Simple Computer Tip

Professional Computer Tip:  Don't ever, ever, EVER, open an email with an attached file with an extention of exe.  A file extension is the last three letters after the dot in the file name. For example: computertip.exe.

Test your Password

Happy Halloween!  Today we will discuss how not to be tricked.  I have gone on and on about passwords in the past. This is just a quick reminder.  YOUR PASSWORD needs to be secure or you risk your computer, your money, your identity and it could even cause problems with relationships! Don't risk it.  Use some of the tools I have suggested like Last Pass can help but you still have your primary password that needs to be sure. 

Here is a great article on how to put together a great password and what to avoid. 

Check out this website to test your password and if need be, change it!  http://howsecureismypassword.net/

Top 10 Simple Things Every Computer User Should Know How to Do

Top 10 Simple Things Every Computer User Should Know How to Do

Recommended Kindle Book

Today's post is a review of a book by Michael Mock called Open Source Software for Small Business. This book is a great reference for small business owners providing them with information on the wide variety of 35+ business applications available for free for accounting, word processing, spreadsheets, operating systems, drawing and flow charts, content management systems and even backup software.  Each piece of software is reviewed with details of the various versions and features.  This book is available through the Amazon Kindle. If you don't own a Kindle you can still get the Kindle App for your computer for free.

Reading his book has motivated me to work on my spare machine with Ubuntu and maybe a few of the other apps. It will make a good weekend project. :)

An Alternative to Paypal

I have used PayPal for years and years without a problem but I know others have had their issues with PayPal. Some of the issues found online include frozen accounts, putting holds on credit cards and seizing funds. The issue is that PayPal is not a bank and does not have to act like a bank or follow federal guidelines.  So do you have options for transferring money. I ran into this on Listia when a buyer didn't have a PayPal account.  I didn't want them to send money through the mail (this is NOT a good idea), so I did some research and found Dwolla.  So how does it work?  Well according to their website,

" Dwolla is a payment network that allows any business or person to send, request and accept money. We're not like those other big payment companies that rely on plastic cards and charge hefty fees. Instead, we’ve built our own network that securely connects to your bank account and allows you to move money for just $0.25 per transaction, or free for transactions $10 or less."

It works much the same as PayPal so don't be mislead, but it still a online cash transfer company. Well, with Listia, many of the transactions are for shipping costs only, meaning most are less than $10. Making it an pretty good deal over paying a fee with PayPal for a tiny $3.00 transaction.

In the near future I will share some other options for businesses. I would love to hear from you and share your experiences a well.