IT Security Tip #38: Don’t Just Throw Out That Old Computer

Getting rid of old computers or servers? Did you know that the components used in technology equipment are not landfill-safe? On top of the environmental hazards, unprotected e-waste typically contains a lot of confidential and private information in the form of saved passwords, Internet history and files left on the retired computer or server.

As a first prevention step, find a local recycling facility where e-waste can be safely disposed of. And make sure to take the following #1 security precaution before you haul it off: remove and destroy the hard drives. A drill and hammer usually do the trick just fine. Alternatively, many companies that shred paper documents will also destroy your hard drives.

Don’t forget other e-waste such as mobile phones, copy machines and any other device that ever touched your company data. Give serious thought to what data is on any device before you recycle it.

PowerPoint: Ace that presentation with a little help from Designer.

PowerPoint Designer helps your slides look their best.

While you’re putting your ideas onto a slide, Designer works in the background to match your content to professionally designed layouts.

Designer suggests different ways to integrate pictures with text. It also helps with charts, lists, and more.

Shortcut of the Week

Pressing Ctrl + Backspace deletes a full word at a time instead of a single character.

Holding down the Ctrl key while pressing the left or right arrow moves the cursor one word at a time instead of one character at a time. If you want to highlight one word at a time, hold down Ctrl + Shift, then press the left or right arrow key. Your highlighted selection moves one word at a time in that direction.

The Computer Center’s Weekly Webinar Series

Take advantage of The Computer Center’s webinar series that helps you learn how to protect your small business and your employees without leaving your office!

• Thursday, September 19 – What Your Law Firm Must Know Before Moving to the Cloud
• Thursday, September 26 – Why Your Law Firm Must Have 2 Wireless Networks
• Thursday, October 3 – What Every Lawyer Must Know About Data Encryption and Security
• Thursday, October 10 – Protecting Client Data – Behavior vs Technology

Follow the link to register for more information.

Have an unfortunate co-worker that’s not getting a copy of the TCC Tuesday Tidbits? Forward them your copy. Or, better yet, have them sign up at https://computer-center.com/tidbits/

Submit your TCC Tuesday Tidbit requests and ideas to me by calling (608) 755-1524.

Sincerely,

James Pearson, President
The Computer Center
One Parker Pl, Ste. #655
Janesville, WI 53545
(608) 755-1524