There’s a question that I’m often asked. It usually goes like this: “I’m the only user of my computer. How can I make Windows log me in automatically, so I don’t have to click on my user icon or enter my password?”

First, let me say that doing this bypasses some of the security of Windows, and opens your computer to anyone trying to log in remotely (assuming they can get past your router’s firewall function or the firewall software running on your computer).

Tech Tip
I’m sure you trust your family members and may not feel the need to protect your computer’s files from them. You probably have your firewall (Windows Firewall or other) set to “trust” the other computers on your network.

But, what about your spouse’s or the children’s computer, where they just clicked on the link that infected them — and gave remote control of their computer to the bad guy?

By providing automatic log-in on your computer, you’ve given them control of your computer, too!

Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 all have very similar functions that enable you to allow an automatic log-in to your computer.

Continue reading How Do I Log In Automatically to Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7?

What do you do with an old computer? More accurately, what do you do with your old computer when you buy a new one?

You can keep it as an additional computer for yourself. You can pass it to your spouse. You can use it for your children. You can sell it. You can give it to a friend. You can throw it away. You can recycle it. You can give it to a school or charity. You get the idea…

But, there is a basic difference between the first three options and the rest of them — you need to eliminate your personal data on the computer so no one else can access it. Of course, you might want to do that before giving it to the kids, too.

How do you get rid of the personal data on the computers?

The only certain way is to remove the hard drive from the computer and destroy it with a hammer or other impacting device.

Continue reading What Can I Do With My Old Computer?

• CounterSpy 15-day Free Trial
• NOD32 Antivirus 25% OFF 2-Yr
• NetZero Free Dialup 10hrs /month
• GoToMyPC 30-day Free Trial
• Hostgator 20% Off WebHosting
• HostRocket Web Hosting