PC Summer Travel Tips at The Boomer Brief

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PC Summer Travel Tips

By Bob on August 11, 2010 10:43 AM

I never travel without my laptop. Yeah, I'm swimming against the Boomer male stereotype that says I'm supposed to be a Luddite sloth (Ok, maybe during football season) but I take my computer with me wherever I go.

I've learned the hard way you have to be careful on the road. Just because it's FREE WiFi doesn't make it safe. There are plenty of folks out there just waiting to steal your passwords or financial information. So, the next time you hop on your netbook at the Hampton Inn or Starbucks, consider these travel tips from our friends at PCtools.com.

How to Keep You and Your Computer Info Safe This Summer

Be careful what you post on Facebook -- Thieves could follow your vacation plans and break into your home while you're away.
Know your networks -- Choose the safest and most appropriate wireless network while you're checking email, Facebook and other online activities.
Be smart when using public computers -- Even visiting a secure website (https:) can result in simple keylogger theft of your password. Avoid logging into personal accounts (like Facebook) and instead limit your use to online research.
Safeguard your finances -- Cybercriminals can snatch your banking information over Wi-Fi or unreliable third party online networks, so don't log onto your finance accounts over unsecured networks.
Change your password often - That "password" password just isn't cutting it.
Avoid file-share websites - Be careful uploading your vacation pictures and videos to these web sites because they can leave you vulnerable to viruses and malware.
Turn on the Firewall -- A Firewall protects your computer by preventing unauthorized users from gaining access to your computer through the Internet or a network. PC Tools has a great firewall and it's FREE.
Don't click and run - If you download a map or ticket, save it on your computer and scan it before opening. Never click on the "run" program option.
Stay in safe places - If you're traveling to a foreign country, be careful about international domains, for example those for Russia (.ru) which are frequently used by cybercriminals who want to avoid prosecution in the USA and UK.
Keep your AntiVirus current - Yeah, this is a major "Duh!" but there's nothing worse than coming home with summer memories only to find malware installed in your computer that prevents you from enjoying them!

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Guest Room

Diabetes-Friendly Chicken Burrito Bowl

By Laura Cipullo and Lisa Mikus, authors of Everyday Diabetes Meals

Image credit: Colin Erricson

Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.

Tips:  

If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.

If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.

Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.

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