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ForeSite Insight- Protect Yourself on a Public Computer
April 2008
volume IIII
issue II
Protect Yourself on a Public Computer
Whether at an Internet café hotel business center or the local library, public computers serve as a convenient way to connect to the Internet.  Unfortunately, they are also havens for identity theft, as many users unwittingly expose personal information.  However, if a public computer is the only means of a connection, there are ways to lessen the risk and protect yourself.  Here are four preventative steps to help protect yourself when using any machine other than your personal computer:

1. Never save your passwords
This may sound like obvious common sense, but it's surprising how many people overlook this if the option is already turned on when they sit down.  Always ensure that your passwords are not being saved by verifying that the Save Passwords box is not chosen.
  •  If you're an IE 7 user, simply go to Tools, Internet Options, and choose the Content tab. Under the AutoComplete Settings option, verify that the Prompt me to Save Passwords option is not selected. 
  • If you're a Firefox user, simply go to Tools, Options and choose the Security tab. Verify that the Remember passwords for sites feature is deselected.
2. Do NOT shop or bank online
A public computer will never be completely safe, so avoid entering personal information like credit card or bank account numbers when using one. If you have to make a purchase, enter a store.  If you have to check your balance, find a local ATM.  It may seem primitive, but you're better safe than sorry with this one.

3. Delete Browser History
This is a quick, simple, yet very effective way to minimize your potential privacy risk.
  • If you're an IE 7 user, simply go to Tools, Delete Browser History, and this one action will delete your temporary Internet files, history, form data and cookies.
  • If you're a Firefox user, simply go to Tools, Options and choose the Privacy tab. Select the option to Always Clear My Private Data When I Close Firefox.This will erase any saved form information, download history, browsing history, cache, and authenticated sessions.  To delete cookies and saved passwords click on Settings and select those options as well.
4. Reboot
Always reboot a public computer when you are finished using it.  This will clear your actions from the computer's physical memory (RAM).
Guess What Google Can Do For You

Google
So you've heard about Google Maps and maybe you even have a gmail account, but I bet you didn't know that Google provides free 411 information.  It's true, 1-800-GOOG-411 is a service you can use to find and connect with businesses from your phone for free.  And that's not all, there are a ton of little known Google features that might just surprise you.

Google Images lets you search the web for pictures and images by entering keywords or phrases.

Google Calculator computes numbers directly through the search field.  Give it a try, type 2*2 into a Google Search and see for yourself.  This convenient feature can handle much more complex equations and will even convert dollar amounts to Euros or ounces to tablespoons.

Google Alerts lets you sign up for email alerts by keywords or phrases.  Get news on specified topics or companies delivered straight to your in-box.

These are just a few Google Products that you probably never knew existed, but there are lots more.  Explore the Google Products Page to learn more about these great features, and what they can do for you.
About ForeSite

Headquartered in East Hartford, CT, ForeSite has been designing solutions and troubleshooting problems for computers, networks and web sites, since 1997. We are committed to providing personalized customer service and practical yet insightful solutions which fit a wide range of business needs. With the recent opening of a Worcester office, ForeSite continues to provide premium technology solutions to the central Connecticut and Western Massachusetts regions.

Quick Links
Web Tip:  Fantastic Freebies
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Congratulations Keith Lagasse!
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Congratulations Keith Lagasse, this year's Hartford Wolfpack Save of the Game Winner!  Keith and 9 of his friends will be enjoying all the action of an upcoming game from a luxury suite box.  Be sure to visit SaveoftheGame.com to see all saves from this season and past ones as well.
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