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Tech Tip

Automatic Shutdown

Windows platform users can program their computer to shut down at the same time each night by logging in as an administrator and going into the Control Panel's Administrative Tools section. Click on Task Scheduler, and under Actions, choose Create Basic Task. Select a name for the task, select the task trigger to shut down your computer and then select Daily before picking a time.

Lost Smartphones

If your smartphone is lost, use one of the new services that enables you to delete the phone's private data remotely. Removing data from your smartphone protects you from criminals who would use your personal information to steal your identity or worse. For iPhone: "Find my Phone." For BlackBerry: Smrtguard.

Delete Web History

Your computer keeps track of everywhere you go on the Internet. An easy way to protect your privacy is to erase the Internet history from your Web browser. In Internet Explorer, go to the Tools menu, click Options and choose Clear History. In Firefox, go to Tools, then click Clear Private Data.

Digital Signature

Some businesses will accept contracts via email. To create a digitized signature, sign your name on white paper and scan it into your computer.

Guest Networking

When visitors come to your home and ask to use your Wi-Fi, keep your family's personal network private by setting up a separate "guest" network. Many wireless Internet routers now offer this as a standard feature.

Use Blind Copy

If you decide to go against common advice and forward one of the many Internet chain letters making the rounds, use the blind copy function in your email program to protect your recipients. These emails help spammers gather email addresses, but they can't see blind-copied addresses.

Password Manager

If you have a hard time recalling your passwords for Web sites, email, banking and other applications, consider trying a password manager. Passpack, Universal Password Manager and KeePass are among a number of software apps that let you safely store an assortment of passwords on your computer.

Signs of Spyware

Your computer may be able to tell you that it is infected with spyware. Look for certain telltale signs, such as changes in your homepage or toolbar, a Web browser that takes you to sites you don't type in, or slow computer performance.

Auction Payment Caution

When you shop at an online auction, be skeptical if the seller requires you to pay with a direct wire transfer. Some auctions now prohibit this type of payment because it is rife for abuse. Instead, use third-party payment services that will act as intermediaries, such as credit cards or PayPal.

Work Computer

If you are getting rid of an old computer that you used for work, check with your employer about how to discard business-related data. Laws sometimes require businesses to follow data security and disposal rules for certain information.

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