Tips and Tools

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Misc

Check what type of memory is in your computer

Microsoft Sysinternals (cool tools)

Test your Java version 

Test your system for Vista compatibility

Best Buy's Vista comparison matrix

See what kind of motherboard is in your PC

Compare Intel desktop processors

Compare Intel motherboards

Compare Intel Chipsets

AMD Chipsets

Security

 Symantec online virus and malware scan

Trend Micro HouseCall Security Scan

McAfee FreeScan 

Kaspersky SOS Scanner

Windows LiveOne Scan

 Check How Good Your Password is

Windows Service Pack 2

Windows Service Pack 3

List of Internet Browers

Firefox

Internet Explorer

Safari

Opera

Netscape

Flock

Google Chrome

Passwords 

• Change your password at least every 3 months 
• Use a combination of uppercase, lowercase, numbers and special characters when creating passwords (Example: 14 Karat Gold = 14^g0ld )
• When choosing a password, avoid using words that can be found in the dictionary (dictionary attach - Hackers can run programs that compare your passwords with every word in the dictionary to find your password).   
• Avoid using your family members names or pets' name (Hackers will always try those first)

Wireless Security

• Secure your wireless router by using WPA2 encryption
• Avoid broadcasting your SSID
• Add MAC filtering
• Change all router default passwords

Wireless Terminology Document

New/Cool Technology

Internet Refridgerator/Oven

Bluetooth Jewelry

Virtual Labs (play with new technologies)

Microsoft Virtual Labs

Test Drive Vista

Virtualization

Run multiple operating systems (Windows, MAC, UNIX, Linux) on the same PC

Vmware

Microsoft Virtualization Server

Parallels Desktop for MAC

BootCamp for MAC

Technology Magazines 

 eWeek

Networkworld

CIO Magazine

PC Magazine

Social Engineering

Social engineering is a collection of techniques used to manipulate people into performing actions or divulging confidential information. While similar to a confidence trick or simple fraud, the term typically applies to trickery for information gathering or computer system access and in most cases the attacker never comes face-to-face with the victim.

- Wikipedia.com

Phishing 

Phishing is an illegal activity to trick people into divulging sensitive information,
such as bank and credit card accounts. ... Phishing. 

- Symantec Corp.