How many passwords do you have for web sites, Facebook, e-mail?  How many of them are in a dictionary, or are your last name, or something else about you that would be easy to guess?  How many of them are the same?

Your passwords should be strong: at least 8 characters (more is better), and a mixture of upper case, lower case, numbers, and special characters.  Not in a dictionary, or "12345" or "qwerty", or the name of your dog.

You password should be unique: different for every web site.  If you use the same password on multiple sites, and your account is compromised, all your accounts will be compromised.

But how can you manage dozens or hundreds of different passwords, so complex that you can't possibly remember them all?  A fantastic program called LastPass will manage them all for you, and in fact will automatically fill them in for you!  It will also offer to remember passwords for new sites, detect password changes automatically, store form information (name, address, phone number, etc.), and securely store sensitive information like Social Security numbers and credit cards.  It can share this data across multiple platforms (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux) and multiple browsers (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Opera, Safari, Firefox).  And best of all, it's Free!  Well, unless you want to use it on a mobile device, then it costs $1/month.  All you need to remember is one, secure, password to get to your vault.

LastPass has beeen tested and verified to be secure - they only store encrypted data on their servers, never unencrypted.  I've personally been using it for a number of years, with no issues whatsoever.  Check it out, post back here what you think, or what you use to manage your passwords!

Microsoft Windows XP was released in October, 2001.  Yes, nearly 13 years ago!  It enjoyed tremendous success, but reached end-of-support status from Microsoft on April 8, 2014.  Not sure if your computer is running Windows XP?  This site will tell you.

So what does this mean to you?  If you're currently running Windows XP, read on.

Most importantly, it means that Microsoft will no longer release security patches for Windows XP (you ARE automatically applying Microsoft security patches, aren't you?).  Many anti-virus vendors will still release anti-virus definitions for XP, but that just isn't the same.

Do you keep running your old XP computer, or get a new one?  Most computers today are significantly faster than your 5+ year old XP system.   And likely cheaper than your old system originally cost.   Should you upgrade the operating system from XP to, say, Windows 7?  Probably not.  But My Techie Buddy can help assess your system and advise you on the best path to take.

If you decide to update, you have several decisions to make.  Start with analyzing how you will use the system. Will you use it on the couch, or only at a desk or table?  Will you take it with you everywhere you go?  Do you play graphics-intensive games, or store huge amounts of data?

What about Operating Systems (to replace Microsoft Windows XP)?

• Windows 7: The interface is similar to Windows XP, and is widely used.   Microsoft end-of-support for Windows 7 is currently January, 2020.  This is the easiest transition for non-technical users, or those that don't want a completely different computing experience.

• Windows 8 (8.1): The interface is very different, more like the Microsoft Windows phone with tiles and a touch interface.  Not very popular with users, but this is the future for Microsoft.

• MacOS: if you have bought into the Apple ecosystem (iPad, iPhone, iTunes, etc.), then you should consider this as well.

• Chrome OS: a very lightweight, very fast, web-based Operating System.  Requires an Internet connection to be useful.  Runs applications and stores data "in the cloud".

• Android, iOS: some people will do just fine replacing Windows XP with a tablet.  If you use your smartphone for many things, or primarily just do e-mail, web surfing, and Facebook, this may be for you.

Confused?  No one-size-fits-all solution exists.  My Techie Buddy can help with all your computer and technology needs, from assessing your old XP computer, to helping you select the proper replacement, to installation, configuration and training.  Contact us!