Using strong computer passwords

How many of you have a computer password of “password”? Or maybe your dog’s name? Date of birth? Fess up. Many people are guilty of using weak passwords. Or perhaps you have the same password for your email newsletters as you do for your bank account. Bad idea. It is extremely important to 1) use secure passwords, 2) change them frequently, and 3) don’t use the same password for secure (bank) and “informal” accounts (newsletters).

To make sure your password is secure, use letters, numbers, and symbols. For example, you may replace the letter “I” with an “!”, or “a” for “@”. Don’t use words that include personal information, such as birthdays or names.

How often you should change your passwords is up for debate. You’ll hear quite a range and I would recommend at least every 90 days. I know it can be a pain, but better safe than sorry.

And finally, how often can you use the same password? One suggestion is to think in terms of different “levels” of security, with newsletter subscriptions considered “low level” and banking information “high level”. I think it is okay to use the same password for your newsletter subscriptions or other accounts that don’t have personal information. But never, ever, use the same password for your newsletters as you do for your banking information.

And my last point…. Please, please, please don’t post the administrator password in the server room. Yes, it’s been done.

E-mail on the go

Many nonprofits do not have the money to shell out for a Blackberry, Motorola Q, or other mobile device, but still may need a way to check their email on-the-go. One solution is the Peek Mobile E-mail Device, available for around $80 from Amazon.com.

It does not include a camera, or even a phone for that matter, and is strictly for email. The email use is unlimited and runs about $20 a month. The battery life is good on this little device, but some users have expressed concerns with connectivity.

The bottom line is that this is a device worth considering for users needing a low-cost on the go email solution.

'Cult of the Amateur' looks at Internet's influence

This is my latest book review on CharlestonCurrents.com. I think it's a great read for anyone exploring the influence of the internet on our culture.

Andrew Keen examines the effect of the Internet on our culture in "The Cult of the Amateur." Whether you concur with his premise that the Internet is having a negative impact, all can understand the need to be cautious. I agree that just because something is online, it does not mean it is true. However, I am less quick to diminish the value of some contributors to the Web 2.0 realm. "The Cult of the Amateur" is a thought-provoking book that can spark a lively debate between adopters of Web 2.0 and those who have not quite embraced this new world order.