15 Tech Habits To Be Left Behind

Everyone has flaws in the technology world: throw the first stone who never used the word “password” as password. But now let’s dig deeper in search of really bad habits that can cause permanent damage to your computer, pocket and mood.

Here are the 15 worst habits in the world of technology, which should be avoided at all costs.

1. Do not use security software

So you thought you could live without utilities against viruses and malware, just paying attention to the links you click on web pages and emails. It’s working? I bet not for long.

For the love of all that is sacred, use something, anything, to protect your PC from criminals who would love to have you, your computer and your bank account as a target.

2. Do not back up your computer

The funny thing about people who do not back up information on their computers and dedicated server is that they always have a “good” excuse. “I know I’m wrong, but …”. Listen: ALL hard drives eventually fail. All. Yours will also fail. It’s not a question of if-but-when, and you should be prepared.

3. Do backups “off-site”

Suppose a thief enters your house and steals your notebook. You think, “no problem, I did a full backup last night.” But then you discover that the thief also stole the hard drive backup, which was on the side of the notebook. Oops!

Store your data in multiple locations, with automatic backups for data stored remotely (eg, cloud computing). And to make plans to recover the data, always preparing for the worst case scenario.

4. Responding to SPAM

You know why spammers continue to fill your mailbox? Because there are a large enough number of people who respond to the messages, making the effort to send them worthwhile. Yes, click on “remove my e-mail” at the bottom of the message counts as an answer, as it confirms to the spammer that your address exists, is active and there is a “client” potential reading the messages.

Only on rare occasions, if the message comes from a legitimate company, your e-mail is actually removed from the list when you click the link. Remember: If you are not part of the solution, it is a part of the problem. Also invest some time in learning how to operate the anti-spam solutions for your email client or provider. We guarantee it’s worth.

5. Walking around with a notebook connected

It is okay to take your laptop in the kitchen and bring it to the room when it is still working. Now, take the notebook from the office, play it on inside a backpack and face half-hour subway and walk a mile is a BAD idea.
A hard disk in operation can be damaged even by a small impact (such as a bump in a car), and computers can easily overheat if left indoors. Turn off your computer before transporting it.

6. Print all

You can have digital copies of all forms, receipts and vouchers you need, just install a free software such as PDFCreator that can “print” PDF files from any Windows program. To that waste paper? Even today forms can be digitally signed, so think before you print twice: Do I really need a copy of this paper? Your pocket and the environment will thank you.

7. Using a laptop in bed

You can use your laptop in bed is all  you want. The problem is when you leave it on leaning on beautiful goose down comforter. Quilts, blankets, pillows and cushions can block the vents of the computer, causing overheating and damage to components. In addition, you may end up with a hell of a stiff neck if you use the computer in an unnatural position. Use a notebook or coffee table to keep the machine in a comfortable position and ensure a good flow of air.

8. Leave the laptop in the car

Thieves lurk in parking lots and are on the lookout for busy looking people in suits who absentmindedly leave their laptop bags in the car, even for a few minutes. All they have to do is break the window, grab the bag and voila, your laptop is history in less than ten seconds.

Placing the bag in the trunk of the car on a busy street in plain sight is also very bad idea. Bandits can follow you and wait for you to attack, either with gun in hand or by simply opening the trunk when you park, something even easier to break than the window.

If you need to leave the notebook in the trunk, make it in a discreet location, away from prying eyes. Better yet, take your notebook with you.

9. Do not have a “disposable” e-mail

Do not give your primary e-mail address to questionable sites or people you met at the club. A  “disposable” address that you check from time to time is a better solution. That’s how GMail was invented.

10. Save all your emails!

All messages that you received in your life are sitting there in your inbox in chronological order? Congratulations! You not only have a perfect record of all your online communication as a guarantee that you never  again be able to find an important message in the middle of it all.

Use folders and tags (markers) to separate your messages by category (business, personal, important, etc.) and be liberal in the use of the Delete key to delete messages that you will no longer avail.

11. Do not learn the keyboard shortcuts

Did you know there are people who do not know that Ctrl + C is used to copy an item and Ctrl + V to paste? I’m not saying you have to memorize all the combinations of Alt, Ctrl and Shift keys exist, but the more you learn, the sooner you finish the job. It’s simple: it takes more time to catch the mouse and click on File / Save than to press Ctrl + S.

12. Install too much

Why is Windows so slow? Because you installed three instant messaging programs and seven toolbars in your browser. Once everything is installed, the damage is already done, because many of these programs leave behind traces that are difficult to eliminate. You can make an effort to clean up your PC, but to be aware is the best option. Before installing a program, ask the question: Do I need it?

13. Save files anywhere

When the bill comes, you throw it on the table in a stack of family photos, flyers pizza (pizza flyers), the Sunday newspaper and a lot of DVDs? Or you spend the 20 seconds needed to put them in the right place? Needless to respond. As with e-mails, organize your files into folders. They are your friends.

14. Using a single password for everything

It’s like an express lane for identity thieves!

Nowadays, having a unique password for each site is impossible, but at least use a set of multiple passwords, and save the best for the most important services.

15. Do not lock your smartphone

When a crook finds a lost smartphone, the first thing he will check long distance calls and etc. Then he will collect all the information he can use to spam or for identity theft.

But you can avoid it by placing a simple password on the device. Or invest in security tools that allow the unit to be locked up and away; “format” the internal memory with a simple command via SMS, preventing your information from falling into the wrong hands.