Connecting to the Internet can heighten your vulnerability to cyber-attacks. In addition to credit numbers, hackers can gain access to your tax returns and pass codes. They may even be able to totally disable your computer by infecting it with a virus. The following tips and strategies can help you avoid these issues.

Re-Think Your Passwords
Putting obvious words and codes as your passwords can make it easy for a hacker to gain entrance into your computer. You can strengthen your pass codes by incorporating special characters, numbers, and capitalizing letters.

Secure Email
Email is a viable way to stay in contact with family members, friends, and business associates. However, it can leave your computer unprotected and open to viruses. While you may have a trusted anti-virus program on your computer, your email recipients may not. You should also take care and never send your social security, credit card, and other important numbers through cyber-space.

Stay Alert to Phishing Scams
This method of fraudulent behavior uses fake Internet sites to gain access to your personal information. Most individuals think the businesses are legitimate and click on the links attached to the email. If you don’t recognize the address associated with the email, it’s best to delete it.

Shopping Safety
The Internet has made it easy to shop from the comforts of your computer. While it may be nice not having to travel from store to store, you need to ensure that the places you shop online are secure, especially when you use your credit card to purchase items. Symbols to look for at check-out include the locked padlock icon and a statement that reassures its customers that the site is secure.

Online Games and Activities
In addition to shopping, email, and work, most individuals use their PC for recreational purposes. Before you communicate with other gaming activity members, you want to make sure that your security software is up and running when you play games.
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Preparing your home for the winter is something that takes little time, but can make a large difference. A little preparation can keep your home comfortable during the winter months. It can also result in lower energy bills. You should take a few steps to prepare you home for the winter.

Seal Windows and Gaps
The first step should be to use caulk, weather-stripping, or other products to seal windows, cracks, and gaps along door frames. You want to examine your walls to see if any gaps are present that could allow cold air inside. Caulk around your windows. This will help to protect your home against drafts. It will also lower your heating costs during the winter.

Take Care of the Gutters
Take care of your gutters by cleaning them out thoroughly. Remove anything that is inside of the gutter channel. Look at all of the attachments. Be certain the gutters are connected to the house firmly. Clean gutters can help to stop ice dams from developing while also protecting your house against water damage.

Drain Outdoor Faucets and Watering Systems
Turn off the water supply to any outdoor faucets. You do not want water in the faucet to freeze and burst the pipe. Similarly, if you have sprinklers or an irrigation system, drain it completely or take it inside for the winter. This will prevent cold temperatures from destroying parts of the system.

Get Your Heating System Inspected
Schedule a professional inspection for your heating system. A technician will be able to tune your system so that it works efficiently. Technicians can also make small repairs so that the heating system works throughout the winter. This is important since you want low heating bills and a system that will not break down during the coldest days of the year.
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Let’s face it; no one enjoys raking. However, it’s a common part of yard work, and someone has to do it. With that in mind, why not do what you can to make the task easier? There are steps and techniques you can apply to reduce the amount of frustration raking may cause. Here are a few.

1. Rake with the wind.
Instead of fighting nature in all of its power, rake leaves in the direction the wind is blowing. This makes it easier, as the blowing of the wind will help to group the leaves up and do some of the work for you. Even if it means raking in a direction you normally wouldn’t, the leaves can still be easily transported later by using a tarp. This means you an easily transport the leaves to a compost pile or trash bin.

2. Mow the lawn instead of raking.
If you need to mow the lawn, consider waiting to rake until afterwards. Cutting the grass first will allow you to turn many of the leaves into mulch, which not only reduces the amount of work you have to do, but returns many nutrients into the soil where it belongs. You get a healthy lawn and you don’t have to rake as much; it’s a win-win.

3. Rake downhill.
Much like raking with the wind, raking downhill can be much easier than going uphill and trying to fight against gravity. Not only do the leaves move more easily, but you also don’t tire yourself up climbing up a hill with each and every pull.

It’s not a fun job, but it’s necessary. However, by implementing these three tips into your routine, you can save yourself a lot of trouble and get the job done more quickly in the process.
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Your insurance needs often change when you undergo major life changes. In order to ensure that you have coverage that is adequate for your needs, you may need to update your policy. Below are examples of life changes that may change your insurance needs:

Teenager Starts Driving
If you have a teenager who just started driving, then it is time to review your auto insurance coverage. Adding a teen driver to your insurance policy can make it more expensive. However, your insurance agent may be able to help you find ways to save money when you add your teen to your insurance policy.

You Have A Home-Based Business
Many people think their existing home insurance plan will also cover a home-based business. However, that is not always the case. You may need to get a separate policy for your home-based business. Make sure that you speak with your insurance agent.

You Have A New Job
If you recently started a new job that requires a shorter commute to work, then you may need to update your auto insurance policy. You may be able to save money on your insurance policy if there is a major change in your annual mileage.

Your Family Is Changing
If you have recently gotten married or had a child, then you will need to update your home and life insurance. You may also need to update your auto insurance. New responsibilities typically warrant a change in insurance.

You Are Getting Ready To Retire
Retirement is a time when you finally get to relax. However, this is also a time to update your life insurance policy.

Because you are likely to experience major life changes, your insurance needs are likely to change also. That is why it is important to review all of your policies regularly and update if necessary.
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No one ever said that Halloween is just for kids. There are some fun parties that you can attend as a couple, or you can host your own party at home. You can also dress up to take your children trick or treating. Here are some couples costumes that will make the evening fun and festive for everyone.

Ketchup and Mustard
You can usually find these costumes at retail stores, or you can find plastic wrap that is of the corresponding colors. Add an additional treat by putting a hot dog or hamburger costume on your children.

Famous Couples
This is a costume idea where you can’t go wrong. Find a couple who you resemble or a couple who you enjoy. It could be someone from a television show, movie, or even from history. Try to get the details as realistic as possible so that others think you are really the famous pair.

Ken and Barbie
Take Halloween as a chance to make yourself look like dolls. One of you will be the masculine Ken, and the other will be Barbie with the long blonde hair and stylish clothes. You can step up the costume by creating a box with pink paint that will make each of you look like you haven’t been opened.

The Flintstones
Whether it’s Fred and Wilma or Barney and Betty, this is a costume idea for those who only have one small child. Dress the child as the one from the couple on the show. Make sure you add enough make up so that you have the stone age look.

Food Costumes
There are several food ideas for costumes as a couple. Walk together as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or become a tasty breakfast of eggs and bacon. You can also go as milk and cookies or a waffle and syrup.
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Pumpkin carving is a fun-filled activity that makes you long for Halloween year after year. However, it is important to exercise care and attention, as a little negligence can lead to serious injury generally involving wounds to the palm and fingers.

Pumpkins are tough and slippery, and can easily cause the knife to slip from the hands and cut in the wrong direction. Here are some pumpkin carving safety tips that can be used to avoid injuries:

Get Hold of the Right Tools
There are a number of specialty tools available on the market. You can also search for professional pumpkin carving tools online. There are also tools specifically designed for children. These tools come with all the safety features needed to carve the pumpkin. It is also easier and less time-consuming to use a dedicated tool for carving a pumpkin.

Carve before Removing the Pumpkin Top
This will keep you from using the knife inside out and cutting toward your hand. Also, before carving the pumpkin, stabilize it by holding the top and pointing the blade in the downward position.

Carve with Caution
Make sure that the room is well-lit. Don’t carve in a rush. If there is something else you must take care of, then tend to it before focusing on pumpkin carving. Rushing through it will only increase your chances of sustaining injuries. Also, ensure that your hands are clean and dry.

Stop Kids from Carving
Studies show that children are more likely to suffer from Halloween-related accidents. Don’t let them do the actual carving. If they’re eager to participate in the festivity, encourage them to mark the pattern using a marker. They can also assist with cleaning out the seeds and pulp after the actual carving is over. In any case, the carving must only be performed by an adult.
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It’s something most people have never experienced. The ground begins shaking, the house begins to sway, and trinkets topple from shelves – an earthquake. However, even if you have never experienced one before ,there are a few steps you should take to make sure you’re prepared. Here’s what to do during an earthquake.

Drop down onto your hands and knees.
This action lowers your center of gravity much lower to the floor, reducing your chance of injury from falling. Also, it enables you to move relatively quickly if necessary.

Cover your head with your hands.
Especially if you are inside a building, you should cover your head and neck. This will protect them from falling objects on shelves or walls. If possible, crawl under a sturdy table or desk or other furniture that isn’t going to collapse on top of you.

Hold on to your shelter.
Earthquakes vary in intensity, but they can often be very intense. You should hold tightly to whatever shelter you have until the shaking stops. If you cannot stoop down, stand inside an interior doorway – the frame is secure enough that you can brace against it without danger of something falling on you.

Get off the road.
If you’re driving during the time of the earthquake, try to move away from traffic and get away from power lines and trees. Once you resume driving, be wary of hazards on the highway that may pose a risk to you or other drivers, such as fallen trees or telephone poles.

Knowing what to do in an earthquake may save your life. This is important material, even if you never expect to be in a situation where this information would be useful. Earthquakes can happen anywhere, at any time. Educating yourself on proper safety procedures could potentially save your life or the life of someone close to you.
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It’s officially that time of year! The weather will (hopefully) cool off soon and pumpkin patches and fall festivals are on the horizon. If you’re looking for the perfect pumpkin patch excursion for your family, we’ve got a few fantastic options in the Houston area. Whether you’re looking for a good location for fall family pictures or a day full of fall activities for the kids, this list is a great place to start.

Dewberry Farm

A Houston area favorite that includes an 8-acre corn maze and 8-acres of pumpkins for picking. The farm has tons of activities each weekend and also boasts a Punkin Hollar with more than 500 lighted pumpkins.

Blessinton Farm

From hayrides and train rides to animals for petting, this farm has a lot going on for the whole family and of course, includes a live pumpkin patch.

The 7 Acre Wood

Located in Conroe, this family fun park has all of the fall favorites and will also be hosting their 7^th Annual Thrill at the Mill, a free fall festival, on October 18^th from 10AM-4PM.

Halter Inc.

This non-profit organization serves children, teens and young adults through animal therapy. Their pumpkin patch is open every Saturday and Sunday in October and includes activities such as a petting zoo, hay ride, stock yard maze and haunted trail. Proceeds allow this non-profit to continue their services to the community.

Old MacDonald’s Farm

This is a 15-acre children’s paradise that includes a petting zoo, pony rides, train ride and swimming pool!

Pumpkin Patch on the Wild Side

This is a fall experience of a different kind, complete with camels, kangaroos and exotic animals! Put on by TGR Exotics, this day trip has options for hayrides, pumpkin painting, face painting and many more crafts.

Matt Family Orchard

This orchard provides fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the year and you guessed it, beginning in October the pumpkins are in their prime.

Old Time Christmas Tree Farm

From 10AM-7PM the farm is open for pumpkin pickers. Just don’t forget to bring your wagon to tote your pumpkins!

When it comes to best practices, there is no better one than that of operating a work environment that is conducive to a safe and healthy enterprise. Having said this, even the best workplaces have had complaints brought against them. To prevent this, there are several things one can do.

Sexual Harassment Talks
Even in this day and age, there are some people who do not understand what sexual harassment is and how it effects people’s work and home lives.

The truth is, when a person is harassed in this manner, they are demeaned in a way that hurts the company as well as the individual and his or her family.

By having a discussion with new hires (and old) about this topic, with true stories of how harassment effects teams, complaints can be curbed because they will not occur.

Talks Should be led by Team Leaders
The best way to learn about a subject is to teach it. For this reason, the leaders in the organization would do well to study and teach on the subject.

In doing so, this person will learn about surprising statistics, such as that 20% of all women will be attacked in their lifetime, and facts like what constitutes sexual harassment.

Empower Employees to Stop Harassment Before it Starts
Sometimes harassment occurs because someone feels powerless or others feel invincible. You can empower team members by giving them a voice and a process by which to stop potential harassment. Doing so will prevent issues that come up from becoming serious problems.

The process can start with the person telling another that his joke, comment, or contact makes the other person uncomfortable. The next step could be noting via email when it happens again. Following that, a meeting with a supervisor.

By taking control of this matter, instead of the other way around, you can have a company that focuses on making money and serving people, as opposed to settling complaints – interoffice or legally.
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Road rage is a serious problem. It can lead to accidents and other incidents on the road. You need make certain that you never give into feeling of frustration that can quickly become road rage. Several tips will help you to avoid road rage.

Allow Extra Time
Rushing to get to work on time can cause unnecessary anxiety and stress. This can cause you to become irritable and short-tempered. You want to always allow extra time when driving. Leave early so that traffic jams or bad drivers are not a problem. Listen to the road conditions before you leave so that you are not surprised by new construction or accidents causing delays.

Remember Driving Is Not a Contest
It is important to keep in mind that driving is not a contest. You are not competing against other drivers. You want to remain neutral and objective, even if another driver is being a problem on the roads. Your goal is to get to your destination safely. Ignore drivers who seem to be competing and taking risky actions just to get ahead of other cars.

Never Engage Other Drivers
Road rage often starts when drivers begin engaging with each other. This could be done with rude gestures, screaming. or other actions. You never want to engage other drivers while you are angry or while they appear angry. Remain in your car with your hands on the wheel. Do not meet the stares of other drivers and do not respond to screaming or hand gestures.

Keep the Inside of Your Car Calm
Something that can make a frustrating commute worse is a car that is filled with angry or intense music. You want to keep the inside of your car calm. Aggressive or fast music is likely to make you more willing to indulge in road rage. Keep your car quiet or play something low and relaxing. This can help you to stay calm while driving.
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