User talk:T.K.Hareendran

SECURE YOUR LAPTOP

The mobility that laptop computers provide has made it imperative for users to take steps to secure their computers. There are several simple things that you can do to keep your laptop safe.Keeping your portable computing equipment safe involves a combination of common sense, physical security devices, and software strategies.To keep your laptop as safe as possible you will want to combine physical, software and use password strategies. While not all of the available security methods are applicable, practical or necessary for all laptop and notebook users, it is still important to understand what your security options are so that you can alter your security strategies as your computer use evolves.

Physical Security Devices

Physical security devices(PSDs) can be used to keep your laptop from being stolen or used without your authorization. The most simple PSD is a laptop security cable. This cable connects to your laptop and secures it to a non-moveable item in your office, home or hotel room. For example, you can connect your laptop to your work table.The cables usually have a combination or key lock device, and attach to the security slot found on most laptop/notebook computers. A determined thief with a bolt cutter could foil this device, but it certainly makes it a lot harder to grab and escape.Biometric devices can also be used to ensure that if your laptop is stolen, it can't be used by someone else. Biometric devices include fingerprint scanners and retinal scanners. These devices can be added to just about any laptop.

Security Softwares

Fortunately, there are some intelligent software tools that can be used to both diagnose potential threats to your computer privacy as well as to secure your computer system. Retriever from Front Door can help to get your laptop back if it's lost or stolen. Retriever works on XP, Vista, Mac OS X and Linux. This software displays ownership information at startup, and can also report tracking information to the owner if the laptop goes online. Also, if your laptop is stolen, you can login to a website and enter a lockdown code that will help to protect your information. You can even send a personal message to the thief, or cause an audible "This laptop was stolen!" alert signal to be played. And of course, there's the threat of hackers and snoops that attack through viruses and spyware. Every laptop should have an up-to-date anti-virus plus anti-spyware software package installed, to identify and remove malware from your system. Besides, encryption is a good method to protect your data from hackers, thieves and others who may access your computer without permission. It is usually done by special software programs. However, Windows XP offers a free encryption tool that you can use to protect individualfiles and folders.

Password Security

In addition to physically securing your laptop and protecting your computer with security software, you also need to take steps to protect your laptop with strong passwords. While it is important to set up a user account password for your laptop you will also want to set up a power-on password. These passwords will prevent unauthorized people from logging in to your computer, or accessing it by using an external boot-up device. To create your and power-on password you will need to enter your BIOS security set-up menu. This is usually accessed by pressing the Del, F1 or F2 key while your computer is booting up. Try to use passwords that include a combination of at least eight letters,numbers and special characters. Make sure you remember the passwords, or you'll lock yourself out!Special password manager tools for travellers can keep all the passwords handy, but with the protection of a master password.

--T.K.Hareendran. 07:31, 13 August 2009 (UTC)