3 Computer Security Essentials Every College Student Needs

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Everybody needs to take measures to protect the private information stored on their computer, but for college students, security becomes even more important. Many college students have to go back and look through their old schoolwork to put together portfolios and sometimes even resumes - but if something happened to that information, like a simple hard drive failure, years of hard work could be gone forever.

This guide will cover three easy ways to ensure your data remains safe and secure no matter what happens to the computer itself.

1. Heavy Duty Virus Scanner

Viruses can happen to anyone. Most people who don't look out for viruses can have them for months without even noticing. Not all viruses are malicious and obvious. Some of them steal your information quietly and discreetly. You might pick up a virus from otherwise honest sources - sometimes legitimate websites accidentally run fraudulent advertisements that trick visitors into downloading nasty software. Even just visiting an infected webpage can pass the malicious software to your computer.

2. Anti-Theft Software

Hackers aren't even the biggest danger. Thieves can do much more damage. If a person is bold enough to steal your laptop, it's safe to assume they are bold enough to use your credit card information or even your identity too. A prankster in another dorm might decide to make embarrassing posts from your social networking accounts. Anti-theft software will help you track down your computer after a theft, and some software will even take a picture of the thief with your webcam and send it to your email.

3. Multiple Secure Backups

Sometime during your college career, you will need to put together a portfolio of previous work. This common task is impossible if you happened to lose your data somewhere along the line. Anything from a virus to hardware failure can erase all of your hard work. Make sure to backup your data to at least two sources - an online copy and physical copy are usually sufficient.

Much is at stake. Your irreplaceable photos, your receipts and invoices for tax time, even your passwords and login information is easy target for thieves or hackers unless you take the appropriate preventative measures. Thieves aside, all it takes is for a pet to knock your laptop off the table for your information to disappear forever, irretrievable to even the most experienced computer professionals. Don't leave your data security to chance.

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Going Off to College? - How to Select a Student Laptop That Rocks In Price and Quality

Virtually every manufacturer claims to produce the best student laptops. And whilst it is true that there are wide selection of quality laptops out there, there is no such thing as "one laptop fits all."

Before a student buys a laptop, he needs to think about what he'll be using his laptop for and even how often he will be using it. For example, an engineering major would most likely have a need for a more powerful laptop than a business administration major.

So user profile is key. If you are a helpless academic that relies on his notebook heavily to do calculations, check theories and do class assignments, then portability and battery life would mean a lot. For you, a thin-and-light laptop may be best. If you a voracious bookworm that uses a laptop (in one spot) for long stretches when working on projects, researching or just plain reading, then you could do with a mid range laptop.

This machine would come with a larger display and keyboard for comfort but yet offer decent portability. But you know what they say, "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy". Sure you want use a laptop to help with your school work and get good grades but college can be boring with without that fun factor.

If you are serious but at times a fun loving student, the best student laptop for you would be an entertainment laptop; one with Blu-ray, great display and sound. If you are a bit extreme on the "play" side of the equation, then a party animal like yourself could do with a gaming laptop. Perhaps you are an extra-light traveler.

You just need to carry around a small mobile computing assistant while your main laptop or desktop PC stays put. For you, a tablet computer would be more suitable. In this day and age of downsizing, recession and increasing trade deficits, many students may seriously struggle to find the extra cash to buy a laptop. If you are on a tight budget, comparison shopping is extremely important.

This is why for each category of student, we recommend 3 different laptops/tablets that may suit your needs and budget. We feel it is also important to educate yourself on what to look for in a college laptop. No, we don't expect you to be tech savvy, but it helps to know the basics.

For example, what are the differences between a college notebook that has a solid state hard drive (SSD) and one that has a traditional hard drive? Why is this distinction important? How much processing power do I need? Do I really need an extended warranty?

The student laptop guide can help you get up to speed with the basics. One last thing to note; some schools require that students use laptops that are configured in a certain way. This is to ensure that the less-tech savvy students own laptops that can cope with the needs of their courses.

We therefore suggest that you check with your school first. You may find that students are offered discounts on college-recommended laptops. Furthermore, you would at least be certain that a college-recommended laptop would have the software and specs you need.

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