Saving Freak

Identity theft was once again the fastest growing crime in America.  There are tons of ways for a criminal to steal your identity, but one of the fastest growing means is through your computer.

People do so much through their computers these days (online banking, checking credit scores, etc.) that thieves are keying in on home computers.  They do this through spyware, malware, and various other nasty means to get a program on your computer that will send them information.  Here is my short list of FREE (my favorite word) programs that can help keep your computer clean.

Ad-Aware - This program removes spyware and malware and is top rated by CNET

AVG - this is a virus protection software and is free.  It also does not tend to take over your computer like Norton

Firefox - Firefox is a web browser (just like internet explorer) that is being used by all the techno geeks because it is more secure than internet explorer

Hautesecure.com - I mentioned this one before.  It will block suspect sites from loading on your computer.

Spybot Search and Destroy - very similar to Ad-Aware

Avast - kind of an all in one deal.  I have not found it as effective as individual programs but for the simple to use interface and its ability to catch viruses, spyware, and malware it is a gem.  Plus it got a top CNET rating.

Looking for other ways that you can protect yourself?  Look at this list of suggestoins from Walter S. Mossberg in the Wall Street Journal

Since I work in the cable television industry I get asked all the time about the conversion the country will be making to digital transmission in 2009.  There seems to be a lot of confusion out there as to what this means, so I thought I might clarify the situaiton.

Let’s start with the 88% of the population that has either Cable television, dish network/directv or a B.U.G (big ugly dish); this is not going to effect you.  That’s right, people who use any of these services are not going to experience any change whatsoever.  So stop listening to all the hype and go on with your life.  Now the fact that you are probably paying too much for the services is a whole other topic, so I digress.

The other 12% of tv watchers that use rabbit ears are the people who need to pay attention to what is going on.   Your TV will become obsolete if it only receives analog transmissions.  Most televisions sold today have a digital tuner.  This is listed as an ATSC tuner.  If you only have an NTSC (analog) tuner then you are going to need a converter box.  The federal government in giving each American a voucher for $40 toward the purchase of a converter box.  You can get those here.

Retailers are cashing in on the confusion by recommending multi-function boxes that have more features than anyone will use.  PIRG (Public Interest Research Group) did a study in 12 states where they went into different retail stores to get information on the digital conversion.  They found that 80% of the time they were given false info and the saleseperson tried to get them to purchase a box that was more than what was needed.

The group that this will effect the most is the elderly, because they have the highest percentage still using rabbit ears.  So do your part and help an older person get their converter box.  Or you can use the two vouchers that are available to each of us and purchase a box and install it for a grandparent or elderly person in your community.  I bet if you ask, they will impart some wisdom in exchange.