Reader Scott Adler wrote recently to tell me about an interesting article on cable/DSL router security. I found it interesting that the mainstream computer media, in this case it was an article at CNET News.com, that was warning people to change the default password on their cable and DSL routers.

For a long time, my security recommendations for wired and wireless routers include the recommendation that you change the password on the router from the default to one of your choice..

What’s the default password for a router? It’s the password that you have to enter to edit the router settings. Many users use their router’s default password to set up the router initially. Then, they forget all about changing the password — or they worry that they won’t remember it so they decide not to change it.

Why is it important to change the router’s password? You should change the password because it’s one more door that can be locked to protect your computer and your Internet computing.

Continue reading Router Security — Wired & Wireless Routers

Ads by Terry
GoToMeeting Free Trial
Plus $10 Off - Host Online Meetings Personal and Corporate Packages
TerrysComputerTips.com/Meeting

The World’s Shortest Excel Book
Short, Effective Excel Training eBooks and Video Training, too!
TerrysComputerTips.com/twseb

4InkJets - Inkjet & Toner Cartridges
Quality Printer Ink Cartridges & Inkjet Refill Kits
TerrysComputerTips.com/4inkjets

My first experience with a privacy cleaner was WinClear, which cleans up Windows and Internet Explorer temporary files, passwords, cookies, and history. It also handles a few other programs like Word, Excel and Windows Media Player. It’s very easy to use, but at the bottom line, it is a program that focuses on Microsoft Windows and other Microsoft programs.

I kept looking and found the much more flexible cleaner XP Privacy Pro, which also handles Netscape, Opera and Firefox web browsers in addition to Internet Explorer.

I’m much happier with XP Privacy Pro, since it gives me more direct control of what the program finds and deletes — and that it handles my Firefox and Opera browsers, too.

Continue reading Privacy Control with XP Privacy Pro