[Reader Article] 7 Dependable Free Software To Protect Laptops

7 Dependable Free Software To Protect Laptops

Good security does not necessarily cost you money. Here are 7 easy to use, dependable and free software that will help keep your laptop and its contents safe.

1. Encryption. TrueCrypt is a trustworthy encryption program. www.truecrypt.org

2. Backup. Cobin Backup is reliable backup software. www.educ.umu.se/~cobian/cobianbackup.htm. A more user friendly alternative is Mozy, which is an online based backup software. www.mozy.com

3. Antivirus. AVG free edition provides protection againt viruses, spyware and other malware.free.avg.com/ww-en/download-free. A light weight alternative is Avira free edition.

4. Firewall. Windows firewall (built-in) is easy to use and does decent job.

5. Tracking. Prey is open source laptop tracking software designed to track stolen laptops.www.preyproject.com

6. Alarm. LAlarm is like a car alarm for your laptop. Also it can recover and destroy data in case of laptop theft and more. www.lalarm.com

7. File shredder. Eraser deletes files irrecoverably. It is useful for regular cleanup as well as occasional cleanup before taking your laptop to an airport or a repair shop, and selling it to others. eraser.heidi.ie

This month's reader submitted article was submitted by: Eric L.

[Reader Article] Cool Use For an Old Flash Drive

Co Cool Use For Old Flash Drives

Don't throw your old USB flash drive away. Instead, you can use an old flash drive to prevent your laptop from being stolen. Here is how.

1. Install free software on your laptop. www.lalarm.com/LaptopAlarm. (free for personal use)
2. Fasten a neck strap to your old USB flash drive.
3. Fasten the other end of the strap to a table.
4. Plug in the USB flash drive into a USB port of a laptop.
5. Lock the laptop by pressing the Windows logo key and L key together.

When a thief removes the laptop from the table, the USB flash drive will be disconnected from the laptop and then a loud siren sound will be emitted. (See photos: www.lalarm.com/arm2) In addition to sounding an alarm, the software sends an alert to your mobile phone. This tip is also useful if you worry about identity theft. The free software destroys data in case of laptop theft.

This was a reader submitted article by James Lee

ilsystemwiper

ilsystemwiper is an awesome free utility. What it does is it clears all your data on shutdown. For instance, I have ilsystemwiper clean out my temp files, recycle bin, cookies, IE history, & tons of other stuff. That way, my computer doesn't get bogged down with all this stuff.

http://www.snapfiles.com/get/systemwiper.html