Every now and then, news of an online database hack is revealed and one wonders whether their personal information in the form of their username and password has been leaked out.

If that’s not enough, security breaches are also just as common these days leaving one to anticipate nasty surprises on their credit card statement or their inbox.

If you find yourself in this position, it’s time to take a few proactive steps to protect your data. So, here are 4 security tools that can help you do just that:

#1: KeePass
This open source password manager is a must-have for all users. Usually, people prefer to use one password for all the sites that they visit, posing great risk if the password is revealed. Using this password manager, and creating different and difficult passwords for all the sites that you visit is probably the best way to go while only having to remember one password – which is used to access this security tool.

#2: TrueCrypt
If you didn’t know this already, employees of DropBox can access your files at any given point of time. Even if they don’t, why take the chance, right?

This security tool ensures that all your online folders are encrypted just as disks are encrypted and in that sense, remains only yours. In fact, the company is so serious about securing your data that it allows you to create a hidden volume within an encrypted TrueCrypt disk making it twice as secure.

#3: Tor Browser Bundle
This security is perfect to ramp up your browsing security, thanks to its ability to truly browse the internet with complete anonymity. Of course, this tool isn’t flawless much like any other security system yet has been proven to be effective in several situations where individuals have to deal with restricted access to the Internet. It must also be noted that since it has to travel through so many layers and random endpoints, don’t expect it to be lightning fast.

Apart from the usual resolutions that people make to bring in the New Year, it’s probably a good idea to also include a couple of resolutions that involve protecting the security of your digital life as well.

So, here are 4 steps to safer computing in 2013:

#1: Conduct PC Checks
While your antivirus might be effective, it isn’t able to carry out a thorough check for vulnerabilities. What you need is software that will carry out system-wide audits be it checking the strength of passwords, missing Windows security updates as well as keep track of applications such as Java, your browser, Adobe Reader and Flash. One such example is the Eclectic PC security tool.

#2: Encrypt Your Laptop
While a Windows password prevent anyone else from accessing your computer, there are other ways to find what’s on your hard drive. For instance, someone can steal your laptop and remove the hard drive, connect it with another computer and then have complete access to your information. Keeping this possibility in mind, it’s always a good idea to encrypt your hard drive as well.

#3: Sign up for Online Backups
While having a backup drive is mandatory, what will you do if both your hard drive and your backup drive go bad. It’s really simple – all you have to do is sign up for online backup services where you can store your most valuable documents. However, make sure that you pick a service with the most stringent security practices.

#4: Install a two-way firewall
Windows, by default, comes with a one-way firewall, which monitors only incoming traffic. However, this is insufficient protection as it is just as important to check for malware or other malicious applications sending information from your computer. For this, software such as Norton or McAfee Security Software or even ZoneAlarm as well as Comodo might be just right for you.

Fleet tracking systems are used by companies that own large fleets of company vehicles to keep track of where they are throughout the day. Some of the companies that use these types of systems are delivery companies and companies that have route salesmen. The tracking system transmits the information of the whereabouts of the vehicle via satellite. The receiving end is located at the dispatch office of the company the information is then used to verify travel logs turned in by employees.

There are several types of tracking systems however the most recent and the most popular is the GPS tracking systems. This brand of tracking system is more reliable and more accurate than other styles of tracking systems. Companies can purchase tracking systems easily online.

A lojack is a style of tracking system used to locate vehicles. This is a simple system and can be portable or built in to the vehicle. A vehicle tracking GPS is the same as a GPS tracking system and uses a satellite to send and receive information. You can find these and other types of tracking systems at gpstrackit.com. They have an extensive inventory of all types of tracking systems at reasonable prices. Check them out today to find the type of tracking system you need. The most popular way, companies buy tracking systems today is online. It’s quick, easy and they don’t have to leave the office. Many websites that sell tracking systems only sell them to companies and law enforcement officials and not to the general public.

It’s a known fact that when it comes browser speed as well as the use of JavaScript, both Mozilla and Safari cannot compete with Google Chrome.

Despite the fact that Chrome is faster than most browsers, it must be said that there are ways to speed it up even more and specifically, by the use of power extensions.

In order get these extensions, the first step is to update your Chrome browser to the latest version. Next, visit the Chrome Store where you can find them.

Three extensions to look for and that serve this purpose very well are: Chrome Toolbox, Fastest Chrome and Google Quick Scroll, and so let’s look at each them.

#1: FastestChrome

As the name FastestChrome suggest, this extension allows you save a few seconds every time you surf the web. For one, when you highlight a word, this extension will provide the explanation of a word while also giving you the option of looking up that on four search engines such as Google, DuckDuckGo, Surf Canyon and Wikipedia. Also, it’s Endless pages feature loads other pages without you have having to click ‘Next’ and waste time.

#2: Chrome Toolbox

If you’re looking for any particular search term on a website, this extension helps you do that easily. So, every time you click on a search link, a text box containing the term will appear on the top right hand corner of your screen, and will take you to that part of the website where the search term if found.

#3: Google Quick Scroll

Among the things that Google Quick Scroll can do, you can open multiple bookmarks with a single click, magnify images and text in your browser but also be able to cache unsubmitted form data so as to prevent typing it again.

With the emphasis of Windows 8 on “touch”, it should come as no surprise that one of its features include that of creating a picture password.

Ask any user how easy it is to enter an alphanumeric string on their mobile, and since Windows 8 aims at working across all devices, it’s also a reason Windows expects its users to switch to the use of a picture password as opposed to traditional ones.

With that said, and even though this might be new for some desktop users, the picture (or gesture) password is definitely a convenient and secure way of logging into your PC.

But how does one create a strong Windows 8 Picture Password?

The reason for this question is because researchers at the University of Pennsylvania conducted a study where hackers could use smudge marks to decipher one’s picture password.

Since picture passwords are all about gestures, probably the simplest thing to keep in mind is that “taps” should be avoided in favor of lines and circles, of which the latter two capture both positional and directional data.

Simply, in order to login to your computer, a user will have to know the start and end point as well as the direction of the gestures used, and which is much more difficult to determine as opposed to simple taps.

Also, avoid creating gestures that follow the obvious contours of an image, such as circling a face and creating lines between two landmarks.

It’s vital to pick a picture with strong contrast so as to pick bright reference points that will help you create a complex series of gestures that will not be easy to decipher.

In any case, if all else fails, you still have the text password option available at the top right hand corner of your screen, which you can use.

With the launch of the Windows 8 ecosystem, it’s abundantly clear that they have put their best foot forward when it comes to creating innovative products. However, there are certain issues that don’t seem to be resolved just yet.

With that said, here are the 3 worst features of the Windows 8 ecosystem:

#1: Common interface with no apps

Compared to Apple and Google, Microsoft has a dearth of apps at its store. To tell you how bad it is, there are no apps for Instagram, Twitter or even Facebook just yet. With this crucial element now in the hands of third-party developers, one will have to wait and see if this affects the Windows ecosystem as a whole in a positive or negative in a few months from now. Worse still is the fact that the Windows Store isn’t unified for all devices but has been segregated for each type of device.

This means that if you buy Microsoft Office, it will not be accessible across all devices but just for the one you’ve bought.

#2: The confusion surrounding Windows RT

Most consumers blame Microsoft for misleading them to believe that the applications that can run on Windows 8 can run on Windows RT as well. If you must know, Windows RT will not run any application except for those that come pre-installed such as Microsoft Office, certain legacy applications as well as the file management system that you’ve seen with earlier versions of Windows operating systems.

#3: The inclusion of advertising – everywhere

Unlike Android or even Apple, Microsoft makes no attempt to limit their efforts to promote their apps or content. While the other two services do not interfere with your choices, they most certainly stay out of the way.

With Windows 8, whether you access the Music, Video or Games apps, they come across as sales tools and not apps designed for users – and it’s throughout the new operating system. Advertising has become part of the norm, and unashamedly so.

It’s been a few months since Windows 8 was launched. However, this release seems like a shift for Windows users because of the number of auxiliary products and services that have sprung up to support the operating system. And they’re here to stay, whether users like them or not.

With that said, here are three of the best features of the Windows 8 ecosystem:

#1: The Introduction of Tablet-Laptop Hybrids

Not only is Windows trying to move their users, both old and new, to the touch experience, with their latest operating system but have also backed the idea that tablet-laptop hybrids are the future of computing. With Surface RT being the first time Microsoft is venturing into the world of hardware, which puts it in direct competition with its hardware partners, this will only pave the way for innovative and cheaper computers for the Windows 8 ecosystem in the future.

#2: A unified experience across all platforms

Since touch is the cornerstone of Microsoft’s Windows 8, its ability to deliver a unified experience across all platforms, whether tablets, laptops or desktops is far better than what Apple has been able to come up with, being divided between Mac OS and iOS.

Better still, what binds them all together is the new Microsoft account sign-in that easily synchronizes settings on all Windows-based hardware and services that you might be using.

#3: Windows Store

With Apple getting an app store and Google following suit, Microsoft has also jumped into the fray. The Windows Store, or as it is known, not only has apps for the Windows Phone but also for desktops as well.

With Microsoft encouraging developers to create apps, the old method of installing program directly from the internet will slowly be done away with. Not only will this ensure that the apps downloaded will still keep a user’s computer safe but will ensure that it works well with the Window 8 operating system – standards that have been set by Microsoft for third-party developers.

While changing old hardware such as your processor or graphics cards might seem to be a viable solution if your computer seems sluggish when playing the latest video games, there are other alternatives as well.

 

So, here are 3 ways to speed up the latest video games without buying new hardware for your PC:

 

#1: Graphics Driver updates

 

Most gamers commonly use graphics cards such as AMD Radeon or NVIDIA GeForce and it’s in their best interests to keep their graphics card drivers updated. And no, you can’t depend on the disk that you initially installed the drivers from or even Windows Updates to get the latest updates. Just to make sure, it’s a good idea to go the NVIDIA or the AMD site instead.

 

#2: Free up CPU/Memory Resources

 

Another way by which you can get your games to run faster is by freeing up CPU or memory resources, and the most common way of doing this is by disabling startup programs that you would not use. In Windows 8, you can do this through ‘Task Manager’ while in Windows 7, you can use MSCONFIG. However, CCleaner is probably the easiest way to go about freeing up system resources to have your game run faster.

 

#3: Adjust in-game settings

 

Probably the most effective way to increase game performance is to adjust in-game settings which will result in a drop in image quality but still ensures that your game will run faster. Usually, options such as reducing antialiasing, texture and resolution will ensure that you game runs smoother without affecting the image quality too much.

If you live in an area that has a high crime rate or if you have children that are now old enough to drive you may want to consider using vehicle tracking to ensure that your child is safe and you always know where your vehicle is in the event that it’s lost or stolen. The price that you will pay will be worth the peace of mind that it gives you at all times.

 

Whether you are choosing to use the product for personal use or for your business you will be giving yourself the safety that will keep your vehicles from being permanently lost or stolen and to help cut down on potential replacement costs that would occur if you were unable to locate the vehicle.

 

More and more businesses are choosing to use fleet management especially car lots, rental companies and other companies that require the use of several vehicles. The actual cost associated to purchasing this type of product will vary depending on which company that you choose to use and the actual products that you need to buy. By choosing to use gps tracking you may also save money on your insurance each year giving you the discount that you need to invest money in more important things for your home or business. The gpstrackit.com has helped tons of companies keep track of their company cars and to prevent big losses when one of their vehicles were stolen or lost by using the tracking product to locate it fairly quickly.

Keeping your data safe is important, no matter whether you are a small business or a big enterprise.

 

By definition, encrypting your files ensures that only you and the intended receiver are able to read what has been sent to him or her. However, before you learn how to enable this feature, it’s important for you to create strong passwords or else it defeats the purpose of encryption in the first place.

 

So, here is how you can use Encryption in different ways so as to keep your data safe:

 

#1: Hard Drive

 

While you do have a login screen for your PC or laptop, a thief can easily access your data by opening your system and hooking it up to another computer. This is where Microsoft’s BitLocker comes in and all one has to do is go to Control Panel, System and Security and BitLocker Encryption and select the drive for the ‘Turn On Bitlocker Encryption’.

 

However, as an alternative, one can use DiskCryptor or TrueCrypt for full-disk encryption.

 

#2: External and Thumb Drives

 

For external and thumb drive, you’ll have to use the ‘BitLocker To Go’ option by going to the BitLocker Menu and selecting the “Turn On BitLocker” selection next to the USB or external drive.

 

#3: Internet Traffic

 

If you travel regularly and work while doing so, using an unsecured connection, it’s very easy for hackers to break into your system. For this, the best solution is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) which creates a protected ‘tunnel’ to a third-party server. Since the data, which can be sensitive in nature, is encrypted, it is unreadable to the hacker even if intercepted.