Whispers Computing

Top Ten Tips for Computer Security
by Daniel Millions

Have you ever wondered why there is a huge increase in online fraud? Well the main reason its happening, is that most computer users are not protecting themselves properly.

When you follow the top 10 tips for online and offline protection, you will discover were your computer system weaknesses are.

1. It is a proven fact that 75% of American PC users do not use an up to date anti-virus program, this is a program that scans the PC searching for any malicious software, when it discovers them they can either quarantine them or delete them. Some AV programs even scan sites you visit and detect any phishing sites.

2. Phishing sites are websites that have been created to look similar to a bank or payment processor such as PayPal. We have all received the emails from our bank stating our account is empty and to log in immediately, the hyperlink in the email you click on looks real, however the site you are taken to is fraudulent, they are after stealing your money! Always make sure your banks website has a padlock image on the toolbar, this shows that it is a secure site for logging in. If you have any doubts contact your bank immediately.

3. We all need a firewall to hide behind. This is a piece of software that prevents anyone hacking into our computers, either at home or at work. Once the software is set up it runs in the background. It basically blocks the ports on our computers that hackers use to gain access through the back door. Like the AV, there are plenty of free firewalls.

4. Is your computer operating system up to date? When did you last update it? Most people will answer, never. The main reason software manufacturers such as Microsoft provide updates, is to plug any security vulnerabilities in the software, this is why when they issue an update, its wise to update your system.

5. Check any public computers you use, as there are products out there called key loggers, this is an electronic device that logs all keystrokes and can be downloaded. So if you use the library for your online bank or eBay, make sure the keyboard lead connects directly into the computer, if it connects to an extra piece of cable, it could be a key logger. The person who put it there only has to download the information and they have all your details and access to your money! Always log out and do not save any passwords on a public computer - Ever!

6. Check public WiFi connections are public! Make sure it is not just another computer acting as a gateway, so you pass your details to them such a credit card and address, then they grant you access to the internet. While you are sending emails, they are using your credit card details to purchase products online!

7. Do not share games, as this is how some viruses were transferred from computer to computer. Always run your anti virus software to scan the disc first.

8. Do not let anyone one use a flash drive on your computer, as soon as someone plugs a flash drive into a computer a virus could be transferring to your computer, this may or may not be done on purpose, but the problem is still there, it will take information from your computer and can even email it from your computer, at a later date!

9. Physical protection at home and at work, this is essential for preventing your computer and the data stored on it falling into the wrong hands. The PC enclosure is a special steel box, that has been designed for protecting computers, so heating and security issues has been addresses, these units are fully welded and normally bolted to walls, (this is how banks protect their computers).

10. Physical protection on the move is essential for laptops, so Kingston Security offers the best option, this is a high grade steel cable that locks into the laptop and ties around a leg of a table, this prevents your personal information being stolen along with the laptop, in a smash and grab robbery.

Follow these simple steps and your online and offline security will be safe.

About the Author:

Now offering Computer Security & Solutions such as PC enclosures to protect your computers from damage and data lose.

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Eight Tips for Negotiating an Office Lease Renewal
by John Siegler

So I'm meeting with our landlord tomorrow to discuss a lease extension, and I'm in the process of pulling together my thoughts on the renewal.

Our office building is owned by a small group of investors, so we have a personal relationship with the owners/landlord. I consulted with several colleagues of mine, and here are our top considerations for effectively negotiating a lease or extension:

1. Be a good tenant

It's so basic to sound business practices, but it bears repeating, particularly when you're dealing with individuals and other small business owners. Resolve issues along the way as amicably as possible -it all comes back to you in the end.

2. Start early and understand your options

Particularly in a very tight commercial real estate market, you've got to allow at least 9-12 months for the process to play out. It can take several months to research your alternatives, open up negotiations with prospective landlords (especially concerning tenant improvements), and then come back to your current landlord. And you'll want to allow 2-4 months if you have to plan a move (assuming you're an SMBE like us).

3. Understand your market, and particularly concessions that new tenants can extract.

While market rental rates are important to understand, there are a number of other considerations new tenants may enjoy, including tenant improvements, rent holidays, and other benefits.

Understanding these will not only give you a sense for what you might expect if you go elsewhere, but it can also help you negotiate your current renewal. Why shouldn't you enjoy at least part of those benefits on the renewal?

4. Consult with (if not retain) a broker.

I'm a big believer in at least talking to experts in a field, and I generally recommend using them to represent you in a lease negotiation. Depending on the size of your business, this can represent anywhere from a $350k to a multi-million obligation over a 3-5 year period.

Brokers can give you a sense for the market, current conditions, and offer other valuable input. Face it -while you may know your business better than anyone, you're probably not an expert in commercial real estate.

If you are going to use a commercial real estate broker, I suggest using a tenant only representative, as they are less likely to be conflicted than brokers who may represent either side.

That being said, they are a lot like realtors in that they only get paid when a deal gets done. The good news is they are frequently paid for by the lessor, but that may affect the terms of the deal.

5. Depending on how much leverage you have, work to 'share the savings'.

Just as you may want to avoid the headaches and costs associated with moving, your landlord may have the same interest. If you've been a good tenant and are paying near market rents, the last thing your landlord wants to deal with is several months of vacancy, showing the space, negotiating and paying tenant improvements, and then having to deal with an unknown. So work to value how much benefit each side is getting out of the renewal and see if you can't find some common ground.

6. Think outside the box and understand your landlord's situation.

Your landlord is interested in three things - the underlying value of the property, current income/cash flow from the property, and avoiding headaches. Understanding the relative importance of each can be very helpful in your negotiations.

For example, commercial property is essentially valued at a multiple of cash flow (it's a cap rate if you want to be specific) over a period of time, with an emphasis on future cash flows. If the landlord is thinking about re-financing or selling the property in 2-3 years, she will want to boost the cash flow in that later period. This can provide you with a path to reducing your near term rental outlays in return for increasing the rent at a time when it particularly matters to the landlord.

7. Put together a spreadsheet balancing overall costs for your various rental options

Feel free to let your landlord know you're doing this, and make sure that you're getting all the information you need to make a balanced and informed decision.

8. Get your hands on a bunch of actual lease agreements and extensions.

This can help give you ideas for different terms that you might want to incorporate into the lease that you may not have thought of. Of course, if you have representation, you should encourage them to do this -you'd be surprised how often this is overlooked.

There are lots of resources out there for looking at sample and (even more helpful) actual, negotiated lease agreements

About the Author:

John Siegler is a co-founder and CFO of Practice Technologies, Inc., creator of RealDealDocs.com. RealDealDocs.com gives you insider access to legal documents drafted by top Lawyers in the US. Search over 10 million documents and clauses for Free at http://www.RealDealDocs.com.

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Learn How to Create Ringtones For The iPhone
by Daniel Millions

The Apple iPhone is the result of advancements in technology. It is a next generation phone as it loaded with a number of features that are not available in other phones. It uses touch technology along with many other technologies. It won't be wrong to say that every user wants to personalize his phone in his own way. Like any other phone, a ring tone is played in the iPhone to indicate an incoming call. Use of ring tones, wallpapers and screensavers are some of the ways for personalizing the iPhone.

Ring tones are widely used by users to give their phone that personal touch. Ring tones reflect the mood of the user. Apple Store and a number of stores provide a number of ring tones. They charge users for providing ring tones. However, it's also possible to get ring tones for free. Creating a new ring tone, editing already available ring tones and converting music files to ring tones are some of the best alternatives to paid ring tones.

Ring tone Converters

Using a ring tone converter for creating a ring tone for the iPhone is probably the best way for creating a ring tone. A ring tone converter allows an individual to convert music files to ring tones. Generally, the iPhone ring tone converters support a number of formats. So, an individual can use a ring tone converter to create several ring tones. An individual doesn't need to be technically sound in order to use the converter. All an individual needs to do is to use the available options properly.

The options are available for searching the music file, selecting the file, converting the file and transferring the file to the iPhone. Advanced iPhone ring tone converters even have the options to add cool effects to the original music files. An end-user can use advanced options to create unique ring tones. Adding beats, fade in, fade out are some of the advanced options available in some converters. The best part of using a ring tone converter to create ring tones is that you don't need to pay monthly fees for creating ring tones. Most of the converters are available for free. An end-user can find a converter with the help of the Internet.

Sound Composers

Another way to create unique ring tones is to use a sound composer. A sound composer allows an individual to create unique sounds which can be used as ring tones. A number of sound composers are available for free and an individual can find a composer by using the Internet. An end-user can install a sound composer on a computer or on the phone. Once the sound composer is installed, the individual needs to use his own creativity to create cool ring tones. A number of options are available with-in the composer to add amazing effects to the sound. Other software can also be used to add more effects to the ring tone in order to personalize it and make it unique.

Apart from creating new ring tones and editing already available ring tones, an end-user can use the Internet to get a number of ring tones. A number of websites offer ring tones for the iPhone. Some websites charge a nominal fee for providing ring tones and some websites provide ring tones for free. They allow users to download ring tones from their website. Once the file has been downloaded, an end-user needs to transfer the file to the iPhone in order to use it as the ring tone. Some websites allow users to edit the ring tones online. This way, users are not required to download and install software for creating and editing ring tones.

At the end, if you're looking for amazing ringtones for your phone then you should consider using ring tone converters and sound composers for creating amazing ring tones.

About the Author:

If you are looking for high quality iphone ringtones then look no further. RingtoneFeeder has a huge selection of iphone ringtones with a free trial offer.

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