How to Secure Your Home While Away on Summer Vacation

Summer is the perfect time to go away for a relaxing vacation. An unguarded home, however, is a perfect target for thieves. Take a few precautions before you leave for vacation to provide you peace of mind and true relaxation.

Secure your important information. Purchase a removable or external hard disk drive for your computer. Save all important files and financial records on this hard disk drive only and not on your primary hard drive. This portable drive should be removed from your home when you are away for extended periods and may be stored in a safe deposit box. All important hard copies of deeds, licenses, birth certificates, social security cards, unused credit cards, etc. should be kept secure in an off-site safe deposit box as well.

Secure the perimeter of your home. If you have a sliding glass door, place a broom handle or stick in the track of the door to prevent it from being opened. The latch on a sliding glass door is very easy to bypass. Drill holes in the upper right or left corner of all lower panes of your wooden windows and insert a long nail, which will make opening the window difficult from outside the home.

Ask a friend or trusted neighbor to collect your mail each day while you are away. Ask them to also walk around your home and look for anything strange. If possible, leave at least one car parked in your driveway and leave a few lights on inside the home. Purchase several timers and set them to turn on at dusk and turn off around the time you would normally go to bed. If a thief is watching your house, this may fool them into believing that someone is home.

Perform a walkthrough of your entire home and film everything using a video camera. Store the tape along with all other important items in your safe deposit box. This evidence will be useful to provide to the police and your insurance company if someone does manage to break in and steal or damage items in your home.

Inspect both the inside and outside of your home one last time before you leave. Unplug any dangerous or energy inefficient appliances and raise the temperature slightly on the thermostat. Check that your oven is turned off. Close all blinds or curtains, making it difficult to see into the home from outside. Make sure all exterior doors are locked and place padlocks on all gates, storage buildings, and crawlspace doors.


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How to Get Through Airport Security Checkpoints Quickly

Seeing the airport security checkpoint is intimidating for those who don’t travel by air very often. Long lines and frustrated travelers make the checkpoint seem like an unfriendly place. Security screenings don’t have to be an overwhelming experience if you are prepared.

Visit the website for the airport where your flight will depart. They should have a list of regulations for passengers. These rules are subject to change, so don't assume if you've flown before that you know what to do and what not to do.

Dress appropriately. Don't wear shirts with offensive messages or outfits that are too revealing. Think comfort and simplicity. Check all of your pockets before leaving for the trip and remove all metal objects and anything that could be considered dangerous or questionable. Sandals or flip flops are great footwear for flights because they can be slipped on and off quickly and easily. Carry a backpack or duffle bag and put your loose change, keys, mobile phone, and anything metal in your bag. This will be your carry-on bag. Make sure there is nothing dangerous in the bag. Pack all liquids, toiletries, razors, etc. in the luggage that you check at the counter when you receive your boarding pass. You don't need any of those things on the plane, so why let them slow you down? If you require medication during the flight, have all of the necessary information about the medicine with you and be sure the name on the bottle is your own.

Arrive at the airport least an hour and a half before your flight boards. Be serious when passing through the security check point and pay attention to everything going on around you. There will be plenty of time for jokes and horseplay once you get to the gate. Watch the security agents for cues, respond when they talk to you, and follow all directions. If they select you for additional screening, don't get angry or ask why. It's a random procedure that is enforced in order to keep us all safe and it usually only takes an extra few minutes at most. Be polite to everyone around you and speak in a normal voice.

Have your boarding pass and ID in your hand because it will be reviewed by several security agents as you advance through the check point. Remove your sandals or flips flops and put them in a plastic bin. Place your backpack or duffle bag in a separate plastic bin. If you have a laptop computer, remove it from its carrying case and place it in a plastic bin. All of these items should be placed on the moving belt. Be sure to remove your belt if the buckle activates the metal detectors.

If you are selected for extra screening or if someone traveling with you is, then watch each other's belongings as you wait. Following these simple tips will make passing airport security check points faster and easier and it will increase the chances of you making your flight if you're in a hurry.


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How to Snoop-proof Your Computer

How to Snoop-proof Your Computer

Do you worry about people snooping around on your computer or trying to use software or underhanded tricks to spy on you? Be proactive. Learn what signs to look for and how to protect your private information.

One of the most obvious ways that people spy on unsuspecting computer users is to access their computer while they're not around. Improve your security by setting a BIOS password, also known as a "power-on password. To set a BIOS password, you must access the BIOS during start up. If your computer is set to display messages during start-up, it will briefly display the correct key to press in order to access the BIOS. If this message does not appear, try repeatedly pressing the "Esc" key or the "F1" key during the boot sequence. Once you have accessed the BIOS, follow the onscreen menu to set the password. Write down the password or use something very easy to remember because it is difficult to reset this password if you forget it. BIOS passwords are not a 100% fool-proof method for keeping out snoops. Someone who knows what they are doing can bypass a BIOS password if they have enough time to remove the case and gain access to the motherboard. If this happens, you would know it the next time you used the computer because it would no longer require the password or your password would no longer work if they changed it.

Give would-be snoopers one more obstacle by setting an operating system password for every user account that accesses the computer, especially the administrator account. The administrator account is often overlooked and left unprotected by Windows users as it is hidden by default. None of these passwords are effective if the computer is left logged-on all the time. Log off the computer when it is not in use and power it down while you're away.

Other tools that snoops use against you are various spyware programs with capabilities that include, capturing images of your screen, recording your keystrokes (key loggers), tracking your internet browsing history, intercepting email and instant messages or even recording through the computer's attached web cam and microphone. It's difficult enough to prevent intrusion on your computer by unknown attackers accessing your computer through the Internet. It's even more devastating when you are blindsided by friends, family, or guests in your home who snoop into your privacy.

To combat this, begin by uninstalling any programs that you do not regularly use. If possible, do a complete reformat of the hard drive and reinstall only the operating system and the programs you use the most. For Windows users, identify all of the programs that are required to operate the computer using the Windows Task Manager, which may be found by pressing the "CTL", "ALT", and "Delete" buttons quickly in sync. Write down a list of all of the entries under the "Applications" tab and then do the same for the "Processes" tab. Update this list each time you install something new. Grant your primary user account administrative rights to the computer and disable the ability to install programs from all other accounts. Each time you use the computer to access personal information, check your list against the Windows Task Manager and if you find any suspicious entries, identify them by searching for their exact name on Google.

Periodically check the connection from your keyboard to your computer to verify that no add-on devices have been installed without your knowledge. There are hardware devices that function just like software key loggers, which are capable of recording your keystrokes. They may be installed by disconnecting the keyboard and then connecting it through the device into the computer. They are small and almost undetectable unless you are looking for them. Also look for any unidentified USB devices that may be connected to the computer, most likely in the back. A USB wireless access point could be left attached and allow someone to compromise the computer at their leisure without having physical access to it.

If you use a wireless network, log into the router and be sure the wireless connection is secured. Try accessing the network from an unauthorized device and see if you are able to get in. Keep up-to-date antivirus and internet security software running on the computer to thwart malicious attacks from viruses, Trojans, and other forms of malware. If you are still not satisfied with these measures of security, purchase an external or removable hard drive and take it with you wherever you go. Store your private information on this drive and not on the shared computer.


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How to Detect Visitors in a Driveway Using Infrared Photoelectric Sensors

Sometimes you just need an extra minute to prepare for a guest’s arrival. When the doorbell rings, it’s often too late. Why not install a system that will alert you to the presence of a guest before they ever make it to your door?

Choose a quality set of industrial photoelectric sensors. Infrared photoelectric sensors may be used to detect objects in a number of ways. Mounting the sender and the receiver across from each other is known as a through-beam configuration and provides the strongest beam. Retro-reflective mounting places the sender and the receiver on the same side and bounces the infrared beam off an object when it is in close enough proximity. Diffuse proximity mounting uses the same layout as retro reflective, but also uses a reflector on the side opposite the photo eyes. Any of these three configurations may be used to set up a driveway monitoring system depending on what type of structures are adjacent to the driveway.

Evaluate the best location to mount the sensors. This may be a mailbox, a fence post, a brick building, a bridge, or whatever standing structure happens to be within range of the driveway. If you mount the photoelectric sensors in a through-beam configuration they do not need to be very close to the driveway, whereas the other two options will need to be much closer, depending on the type of photoelectric sensors used, like ten to fifteen feet

Trace a route back to your home for burying the sensor wires, but don't put the wires in the ground yet. Instead, extend the wires back to the house above-the-ground and connect the photo eyes to the appropriate power source or to an external amplifier if the photoelectric system includes one. Connect the output of the sensors to a buzzer or bell with a noise that is distinctly different from the sound that your doorbell or telephone makes so that you can easily distinguish them. Many photoelectric amplifiers include a relay output, so connecting them to a buzzer should be as easy as connecting a mechanical switch. See the manufacturer's website for wiring diagrams.

Test the system using different types of cars and trucks and also people. Adjust the sensitivity of the photoelectric system to the optimum level and mount the photo eyes at the right height from the ground to hit the midsection of most vehicles. When everything is set correctly, bury the conduit containing the wires and do your best to conceal the photo eyes from view. This system will provide a reliable means for detecting guests before they are standing on your doorstep and could also be interfaced with a security camera or lights. The opportunities are unlimited.

Industrial photoelectric sensor supplier

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How to Find the Door Security Code for a Ford Explorer

If you’ve ever locked the keys inside a Ford Explorer XLT or Eddie Bauer, you know the benefit of having the door keypad to unlock it. What do you do if you’ve lost the code?  XLT and Eddie Bauer model Ford Explorers are equipped with a five-button key pad on the driver's side door that may be used to gain entry to the vehicle or to manually lock all of the doors from that side in the event that the owner misplaces their keys or locks them in the vehicle. This feature is great for those times when you'd otherwise be stranded outside the vehicle.

If you have forgotten the code, you do have the option to pay the dealer where you purchased the Explorer and they will provide the code, but the fee is significant. You can find the code hidden inside the Explorer, so why pay for it? The keypad is not helpful if your keys are locked inside and you don't know the code, but if you still have access to the interior of the vehicle, you should be able to locate the code and memorize it or write it down. You just have to know where to look.

Open the rear hatch of the Explorer. Inside the drivers' side of the storage area, there is an access panel where the jack is stored. Open this panel by twisting the knob and completely remove the panel. You may have to remove the jack from it's holder to see the code.

Using a flashlight, look inside the panel in the direction of the front of the vehicle. There is a label inside with the code typed on it. You may have to look at odd angles to see it or use a mirror to get a better look. Write down the code and then close and lock all the doors of the Explorer. Try entering the code to unlock the doors. Pressing the two buttons on the far right twice simultaneously should lock all the doors. This quick lock function is a universal feature no matter what code is assigned to unlock the doors. If for any reason the code does not work, consult the dealer. They may have to reprogram the keypad, which will also cost you.


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How to Protect Older People from Becoming the Victims of a Scam

I was taught to always respect my elders, but unfortunately, there are people in this world who do not feel the same way. Do you know if your older friends and family members are safe from becoming the victims of scams?

Earn the person's trust. In order to help an older person protect themselves from fraud and scams, they first have to trust you and be willing to cooperate with the advice that you give them. If someone is reluctant to comply, do not let it upset you and do not become impatient with them. Tell them that you are just trying to look out for their best interest. Some people are independent and are offended when other people try to offer them help. Respect their wishes.

Identify their vulnerable areas. If they do trust you and they do want your help, the first place to start is in their home. There are four areas of concern that many people leave vulnerable; their mail, their phone, their computer, and the doors to their home. Each one has the potential for scammers to gain entry and wreak havoc.

Make the person's mail more secure. Purchase a mailbox with a locking mechanism and key so that the mail delivered to them is safe and cannot be removed by anyone else. Check with their local post office and see how close to the person's house the mailbox can be mounted. The further away from the street the box is, the safer the mail will be and it makes for a shorter walk. If possible, the person should drive outgoing mail to a mail drop box to send it, but if this is not possible, be sure they write any checks in permanent ink that cannot be washed from the check. Also they should not put outgoing mail into the mailbox until close to time for the mail carrier to pick it up. Online bill payment is a preferred method for the elderly to pay their bills if they have Internet access.

Enhance their telephone with user-friendly features. Caller ID is an important feature to help someone know who is calling. They can use this feature to avoid irritating sales people and scammers. Visit the website for the "Do Not Call Registry" and add their number. A mobile phone may actually be a good alternative to a land-line phone for the older crowd because it can be placed in their pocket and taken wherever they go. If the person is hearing impaired, the vibrate feature of the mobile phone can help them to know when someone is calling. Also, they can use text messages to communicate if they are unable to speak. Mobile phones typically include Caller ID and the phone number is usually harder for scammers to acquire. If they do invest in a mobile phone or if you buy one for them, instruct them not to give the number to anyone. Another good rule of thumb is to have the attitude that "If I didn't call someone, then I probably don't want what they have to offer." Be sure that the person you are assisting knows to never give personal information to someone over-the-phone unless they are sure that person is legitimate.

Upgrade and secure their computer. If the older person owns a computer with Internet access, there are several precautions to take. They should have a good antivirus package as well as a firewall, email spam program, and a phishing filter for web sites. Many of these tools are included with certain operating systems. Verify that they are equipped and functioning. Have a training session with the older person and discuss with them the techniques that scammers use to try to get information from people. Show them a few example emails and be sure they are able to identify threats for themselves. If they cannot, ask that they forward suspicious emails or web sites to you.

Secure all entry ways into the home with deadbolt locks and either a peephole or a security camera so that the occupant will always know who is knocking at their door. When strangers come to the door, instruct the person to ignore them unless they know them. No matter what the visitor says, tell them not to be intimidated and to call the police if the person persists. Securing all entrances will help them to avoid pushy salespeople who have no business bothering the elderly to begin with.

Install a set of photoelectric sensors across the person's driveway and connect the output to a buzzer or bell inside the home. This will let the person know they have a visitor well in advance of the person standing at their door and give the older person time to prepare.


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How to Protect Pictures and Video of your Family

Digital cameras continue to grow in popularity. It is becoming the norm for precious memories to exist exclusively in a digital format. The average person copies photos to their computer and saves them, but how many of those pictures are ever printed on photo paper? What happens when that computer eventually crashes?

Save your pictures onto a local hard disk drive. One method for sharing, organizing, and storing photos, which is becoming very popular are the online photo sites. They allow members to upload, organize, share, edit, and print pictures. The problem with these sites is that once the photograph is uploaded to them, the member will eventually have to pay that company each time photo prints are needed. That's fine as long as the company stays in business, as long as their quality remains intact, and as long as the member doesn't need pictures in an hour. These are several things to consider and should encourage everyone to at least keep backup copies of photos whether the online photo websites are used or not.

Store a copy of your pictures on a protected PC also. Saving pictures exclusively to the family computer that everyone uses is not very secure or reliable either. A computer that is used daily to connect to the Internet is exposed to many dangerous threats that can corrupt data and ultimately destroy, not only pictures and precious memories, but any hard work which is stored there. It's alright to save files and pictures to that computer, but precautions should be taken immediately to protect them.

Use a hardware firewall to protect the computer from the Internet. Firewalls are available at all electronic retail stores that sell computers and are easy to install and configure. Use a trusted antivirus program to monitor the computer for harmful viruses, Trojans, and worms. Install a spare hard disk drive into the computer and either manually copy important files to it or use a software backup utility to do it automatically.
An even better idea is to build a stand alone computer that is used exclusively for storing pictures, important file, and videos. Do not connect this computer to the Internet and be sure it is password-protected and logged-out when not in use. Install a DVD writer in this computer and make DVD backup copies of all important files and keep the DVD's stored in a locked box or filing cabinet in a temperature-controlled room. If this computer needs to be networked to the computer that uses the Internet, then it is possible to block Internet usage on the backup computer and still send files back and forth between the two.


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How to Protect Your Company from Fraud and Scams

Stressful times often bring out the worst in people. People who are desperate to support their family may make bad decisions and turn to crime as a solution. And then there’s the usual cast of thieves and scammers who do things like that on a daily basis. It’s unfortunate, but many businesses will become the target of crime this year. As a business owner or employee it is in your best interest not to leave your company unprotected.

Protect your company from the dangers of new technology. As technology provides the business world with new opportunities, it also opens the door for new threats. It's not enough to rely on the security measures of yesterday to protect your computers and sensitive data. If you do not have a properly configured firewall isolating your computer network from the Internet, then you might as well hook up a networked computer in the parking lot for anyone to use. Employee training and good communication about threats is also important. Employees can open the door from within the company network and unleash all manner of evil upon you if they are not closely monitored and educated. Spend the time and money to hire an IT professional or train someone within your company to perform in that role.

Use physical security measures on your building. How secure is the building where you work? Are there monitored security cameras? Locked gates and doors? Keypad entry protection? These are not really options but rather necessities unless you work hundreds of miles from civilization. Companies should keep all doors locked to keep intruders out. Special measures should be used to keep sensitive information and company equipment from leaving the premises as well. All important company documents should be destroyed instead of just thrown away. Familiarize yourself with different types of fraud, like check washing, and identity theft.

Hire a good attorney. Another key protection is to have a good legal representation in place to assist with legal decisions. Don't trust your skills with searching the Internet to know the right decision to make. Know exactly what the law entitles you before you go in any new direction and keep your company from being the target of frivolous lawsuits. Also, educate each employee as to the level of authority they have and do not let them make decisions for you, especially when they are dealing with an unknown caller. Monitor all bills, especially from utility companies, who under law can now allow third-party billing by other companies in most states.

Stay vigilant. As strict and tedious as this all sounds, it is in the best interest of your employees and the company as a whole. Good prevention keeps your company from having to apologize for stupid mistakes later.



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How to Protect Your Family from Home Invaders

The security of your family is very important. Not everyone can afford home security systems or guns. This article describes several easy and inexpensive ways to prepare a home to protect your family.

Always know that if someone wants to break into your home badly enough, they will find a way. That doesn't mean that you should make it easy for them to do so. It is surprising to me how many people have told me that they lock the doors to their home only while away. This is very dangerous! Purchase a deadbolt lock for any doors that are easily accessible to the public and keep these doors locked at all times. Start a habit of locking all doors at all times. If you leave to go to the store, lock the door behind you. When you get home... lock the door behind you. Teach children to lock doors behind them and to always see who is knocking at the door or ringing the doorbell before opening the door.

If the home is equipped with wooden window panes, use a power drill to drill a hole in one corner of each window where the upper and lower panes meet. Make the hole large enough to insert a heavy gauge nail. The nail should be easy to remove in case of emergency. It's not a bad idea to tie a piece of string to the head of the nail to make it easy to pull out. The point of the nail is to make the window difficult to open from the outside.

To secure a sliding glass door, cut a broom handle or stick to fit the space in the track behind the door where it slides when it is opened. It is very easy to bypass the latch on a sliding glass door, so be sure to leave the stick in position while the door is not in use. If you have a fenced-in yard, be sure to lock the gate when not-in-use. Also lock storage sheds with a lock large enough that it may be seen from outside the fence.

Leave a light on during the night, both inside the house and outside. This may just deter someone from breaking in if they think someone may be awake inside the house. Also, it's easier for crooks to operate in the dark. If you own a dog, give them full run of the house during the night. They have amazing hearing and will let you know if someone is snooping around outside.

Cover all windows with shades or blinds at night so that it is difficult to see into the home. If it is easy for someone to see from the outside that you own the latest game system, a huge expensive TV, or maybe some expensive artwork, then it may prove tempting for a would-be thief to put your home at the top of their list. Actually, if you can afford all of these high-dollar items, then a home security system is probably a wise investment too. The bottom line is that your family's safety comes before all material things. If you find yourself in the situation where someone has entered your home, let them take your money or some of your belongings if it means that they leave without harming anyone. Then call the police and file a report.


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How to Break a PC Password

So you forgot the password to your computer and you need to regain access? This article will show you a few useful methods for gaining access to your password-protected PC.

Some of these methods may or may not work, depending on the age and the type of computer or laptop you are using. Please only try this on your own computer or on a computer for which someone has specifically asked for your assistance. The first few steps refer to the BIOS password and the last refers to the operating system password.

To reset a BIOS password, the password prompt that you must pass in order for the PC to boot, you could try clearing the CMOS settings by jumping the corresponding pins on the motherboard. Open the PC case and carefully try to locate the pins labeled "Clear" or "PWD" assuming those pins exist on your particular motherboard. If you are able to locate them, place a jumper on the two pins, connecting them together. When the PC is powered on with the pins jumped, it will bypass the password in many cases.

Another way to reset the BIOS password is to remove the CMOS battery backup. When you open the case and look at the motherboard, this battery resembles a large, flat watch battery and on most motherboards, it may be removed temporarily. Remove the battery for 15 minutes, replace it, and try turning the PC back on. If the CMOS settings have been cleared, you will gain access to the computer.

An additional method is to overload the keyboard buffer by holding down a key on the keyboard from the moment the PC is powered on. This seldom works, but in some cases, it will prompt an error message and take the user through to the BIOS setup.

There is also a trick for bypassing the BIOS password on many Toshiba laptops. Acquire a DB25 printer cable. Remove the sheath from around the cable connector and note that the pins are labeled 1 through 25. Connect and solder the following wires together: (1+5+10), (2+11), (3+17), (4+12), (6+16), (7+13), (8+14), and (9+15). Protect each connection by wrapping it in electric tape. Connect the cable connector to the printer port on the back of the laptop and power it on. If done correctly, the laptop will boot directly to the operating system, bypassing the BIOS password.

If the BIOS password is not your problem or if you made it through that password and you are confronted by the operating system password on a Windows machine, don't panic, there are many ways to bypass this password as well. When the computer is booting and has just finished the power-on self test, begin tapping the F8 key. Windows should redirect to a screen prompting several different ways to boot. Choose "Safe Mode." Too many people neglect to set a password for the administrator account on Windows computers. If this is the case, you can access the administrator account and change the password for the account that you were originally trying to access.

If the administrator password has been set and you cannot gain access to it, don't worry, there are different types of software available that will allow you access to any Windows PC or laptop. Some do cost money. I do not want to endorse any of them specifically, but do a search on the internet and you will surely find them.


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