PC Maintenance and Security

I choose to learn about Wireless Network Security. I always tend to have issues with wireless networks and setting them up in my home. By learning a little about wireless networks I should be more knowledgeable when I have to set up and connect to a new network. One interesting thing that I learned about wireless networks was that you can choose to not show your SSID to anyone. So if I person on a laptop searches for wireless networks in an area they won't be able to find yours. Individuals, like myself, may still connect to the network, but they need to have more information such as the SSID and the network key.

I also went through a module on Cleaning up and Speeding up your PC. I knew a little bit about removing programs and compressing files to create more space on your PC but I did learn a valuable tool to decrease the start up time and number of unnecessary programs that begin when the computer is turned on. Using the msconfig option you can remove programs that automatically start up that usually just slow down the start up process. I know every time my computer starts Skype logs in. I can choose to not let Skype start automatically and not have to wait around longer for my computer to boot up. I will definitely share this information with my parents and sisters.

The third module I went through was about Data Backup. I've heard a lot of backing up data but have never really considered doing it. I know I am taking a risk because if my computer crashes I could lose all my information on my computer. I learned how easy it is to back up information and about free back up services found online. One thing that surprised me was that one of the back up programs allows computers to back up and synchronize files from different computers.