Online Security - Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication requires you to enter two login tokens before you can access an online account. The first token is your standard password (something you know), while the second is a login code randomly generated by a smartphone app or sent via SMS or email (something you have). See PC World Two-Factor

Speeding up Your PC

Over time your PC starts to feel a littleolder and sluggish. The best way to improve the overall performance is to reinstall the operating system, but who really wants to do that. Two article (below) provide tips and free software to remove bloat-ware, free up disk drive space, and improve start-up. Read more ... and remember 'if in doubt - Google first' and next 'if in doubt - leave it alone'. As always, create a restore point before you start.

http://www.komando.com/toolbox.aspx?mode=print&id=9780

http://www.komando.com/toolbox.aspx?mode=print&id=9622

Secure DropBox Files for Free

Many of us use DropBox to store and share files and photos in the Cloud. However, if you like me are nervous about placing sensitive or personal information on the internet, Viivo may be a solution. Viivo - developed by PKWARE (who developed the .zip file in 1986) are making available an encryption app/program for iOS, Android and Windows.

Dummies Guide to PC Fixing

Here is a great printable cheat sheet to troubleshoot and maintain your PC. Many tips and suggestions that you may find useful. Go to this link  http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/troubleshooting-maintaining-your-pc-allinone-for-d.html

Best Password Manager - LastPass Wins

Using a password manager application to automatically log into Web sites -- and to secure and manage all of your user IDs and passwords -- is a great help in organizing your digital life. But most password managers simply save your data in an encrypted file and then leave it stranded on one computer.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/208113/Best_Password_Managers_Top_4_Reviewed.html

How to Stop Malware

I subscribe to a Windows Secrets Newsletter that monthly, shares articles on Windows use and tips. This month's featured article was Malware and how most originates from Russia, Eastern European and China.

a quote from the summary ...

"When asked the top three ways to deter malware on a PC, Brandt's suggestions are ones we should all know — and follow — by now.

• Stop using Windows XP.
• Install and keep updated security software such as the free AVG (site) and Malwarebytes (site).
• Most important: Think before clicking any link and whenever Windows unexpectedly asks whether you want to proceed with a change to your PC settings."

Make Your PC Faster and Better

Over time, it's almost impossible to prevent unsavory apps and other files from infiltrating a Windows PC, regardless of how careful a user you may be. There are simply too many ways for junk to seep its way in.Here is a great article most non-techs can follow. Rule #1 'When in Doubt - Leave It Alone'

Approach: Update > Uninstall > Clean > Disable > Optimize

Was Your Online Account Hacked

PwnedList is a tool that allows an average person to check if their accounts have been compromised. You can read more about where our data comes from here. Just enter an email address associated with any of your accounts to see if it's on our list.

Find Lost Photos in Your Email Account

Lost Photos (free for Windows, $3 for Mac) is a handy application that finds photos buried in the depths of your email account. Simply install it, enter your email address and password, and let it go to work. Lost Photos can scan AOL, Gmail, Google Apps, iCloud/MobileMe, and Yahoo email accounts for — you guessed it—lost photos.

What To Do if Your PC Gets a Virus

If you saw a message pop up that says a virus was detected, that's a good thing. Your antivirus noticed a virus and likely removed it without prompting you.

This sort of message doesn't mean that you ever had a virus running on your computer. You could have downloaded a file that contained a virus and your antivirus removed the file before it could ever cause a problem. Or, a malicious file on an infected web page could have been noticed and dealt with before it caused any problems.

http://www.howtogeek.com/126911/what-to-do-if-you-get-a-virus-on-your-computer/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=181012