fi only has one password (unless you are using the enterprise version), everyone must share it. However, loose lips can sink your Wi-Fi ship! Not everyone who enters your house needs your Wi-Fi password. Do not give out your password to those you don't know, even if they are in your home (such as an appliance repairman). Even with friends, be careful how many people have your password. The more people that know your password, the more vulnerable your network.
5) Change the Administrator Password - The administrator password is a password that is used to access your router's control panel and make changes to its configuration. (This is separate from the password that is used to access the network.) If someone manages to connect to your network, they can look up the default password for your router online and then make changes that weaken your security.
6) Location, Part 2 - Location can send your Wi-Fi signal where you don't want it to go, but it can also make your Wi-Fi access more vulnerable for another reason. If you put your access point in an easy to reach location, someone could push the reset button and then begin using it for their own purposes. Obviously, there are not too many places that would make it this vulnerable, but one obvious place would be the garage. If your garage door is open and unoccupied, an access point in your garage would be an easy target.
7) Disable Wireless Administration - If a person gains access to your network, they can then go into your router's settings and make all types of security changes. However, almost all routers come with the ability to disable administration of the network over wireless. This requires that someone have physical access to the router using a wired connection in order to make changes. The only reason to keep this enabled is if you do not have any way to connect with a wired connection. (For example, you only have an iPad and two smartphones.) In this case, you will want to keep wireless administration enabled so you can make changes.
8) Update the Firmware - The firmware is a small amount of software that is stored on a device to manage its operation. If a security hole is found in your device's firmware (such as the "Heartbleed" bug that was discovered in 2014), device manufacturers will issue firmware updates. However, most devices do not update firmware automatically, so you will need to download the latest firmware and install it yourself. Fortunately, most manufacturers have made this an easy process. Usually, it is as simple as accessing the router's control panel and pointing it to the location of the update that you downloaded to your computer.
1) Do You Even Need It? - If all of your devices have a wired connection, you don't even need Wi-Fi. Even if your router is Wi-Fi capable, it would be best just to turn it off in the router's control panel. If it is something you only use occasionally (maybe when you have visitors), you can disable it for now and enable it around the time your visitors arrive.
2) Location - Your Wi-Fi access point will broadcast evenly in all directions (excluding interference by walls, cabinets, other devices, etc.). If you place the access point near an exterior wall, half of your signal is being broadcast outside the house. Not only is this a waste of your signal strength, but it also gives someone the ability to sit outside your house and still use your Wi-Fi. The ideal position is to place your access point centrally on the highest floor of your house. If you must place it along the edge, consider using aluminum to reflect the signal away from the outside and back into your house.
3) Set a Password - Setting a password should be a basic security measure, but the number of unsecured access points is shocking. A password provides two types of protection. First, it keeps unauthorized users off of your network. Second, it keeps someone from being able to see everything being sent in and out of your router. If you don't have a password, anyone can read the data you are sending over your Wi-Fi, including passwords and credit cards.
4) Guard Your Password - Since your Wi-Fi only has one password (unless you are using the enterprise version), everyone must share it. However, loose lips can sink your Wi-Fi ship! Not everyone who enters your house needs your Wi-Fi password. Do not give out your password to those you don't know, even if they are in your home (such as an appliance repairman). Even with friends, be careful how many people have your password. The more people that know your password, the more vulnerable your network.
5) Change the Administrator Password - The administrator password is a password that is used to access your router's control panel and make changes to its configuration. (This is separate from the password that is used to access the network.) If someone manages to connect to your network, they can look up the default password for your router online and then make changes that weaken your security.
6) Location, Part 2 - Location can send your Wi-Fi signal where you don't want it to go, but it can also make your Wi-Fi access more vulnerable for another reason. If you put your access point in an easy to reach location, someone could push the reset button and then begin using it for their own purposes. Obviously, there are not too many places that would make it this vulnerable, but one obvious place would be the garage. If your garage door is open and unoccupied, an access point in your garage would be an easy target.
7) Disable Wireless Administration - If a person gains access to your network, they can then go into your router's settings and make all types of security changes. However, almost all routers come with the ability to disable administration of the network over wireless. This requires that someone have physical access to the router using a wired connection in order to make changes. The only reason to keep this enabled is if you do not have any way to connect with a wired connection. (For example, you only have an iPad and two smartphones.) In this case, you will want to keep wireless administration enabled so you can make changes.
8) Update the Firmware - The firmware is a small amount of software that is stored on a device to manage its operation. If a security hole is found in your device's firmware (such as the "Heartbleed" bug that was discovered in 2014), device manufacturers will issue firmware updates. However, most devices do not update firmware automatically, so you will need to download the latest firmware and install it yourself. Fortunately, most manufacturers have made this an easy process. Usually, it is as simple as accessing the router's control panel and pointing it to the location of the update that you downloaded to your computer.
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