Handy How-To's

How to protect your sensitive information when browsing the Internet The web browser is your window to the Internet. Unfortunately, it is also the Internet's window to you! Learn how to put a curtain on that window through these safe browsing tips.  A safe browsing strategy Your web browser keeps a record of the information that you type into it as you interact with various websites.  It also keeps track of your browsing history. As it accumulates more and more information about you, your browser is turning into a  treasure trove that is a tempting target for thieves.   Cyber criminals can steal your information in several ways: (a) by copying it from your computer, smartphone or tablet, (b) by intercepting it as it travels through the Internet, and (c) by copying it from the websites that you interact with. Here is a safe browsing strategy that covers those points of attack: Reduce the information kept by your browser Keep your computer, smartphone and tablet malware-fr

Charge your smartphones and other electronic gadgets with care, or else they might break prematurely or even catch fire. Here’s how: (1) Use the right charger, (2) Prevent heat buildup, and (3) Replace worn-out parts. Use the right charger Charge your gadget with the charger that was supplied with it, or with another charger of the same current rating (such as 1.0 amps, 2.1 amps, etc.). The current rating of a charger is printed on its body, as can be seen in the example below. Use a fast charger only if absolutely necessary. Fast charging shortens the life of the battery. Prevent heat buildup When charging your gadget, allow heat to escape freely by (1) Removing your gadget from its case, and (2) laying it on a well-ventilated, heat-resistant surface such as a bare tabletop. Prepare a spot where you can safely charge your gadget. For example, turn a small table into a charging station. If you need to charge several gadgets simultaneously, install an electrical power st

I don't like commercial underarm deodorants for several reasons. They make my armpits sticky. They cause unsightly stains on my clothes. And while a scented deodorant smells fresh and clean right off the bottle, it doesn't smell so good anymore when the proverbial rubber meets the road. Moreover, in my experience, a commercial deodorant becomes less and less effective as time goes on. Finally, the microscopic particles of silver, aluminum and other chemicals used in deodorants are reportedly harmful to the body and the environment. My search for a safe, no-frills deodorant has led me to plain old baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). I have been using it for several months and I am quite satisfied with it. While you can put baking soda powder directly on your underarms, I must caution you against it because the baking soda crystals will scratch your skin. A better way is to apply it in liquid form. How to prepare a no-frills baking soda deodorant First, find a roll-on deodo