A Few Tips to Protecting Yourself Online!

A Few Tips to Protecting Yourself Online!

The world we live in today is much different from that of our parents, and this has been the same dilemma with every generation. The world is an ever changing place.

The changing of times, our ever growing World, the intelligence factor, the increasing need for more and more technology and gadgets- all of this; causes the need for an increased need in precautionary factors.

Change is supposed to be a good thing. But let us not forget, for every action- there is always a reaction.

As we continue to grow and think we are bettering our self, and always back in the far distance of each and every single one of our minds I am certain there are some of us whom have actually wondered: "Are we really doing the right thing."

Rather than assume it's too late for our own rescue, if in fact we are making mistakes along our own destiny; what we can do to ensure things go along smoothly in our life's endeavors is to take precautions with our safety.

And rather than point out what "could be" errors along our paths, I would rather guide you safely along your journeys instead.

Does it sound as I'm talking in riddles? Perhaps maybe I am trying to implant thoughts into your brains…..yes, that could be it.

Allow me to be transparent: I would like to further assist you along your cyber-paths. I will start off small, to try and ease you into seeing things you may be doing right or wrong with your internet life. If you are new to the internet, or an expert yourself, something here might just enlighten you. At least I hope so.

So let's begin:

1.) If you have never purchased a computer and plan to, before going to buy one- I suggest taking someone to whom you trust. If you cannot take someone with you, and you must deal with the sales person at the store- do not let the sales associates push you around. Listen, ask questions, and do not let them push you into things you do not want or need. Do your researches first, check out what it is you're after or want. Remember to ask questions, take in the information you need and want. Yes, you need a warranty. And if you are buying a used unit, you still need to try to get a warranty there too. And if you can get the Windows & Microsoft Software included in your price you should do that too. And if you're buying it used, be sure the versions are legal.

2.)When creating an email address, make it something you can remember, something you won't be ashamed to share and tell your friends. Simple is best; if you must use numbers, never use your house address or zip code or even telephone number in your name. Here is a bad example: Jodi4021@yahoo now let's look where Jodi lives. 4021 Lakewood. Not a good choice. Predators will use this information to seek Jodi out and find her out. Here is a better choice: Jodi_rainbow@yahoo now everyone knows that Jodi likes and collect rainbows, and they can relate, and everyone should remember this. This is a good choice for Jodi.

3.)Now let's go on to making your password. And let me start with the simplest choice, do not use the word: "password" as your password ever. This is a common hacker attempt and it will get found out. Also, do not use your social security number, or any other number or word that anyone who knows you can figure out. Your best bet, is to mix both letters and numbers. Let's stick with Jodi for our character. You have her address, and you know she likes rainbows. These are things people will look for in her password. So let's think: 1PIcKLEs85913 Where did the numbers come from? Jodi thinks pickles are number 1 in the worst foods category, not the best, the worst. She was born in 85, she was 9 years old when she was first kissed, and her Mother was 13 when she had her. She figures that several of the numbers of most people will not know, this should be a good choice. But the next bet is that she changes her password once a week at least. It is fine to have a list of passwords to use and re-use from time to time. Always remember it is a good idea to mix lower case along with the capital letters as well as the numbers, this will make it harder for hackers to compromise you.


4.)Now for the password retrieval questions. This is where it can become tricky. Most of the password retrieval programs give you two questions to choose from. Questions like: "What is the street you grew up on." And you post your answer. Here is where you do not want to put the right answer, because someone you know- might be able to figure out your answers and retrieve your answers. You need to make your answers something that you will remember, but something that no one will be able to figure out. If they want your street, put your town. But you will need to remember what it is you put, in order to retrieve the password later. Also give yourself a back door, such as another email address within the email address or a phone number. Always be prepared and make it easiest and safest on you. Your safety is your main goal.

5.)When it comes to the internet, trust no one. Be cautious of everyone and everything. Have your virus protector and firewall running. And it is not an exaggerated statement when I say, just like the "X-files" has tried pounding into everyone's skulls all of these years: "Trust no one." The reason you need to do this is because your family and friends "know" you more than people on the internet do. Therefore secret questions and answers are a way into your net life. This is why I cannot stress enough to make your net life as protected as possible.

6.)Social sites such as "myspace," "facebook," "twitter," and even "myyearbook," are sure not to list your full address. I personally suggest the State only, and if you really insist maybe just your City. Nothing more. Never give your home address, and never think you can get a PO Box address and it will make you safer. It will take nothing to have a person sitting in the Post office branch waiting for you to pick up your mail; if the person has nothing better to do than stalk you. If you aren't there to chat, leave your chat off. If people message you, and you don't wait to hear from them, you can easily block them. Do not pursue them on your own, because most generally reporting them to social networking sites- the sites do not care and generally do nothing. The common misconception with social networking sites, is the fact that "freedom of speech" tends to be an issue with postings. Most generally, the only time sites will do anything is if vulgarity and porn are involved. Otherwise, like I said- nothing gets done, so be prepared to walk away and block yourself from any problem situations you may encounter.

7.)Also be aware there are many ways to make money online, and many are scams. So read thoroughly. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and say no. The easiest and simplest, without investing is paid to write sites. Someday, I will give you my insight on those!

These are my simple easy ways to begin your net experience. I didn't want to put too much on your plate for a start, but I wanted to give you something to help you get started.

I hope this has helped you!

Advise: Air Fresheners for Diaper Odors

Air Fresheners for Diaper Odors

Deneale K. Williams, Yahoo Contributor Network
Jun 8, 2008

 

How embarrassing. But sadly, bodily functions cannot be avoided. However, eliminating the odor, is something we can control. Here today, a Mother to five- I am here to offer you my advise.

"Eeeewww, what is that smell?!"

 

 

For starters, as soon as the diaper is changed and ready to be thrown out, take it directly to the dumpster, out side trash can, anywhere but in the house. If you can't do it, perhaps you can have someone do it for you. And if you must keep that raunchy smelling diaper in the trash and in the house, you might want to turn the ceiling fan on. In the meantime, maybe light a few scented candles, out of reach of your child. Perhaps maybe even an in scent too. There are also sprays that they claim are now natural and better for our environment, and eliminate germs. However, some people prefer not using aerosols.

If the diaper you removed is soiled with poop, my advise if you are unable to get the diaper out of the house, go to your bathroom, and dip the diaper into the toilet and rinse the poop into it and flush. Not flushing the diaper!! With store bought diapers this is more difficult, because the diapers will continue absorbing the toilet water. This routine is best used with the cloth type diapers. To help out, you can use the handle of the toilet brush and scrape the soiled diaper into the potty. After-wards, please be sure to rinse thoroughly the toilet brush in the toilet too. Please remember NOT to flush any diapers period.

With cloth diapers, there are diaper hampers. In those diaper hampers, in the lid is where you put this scent thing, much like the scented items you hang on the inside of the toilet ring. If you cannot find these, toilet companies and hardware stores sell them, because they are often used in male urinals. These are harmful if swallowed and are eaten, please keep out of reach of children! Also, these diaper hampers are dangerous if your child attempts to climb inside, the could possibly drowned.
Another remedy for any annoying scent, is in the bottom of your trash can, or even trash bag, dump a small amount of pine-sol, into the bag or can to help fight odors.

There are air fresheners that you can now plug into outlets to help eliminate odors as well. They can't hurt. Another thing you might want to try is dumping a little bit of baking soda onto the poop inside the diaper, rolling the diaper up, making sure to thoroughly close it, and then toss it into the trash. Baking soda is supposed to absorb odors, and we all know, it works in the cat box!

An even simpler solution and less costly, open the window! If you do not get the diaper out of the house, the odor will linger, there is no way around it! Maybe you could consider putting a trash can right outside the back door, just for those nasty diapers that truly knock your socks off! LOL
The next thing to look forward to- potty training. You will be glad to be rid of those diapers, and their cost! Trust me! Good luck, diapers aren't one of my fondest memories! LOL
 
Please note: If ever you buy and use unsafe and harmful chemicals, and your child gets a hold of them, please call your local poison control center immediately. Upon transportation to the Hospital, please get in touch with your local pediatrician. You can never be too safe, all it takes is looking away once. Put all dangerous chemicals up and out of reach at all times. Any child age group, will check them out. Safety first!

Published by Deneale K. Williams

Quick Refernce Guide: Car Maintenance Basics!

Car Maintenance Basics: A Quick Reference Guide

Deneale K. Williams, Yahoo Contributor Network
Oct 18, 2007

Did you know there is more to keeping your car up and running than putting gasoline in it? Well, sadly there are some people - and they are not just women - who only put the fuel in it and nothing else. So allow me to give you a few tidbits, from a woman who was raised by a mechanic father and married a mechanic husband.

 

 

 

There are gauges on your car, in the dash board, in slang you may have heard them referred to as idiot lights. These lights are there for a reason. If your temperature light comes on, it does not mean to drive the car faster home. It means if you don't turn it off, within the next few minutes you risk blowing up the motor. If the oil light comes on, check the oil, and if the check engine light comes on, it certainly doesn't mean open the hood and make sure the engine is still there!

You should check your water or antifreeze in the engine, before starting your car for the first start of the day. This is when your car is cool, and you do not risk getting burnt, by water spraying out of the radiator. Check the radiator at least once a moth, depending on the issues your car has. This is your coolant system, and just as you get hot and thirsty, so does your car. If everything is in working order, your car should not be loosing its water or antifreeze. Also make sure that your over flow bottle is in working order, when checking this. If you are having issues with loosing fluids, carry with you- gallons of water. No need to waste costly antifreeze if your car is going through it, and loosing it somewhere. Simply get gallon size containers of water. And if you are loosing water, whether rapidly or slowly, it is advised that a long trip is not suggested. If you are having water issues, a good temporary fix is sometimes known as "Bars Leak." But obviously you have some sort of issue, so you will need to focus on getting this fixed and soon, or you will risk blowing up your motor.


There is also a way to check your transmission fluid. This is called a dipstick. It is usually in the back of the engine, and usually a longer stick then the oil. This you check while the vehicle is running, and sometimes have another person there to put the vehicle into drive and reverse. If the level of fluid says to add, then add. And cars use different types of transmission fluid. There is Dextron and Mercon, and many kinds too many to list, actually. If you must, read your cars manual or take your car to a parts store and ask, they can tell you the exact type your car requires. If the fluid is black, rather then red- your transmission is not in good shape. This is a sign of a transmission on its way out.

For oil there is also a stick to get a read. It doesn't require that your car to be on to check it. And "sometimes" you do not put the oil into the engine where the stick is, there will be a cap that "usually" says oil, (but every car is different) this is where you put the oil into. If it is a quart low, you can add. A lot of cars, do not turn on the oil lights until a little lower then a quart is needed. It does not hurt your car to run a quart low, so if it reads this on your way home, it is ok to continue your ride home. If it is lower then 1 quart, I suggest adding some.

(Meaning it needs two or more, to add right away!)

If you get no read on the rod, this is bad, and could mean that you need more then two quarts. Check this at least once a month. I honestly suggest biweekly on checking everything. I personally am very cautious, because engines are costly. There are different types of oil, 10 W 40, 20 W 50. These are the weights. The less the number the thinner the oil. For instance 20 W 50 is much thicker. Your owners' manual will tell you what type oil is best for your model car. If you don't have the book, again the parts store can lead you into the right direction. Newer cars advise not using the thick style oil, usually.
If your car is whining as you turn, this is the power steering. The unit is close to the front, around the alternator and fan shroud. Its measurement is its cap. It will tell you if you need to add. If when you go to check it, it is wet and messy, this is the signs of it going out, unless you actually know someone accidentally dumped fluids all over it. The whining is also a sign, if it persists and uses fluid quite frequently. Have someone also check the belts; there is also a risk that they might need tightened. If the stick in the lid says add, then do so. The bottles of power steering fluid come in all shapes and sizes.

With your car battery, be sure to look at it every so often and make sure that battery acid is not building on or around the posts. This corrupts both the connector and the battery, causing loss of connectivity.

With your car tires, the owners' manual will tell you the amount of air suggested to be put into the tires. You should keep a tire gauge in your car for these events, because not all air stations offer tire gauges to tell you how much air you have put into them. However, if you ever see metal string like pieces-like a fray, this is the steel belts and your tires are wearing thin. This means its time to get new tires. Or better used ones, depending on your financial condition. If you are having a tire leaking air, and haven't had the time to get a new one, or get to a tire shop, sometimes the fix a flat stuff is a good hold over. But most people, who can repair the tire with a plug or patch, will complain about you using it. It is because it makes for a very gunky mess inside the tire. Shrug it off; you did what you had to. Also always make sure that your spare tire has air as well. If you are checking your tires, check that one at the same time, as if you were using it to drive on. It still needs paid attention to. If you end up using a temporary tire, heed the rule of docking your speeds with that tire. Also start looking for a new tire, the temporary tires is not made for long wear and tear. Also be certain to have with you a four way,

(this is the X or cross shaped tool)

 in your trunk along with some kind of jack.

(Whether it is scissor jack, or a real floor jack)

be sure that those items are always in working order too.

The goal to owning a car, is knowing how to take care of it too. It is a machine, and just like you- it requires more then food. It requires loving care. Always be prepared. And just because your used car has frequent complications, this does not mean it is time to sell it, considering it your burden and lemon. As cars get older, they require more attention, and things break with regular wear and tear. This is normal. Just like you get worn out, and your shoes, and clothes, the same is with your car. Treat it like it is special, and that you will never ever be able to afford another.

When something is wrong, don't turn up the radio to ignore the new noise it is making. You can even take it to the auto parts store, and sometimes they can tell you, as they listen, and you describe what is happening-what they think it is. And don't be suckered in, by a mechanic saying if you change this, you have to change this too.
Do not play the idiot role, at least pretend to know what they are saying, because they will and can see right through you. That is why it is best to learn about cars, before you ever own one. This way when someone tries to pull the wool over your eyes, telling you when he changed the oil (something you should do every 3000 miles) that he (the mechanic) had to add halogen fluid to your head lights, and he had decided on his own to put a spare transmission in your car, because there are supposed to be two-that you don't believe everything you are being told! Instead, you go,

"Listen, there is no such thing as halogen fluid, what do I look like-a retard?!"

Your automobile is your best friend, your transportation to your work, friends house, and all around town! I hope that this helped, if you have any concerns or questions, feel free to contact me.
 
Disclaimer: I cannot be held responsible for any information you obtained from this article if it is incorrect for your automobile as all automobiles are different as technology changes. Always get your car fixed sooner than later, and when in doubt take it to a professional mechanic.

Published by Deneale K. Williams