Trick #1: Anti Virus Solution For Tightwads

Tired of anti-virus programs that are integrated into bloated security suites that bog down your system and frequently conflict with your other programs? If so you should check out these folks who offer a highly respected anti-virus program that overcomes these problems and is enjoyed by millions of users worldwide.

This anti-virus program is easy to use and provides regular and automatic virus definition updates. In addition you get real time protection of files and e-mails and can use either scheduled or manual testing.

And guess what -- all of these features are included in the version these nice folks will give you to use without any time restriction --- and without any cost.

Trick #2: Easy Phishing Test

When you get one of those legitimate looking e-mails asking you to update your account -- the ones that look like they're coming form from Citibank, eBay or PayPal for example -- be sure to take a close look because the sender may be getting ready to empty your bank account.

Here's an easy way to check out these realistic looking messages and show if they are bogus (as most of them are) or legit. Just hover your mouse over the link in the suspected e-mail. After a second or two, your browser or e-mail software will show you the real link you'd be clicking. For example, the link in a recent "Citibank" Phishing e-mail looked something like this: http://www.citibank.com/etc. By hovering over it, the actual URL imbedded was revealed to be: http://www.citibankonline.com/etc

Just remember that no legitimate company will e-mail you an unsolicited request for your password or other confidential financial account information. If you receive this type of e-mail you should strongly suspect that the sender wants to clean out your bank account.

Great Place #1: Get Off Those Mailing Lists

1-888-5OPTOUT (1 888 567 8688)

You need to know that credit bureaus often create lists containing the names and complete contact information of consumers with good credit -- and then sell them to telemarketers and direct-mail marketers. If you are getting more than your share of unsolicited mail -- especially those credit card offers that you have to shred -- there's a good chance that this is where the junk is coming from.

The Associated Credit Bureaus (the big four) have created 1-888-5OPTOUT (1 888 567 8688) where you can call to remove your information from the marketing lists and pre-approved credit offer lists sold to third parties. The automated voice system will ask you to enter your phone number and other personal information including your Social Security number. They need that information to properly locate your record. If you are squeamish about supplying this information to an automated system, you can call each of the four major credit bureaus individually and speak with a human being to accomplish the removal.

This is a move that will save you a lot of shredding -- and loss of sleep.

Great Place #2: Scrub - Erase - Remove

Think you've removed a file from your computer when you "delete" it? Wrong! When you simply delete a file you only hide it until someone with evil intent goes digging. Here's a good utility to have on hand when you really want to get rid of a file containing sensitive information -- the kind identity thieves thrive on. You can also use this utility when you get a new computer, have transferred the content you need and discover that, even if you format your existing hard drive, your valuable information still lurks there ready to be ripped off. This program is a security tool that allows you to completely remove sensitive data from your hard drive by overwriting it several times with carefully selected patterns. Obviously you will want to be sure to read and completely understand the directions before using this tool. Keep it handy -- this can protect you by doing its job well -- and the price is right -- it's on the house.

Published: December 27, 2006

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John M. "Jack" Peckham is the Executive Director of REcyber.com (the Real Estate CyberSpace Society). In that capacity he oversees the development and delivery of the latest up to the minute Real Estate Cyberspace tools, strategies, networking structures and services that the Society provides its members to leverage their effectiveness, visibility, professionalism and earnings. As host of Real Estate CyberSpace Radio, he provides over 40 hours of programming to help listeners integrate the power of the Internet into their daily business lives. He is the author of several real estate books published by Prentice Hall and Harcourt Brace Jovanovich including his latest Master Guide to Income Property Brokerage from Wiley Publishing. A columnist for the Boston Herald for nine years, his syndicated columns have appeared in over 100 papers nationwide. Jack loves to sell real estate has been involved directly in the sale of over one billion dollars in Real Estate. Today he sells in his jeans and fuzzy slippers as a one-man shop and has closed over $40,000,000 in sales on the Internet recently in 20% of his working time. The balance he spends directing the affairs of the 10,000 member Real Estate CyberSpace Society. The Society awards the RECS (Real Estate CyberSpace Specialist) Designation to members based on the current criteria. He served as Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), is a Past President of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors and has been honored as the Massachusetts State Realtor of the Year. You can reach Jack at or by calling 617-523-4441.