I need some help with some tech stuff

[ninaperez]

I am kinda paranoid about someone taking my laptop, and putting all my data over the internet, or taking my identity and ripping me off. A friend told me I should try data encryption. I found this PC Mag review of Datalock:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2371748,00.asp

Will it prevent someone from putting all my data over the internet, or taking my identity and ripping me off?

They got a 60 day free trial, is it worth trying (I hate trials that don’t do anything)?

http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/cdn/2010/search/datalock.htm

[TC_Halogen]

Re: I need some help with some tech stuff

This does not belong in the Critical Thinking section of the forums.

What kind of computer do you have? If you're running a somewhat expensive version of Windows 7/Vista (i.e. Enterprise/Ultimate), there is a program that comes with the computer -- BitLocker. If you do happen to have one of these two versions, try looking up on how to use the program. I wish I could help out a bit more than that, but I haven't had a need to encrypt/protect my computer or files.

[Zageron]

Re: I need some help with some tech stuff

Steps to prevent Fraud and/or 'ripping off':
Don't download anything that isn't from a trusted developer. (Yeah, this means don't download any "free" programs from "free" sites.)
Don't buy anything online.
Don't type credit card or personal information into your computer.
Also, don't visit porn sites. There are many that give you messages stating "You need a newer version of bla.exe" or "a special plugin". Those are just keyloggers, viruses, worms, etc...

Alternate Steps:
- Be sure to clear all private data on your computer every time your computer shuts down. (CCleaner is a good program for this.)
- Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is a great program to purchase, or use for free, in order to protect yourself from the worms and key-loggers. (Among other things)
- Keep the windows firewall on, and make sure Windows Defender is on. (Win-Defender isn't that great, but it's one more thing you don't need to think about)
- Get a router, if you don't already. It will have a built in firewall that will block almost all ports by default. This will help prevent evil hackers from invading your computer. (It is so unbelievably rare to have someone hack you that you shouldn't be worried about that.)
- Archive your personal information, if you have it stored on your pc, in .rar archives with complex passwords.
- Use the WIndows7 Ult built in bitlocker.

- Make sure your credit card company has fraud protection.


Don't use anything from ZoneAlarm or Symantec.

`.`

[Kage06]

Re: I need some help with some tech stuff

What's wrong with Zonealarm?

I find Zonealarm Free to be perfect as a firewall

[MrGiggles]

Re: I need some help with some tech stuff

Check out Prey. The focus is less on protecting data and more on getting the equipment back, but you may still find it useful.

http://preyproject.com/

I did some testing a few weekends back and it works extremely well, especially if you have built-in webcam.

[Izzy]

Re: I need some help with some tech stuff

Are you talking about someone literally taking your whole laptop?