Planet Earth Is Blue…

Folks, I am going to ask you to indulge me in one more video (I guess I am “on a roll”), but yes, there’s some tech, too (just scroll down). Today’s music video was sent in by a reader, who thought I might enjoy it. I did!

I have heard that song, oh, maybe.. 24,336 times in my life. But never quite like that!

Today’s Tech

* Build a complete Windows 7 safety net (by one of my fave tech How To writers, Fred Langa) Note: this is IMHO the definitive How To tutorial for disaster recovery — please read it!

“Every copy of Windows 7 includes a complete suite of backup tools. The suite contains everything you need to back up (and restore) your entire system.
What’s more, after you’ve set up your initial backup, future backups happen automatically.
In fact, Windows 7 makes it so easy to set up fully automated backups, it’s almost nutty not to do it.” Read more.. (please)

(‘Cuz it is nutty not to do it.)

* Cyberstalking Victim Wants LinkedIn to Do More to Protect Users.

“After being sexually assaulted at work, Anna Rihtar quit the job she loved to avoid her attacker. And, like many unemployed people, she turned to LinkedIn to find work. But Rihtar’s attacker followed her online. In addition to phoning, emailing, and pursuing Rihtar on Facebook and Twitter, he began cyberstalking her on LinkedIn, leaving messages that were alternately flirtatious and hate-filled…” Read more..

… 24 signatures on her petition..? What the ____ is wrong with people?!?!

Sigh. Oh, well. Have a great day everybody! (And thank you, Dear Reader.)

Today’s question: If April showers bring May flowers.. what do May showers bring?

Today’s quote: “If you’re in a bad situation, don’t worry it’ll change. If you’re in a good situation, don’t worry it’ll change.” ~ John A. Simone, Sr.

Copyright 2007-2013 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

---

>> Folks, don’t miss an article! To get Tech – for Everyone articles delivered to your e-mail Inbox, click here, or to subscribe in your RSS reader, click here. <<

---

All we really have, in the end, are our stories.
Make yours great ones. Ones to be proud of.

7 Links Challenge, And More Reco’s

Yesterday I received a “challenge” from a fellow tech writer…which is a bit out of the ordinary, to say the least.

Sadly, I do not have time today to respond to that challenge – but I will just ASAP. In the meantime, for a good read (and to find out what the *heck* I’m talking about) please see: The “My 7 Links Challenge” at What’s On MY PC.

Other items: (aka “quick reading reco’s”)

• It’s time for Microsoft to come clean over the Metro UI

“Microsoft has kept us in suspense for long enough and it’s now time for the Redmond behemoth to come clean as to what users can expect from the next-generation Windows.” Read more..

• How to keep your face out of LinkedIn ads

“After all this talk about Google’s new privacy policy and Facebook’s Timeline, people are now waking up to the fact that LinkedIn too may be making use of your information in ways you don’t want.” Read more..

• Facebook sues Adscend Media for malware and spam

“Facebook and the state of Washington have filed separate lawsuits against Adscend Media, alleging the company was responsible for spreading malware and for stealing personal information from Facebook users.” Read more..

• Macworld 2012: The Island of Misfit Toys

“Macworld 2012 had a sexy nightlife alter ego but the daytime persona of an event still struggling for identity.” Read more..

• Most cyber security experts believe cyber arms race is on

“More than half of of global security experts believe that an arms race is already taking place in cyber space, according to McAfee.” Read more..

A chance to win a CPU or graphics card: Share your opinions for a chance to win some cool AMD hardware

“Great AMD hardware to give away!” Read more..

Okay. Out of time. Have a great day everybody!

Today’s quote: “Common sense is instinct. Enough of it is genius.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

Copyright 2007-2011 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

---

>> Folks, don’t miss an article! To get Tech – for Everyone articles delivered to your e-mail Inbox, click here, or to subscribe in your RSS reader, click here. <<

---

LinkedIn. Privacy. Tuesday Tidbits. Free Software.

• Last week I posted an article about the Zuckerbergs, and why Facebook users should pay special attention to their privacy settings (see, One More Reason I Don’t Facebook) and included a How To. The very day I posted that I saw a question on a forum that led me to conclude that Facebook slurps up all the phone numbers stored in your phone (when you sign in on a Blackberry/smartphone) and makes them visible.. and subject to spamming.
Which led someone to post: Facebook security help!!

“Here’s the question:  If I log into my Facebook page on someone else’s Blackberry, will their contacts automatically be synced to my Facebook contact list?  My ex boyfriend’s contact list appears in my Facebook contact list.  I used his phone one time to check my Facebook and I made sure I was logged out when done.  I have never synced my own cell phone to Facebook and he’s never had access to my computer or passwords.  Any ideas how his stuff is in there and is my Facebook secure???  HELP!!” Read more..

• Today I noticed that Michael Kassner had posted a similar “privacy concern” about LinkedIn. And I am glad I read his article, as they changed the game without telling me, and opted me in. Boo! Hiss! LinkedIn: Surprise changes to defaults affect your privacy

“Do you know what Social Advertising is? If you use LinkedIn, you may already be part of it. Michael Kassner sorts out LinkedIn’s privacy policy and suggests settings you may want to change.” Read more..

(Since I do have a profile on LinkedIn, I did make those changes. Thank you Mr. Kassner!)

• Guess I ain’t the only one getting concerned: today I saw How To Remove Yourself from People Search Websites

“People search services provide the general public with a dangerous amount of personal information about you. Here’s how to opt-out of most – for now.” Read more..

(I strongly urge folks to read this one, even if you think it may not apply to you. In fact, I am finding this true enough about Violet Blue’s writings, that I have added her to my blogroll.)

• Speaking of smartphones.. Tips for a Malware-Free Android Smartphone

“Since more and more malware is emerging for the Android platform every day, you must pay strict attention to what is happening on your phone or tablet. Smartphones are essentially computers–and all computers are vulnerable to viruses, phishing, and other attacks from malicious software. Here are five quick tips to help you keep your Android phone or tablet free of malware.” Read more..

• Tails: One more distro for the privacy-conscious

“Tails stands for The Amnesiac Incognito Live System — a new Linux distribution for users who want to leave no trail on the Internet.” Read more..

• Today’s quote: “Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there.” ~ Josh Billings

• Today’s “Don’t miss out“: on the chance to enter my latest software license giveaway drawing!

---

*** Win A Valuable Prize! ***

---

The folks at Softland have generously donated ten licenses for Backup4all Professional to me, to award to my readers.

“Backup4all is an award-winning data backup software for Windows. This backup utility was designed to protect your valuable data from partial or total loss by automating backup tasks, password protecting and compressing it to save storage space. This backup application is feature rich and offers an intuitive interface making all features easily accessible for both beginners and professionals.“

To enter the drawing, please see: Backup4all License Giveaway Drawing

Copyright 2007-2011 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

---

>> Folks, don’t miss an article! To get Tech – for Everyone articles delivered to your e-mail Inbox, click here, or to subscribe in your RSS reader, click here. <<

---

How To Remove Your Name From Search Engines and Social Networking Sites

Your Private Information Made Public

Folks, sometimes it is best to not reinvent the wheel; so today I am going to refer you to three excellent resources for the methods you need to know about if you are concerned about your personal information, and how websites (and the Gov’t) are collecting – and posting – it on the Internet.

If you are serious about protecting your identity and personal security, you should take actions now to block your personal information from public viewing.

Remove Your information from People Search Databases, Social Networks, and Search Engine Results— JessicaM

“Do you know what kind of personal information about you can be found from Internet? Do you know how to remove your name, address, phone number, pictures, bad comments and negative reviews from Google and other search engine results? Do you know how to delete your personal information from online people search database records?“

I am putting this one first as it is comprehensive and well researched. It is four pages long, and packed with good info.

---

How To Permanently Delete Your Account on Popular Websites — Cameron Chapman

“What we often don’t realize when signing up for all these accounts, though, is how difficult it can be to permanently delete our accounts when we’ve had enough. Some require complicated, multi-step processes that can stretch over the course of days (or weeks). Others take less time, but still require multiple steps by the user.“

This article outlines the steps for removing your account/profile on:
Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn, Google, Ebay, Wikipedia, Flickr/Yahoo!, Windows Live, StumbleUpon, WordPress, Amazon, YouTube, and PayPal.

---

If you want to stay inconspicuous while online, here are some products, services, and best practices to put to use.
How to Stay Anonymous Online — Erik Griffith

“Some might say that the Internet was built on anonymity. Without it, the Internet might not have become what it is today—a place where free speech reigns supreme (maybe to a fault). However, as social networks prevail—and über-companies like Google do all they can to market to you more effectively—your privacy on the Web comes into question. The good news is that you can take back control of what others see and know of you online. Here’s how.“

Subtopics: Safe Surfing, Anonymous E-mail, Social (Network) Security

The article contains links to programs and tools you may be interested in.. if your privacy is a concern to you.

---

Update: Here is another resource, brought to my attention by Rick Robinette:

“I came across a really cool site that, if anything, is a real education about online accounts and profiling. The site is called AccountKiller.

AccountKiller – Do you care about your personal data? We provide instructions to remove your account or public profile on most popular websites, including Skype, Facebook, Windows Live, Hotmail / Live, Twitter, MSN / Messenger, Google and many more. Want to create an account somewhere? Check our Blacklist first to see if it’s even possible to remove your profile!

What AccountKiller specializes in is collecting direct links and deleting instructions to make account termination an easier process.” Read more..

*     *     *

Bonus: additional recommended reading: Does a Blogger’s Opinion Really Matter?

Copyright 2007-2010 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved. post to jaanix.

---

>> Folks, don’t miss an article! To get Tech – for Everyone articles delivered to your e-mail Inbox, click here, or to subscribe in your RSS reader, click here. <<

---

Share this post :