If your typical New Year’s resolutions lasted about 30 seconds, you’re not alone. Pledges to eat better, start running and learn how to juggle can be rebooted again next year easy enough.
This year, we challenge you to think about your tech health with some resolutions you’ll want to keep.

1.  No More Junk Mail
Whether you checked a box agreeing to get newsletters, or you have no idea how you got on that list, it’s time to say goodbye. Start by emptying your mailbox to zero unread messages – no you don’t have to read all that spam – you have permission to delete it unread. Let’s face it, if you were going to read it, you would have done so already. Away it goes.

Now that you’re starting with a clean slate and a huge feeling of accomplishment, resolve this: Each day, unsubscribe from 5-10 lists. Keep an eagle eye out for that gorgeous ‘unsubscribe’ link and click it with confidence. You don’t even need to give a reason if it redirects to a survey page. Before too long, your inbox will be a refreshing place filled only with people and businesses you look forward to hearing from.

2. Go Password Pro
With all these password leaks from LinkedIn, Myspace, and goodness knows who hasn’t come forward, now’s the time to get smart with your passwords. Because most people use the same passwords on every site, a single breach can be the hack that keeps on giving. You know how important it is to use different passwords for each site, but let’s be real, that’s a LOT of passwords to remember!
Instead of writing them down, we recommend using a password manager like DashLane, KeePass or LastPass. It remembers all your various passwords for you, so all you need to know is the super-protected master password. Master passwords are kept encrypted on your system, not theirs, and 2-factor authentication checks with you via text for all big changes.

3. Backup. No Really, Backup.
 I’ve been meaning to backup is the cry of someone who just lost all their photos. Good intentions don’t count AT ALL in data security, because once the data is gone, it’s gone. With new cloud backup options, there’s no reason to put this off, because backup apps are now easier and more accessible than ever before. You can also backup to local drives, but this will take a little extra remembering on your part, as you’ll want to have at least one drive that stays disconnected in case of viruses.
There you have it. Three New Year’s resolutions you can easily keep, and that will make a real difference to your year. Opening your email will be a pleasure, you’ll be a spectator only in any future password leaks, and your precious files will be safe against all manner of disaster. Feels better than any diet, doesn’t it?
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Stuck with any of this? Let us help by calling us at 715-255-0325!

Last week we discussed how downloading “free” things to your computer may actually be a costly endeavor, because it can compromise your computer’s safety through downloading potentially unwanted software or malware in addition to your “free” movie, game, music, etc. We talked about music and movies; this week, we conclude with games and software.

Software
Free software (freeware) is a mixed bag. There's a lot of good stuff out there and a lot of bad and sometimes the bad stuff looks like it should be good: "PC Cleaner," "PC Optimizer," “Registry Cleaner” or similar names can masquerade as sounding like a legitimately good program. Sometimes the software is fine, but it downloads another program that could compromise your system or just slow it down. If you download, read those pages as you click "next" and see what it is you're agreeing to. Uncheck that little box that says, "Install XYZ toolbar." Many of the “free” computer utilities will perform a scan for free but then charge you to perform the repair. Often these scan results are simply false; they want you to think your computer has a problem, so you’ll buy their product. In reality, your system is probably okay.
 
Free software can also be a good thing. Most software companies offer a free trial, many times with no function restrictions. This allows you to test and use the program without having to pay for it. In addition, many programs are available free for personal use. This means that as long as you don’t use the software in a business environment or for profit, you don’t need to purchase licensing.

Games
Some sites with free games are okay, but some will download lots of unlovely things and compromise your computer's security. You must be discerning where you can play safe free games, and if you don’t know, go buy some games at your local computer store or on other trusted source.

Although MSN, Yahoo and Facebook are well known and have free games to play, it doesn’t mean that the sites are necessarily safe. The game may be fine, but the advertisements could lead you to another site that is unsafe. Be very wary of ads and download links!
 
Whether you pay or play for free, always be careful about what you click on. When installing software of any sort, always read the “fine print.” Games are free because someone is paying to advertise to you. Un-check the optional software, it’ll save you headaches!

Adult Content
Going to an adult site or clicking on their ads is one of the fastest ways to get an infection on your system. Not only is it bad for your computer, it also has huge drawbacks in regard to what you're allowing your eyes to see and will make you less satisfied with the real relationships in life that are supposed to bring you joy. Just don't do it. Stay far away from adult sites. PERIOD! Yellowstone Computing can offer recommendations if you want to protect your computer, family, and Internet browsing to avoid this content.

In conclusion, make sure you have a “clean” source when you download “free” things or you may wish you had. If you download a file, scan it with your antivirus program before running it. If you have questions about whether your computer is compromised or if the sites you’re visiting are safe, contact us and we’ll help you!