Your computer uses memory to run your Operating System, applications, peripherals, and to generate and display graphics on your computer monitor. Video memory is a form of RAM, and is either built into your motherboard; or on a graphics card (video card). Depending on the motherboard’s configuration, and that of the video card (if separate or built-in to the motherboard), your computer may have to draw on its own RAM memory to meet its video memory needs. This creates shared memory, where your computer’s RAM will be shared between its own Processor (CPU) and its graphics chip.

The result is that some systems will have shared memory, some will not. If you have 2GB (for example) of system memory installed, you may notice that your system reports significantly less memory. This is because your system is using shared memory for your video.

What can you do about this?
You can actually configure this shared memory through your computer’s BIOS settings. However, this is a setting best left alone, since it is typically optimized for display performance, and making changes may impact display resolutions, and other video capabilities.

The simplest solution is usually to either: increase your system memory; or to upgrade the video hardware. By upgrading to a new video card with built-in video memory, then turning off shared memory, you will free your system to use it’s maximum potential memory, and provide your system with much more robust video features.

Minimum suggested memory for your computer has reached 4GB. But I suggest that if you are in the market for a new PC, be sure to get a 64-bit computer with at least 6GB of memory. Today’s web sites and game sites host amazing graphics and animations that require more than the standard 2 GB. And having at least 6GB will prevent stalls and system crashes if you are running multiple applications such as a media player along with browsing the internet. Don’t be left out! Its the cheapest thing you can do to experience the web at its fullest potential!

“There’s definitely been a rise in fraud cases involving debit cards and identity theft,” said Sgt. Larry LaFlower, public information officer with the Porter County Sheriff’s Department.

Each day, LaFlower said, officers hear from residents who’ve discovered someone has used their accounts, names and dates of birth to make fraudulent purchases online or open new accounts under false pretenses.

Bob Buhle, senior partner with Merrillville-based Centier Bank, said employees always are learning about new scams and reminding customers to be careful with their personal information.

“A bank is going to pay attention to your security,” he said. “One of our tenets with our clients is that they feel their information is secure with us. These particular types of scams are getting smarter and a little bit cleaner.”

As more and more people become comfortable with email and cellphone texting technology, they need to be cautious with the messages they receive.

For example, some scams persuade people into clicking on a link in a message and sharing their personal information. Buhle said it’s highly unlikely any bank would ask for a personal identification number or account information through an email or text message.

“The bank knows this information,” he said. “They’re not going to ask for it.”

Mary Biron, chief security officer with BMO Harris Bank, which has branches in Northwest Indiana and the south suburbs, said her bank would never ask for a PIN or other personal information over the phone or through email or text message.

“Customers should be suspect of anyone calling them or asking for this type of information,” she said. “This would most likely be a ruse to fraudulently obtain their information.”

In recent months, common scams have involved people hacking computer systems and checkout terminals, rummaging through trash containers and pickpocketing, Biron said. Many online debit card scams are conducted from international locations, she stated.

To spot fraud quickly, Buhle recommends checking and double-checking bank statements on a regular basis. He said many banks offer mobile notification if a major transaction is taking place and instant, secure access to accounts online.

“Today, there’s so many more convenient ways to check what’s going on in your account,” he said. “The sooner you can notify your bank of suspicious activity, the better.”

Biron said when customers spot suspicious activity on their accounts, they need to act quickly, notifying their local police department and their bank.

“At no cost to our customers, we are able to help those who are victims of identity theft and assist them in restoring their identity — providing critical help when customers need it most,” Biron said.

Copyright 2012 nwitimes.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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The downside to most toolbars’ is the fact that they need constant updating run by an internal script running in the background. This keeps the content and information shown on the toolbar current. It also slows down your internet browsing and alot of times “crashes” your browser by “not responding” to a click within a web site.

My recommendation to you is to uninstall any toolbar you might have. If you really need that information shown within the toolbar, then go to the actual site and retrieve it yourself.

I have received questions on how to properly get rid of it. Here is a question with my response to toolbar deletion problems.

Since I deleted it, we have had numerous problems. It is on Add/Remove programes but it won’t let us delete it. I keep getting this message: “This patch package could not be opened. Verify that the patch exists and that you can access it, or contact the applcation vendor to verify that this is a valid windows installer patch package.”

To properly delete it, try installing Advanced System Care and use the iObit Uninstaller tool in the Toolbox to “force” the uninstall. Then click the “Powerful Scan” button to scan the registry for leftover items related to the program, and delete them too. You can also use the Toolbar finder in the toolbox to search for all the toolbars on your PC and get rid of them in one location. Be sure to shut down and restart your PC, then defragment your hard drive with the Disk Defragmenter.

Click here to find out more information on how to keep your computer clean and optimized by using the 3 steps I have outlined on the “Speed-Up PC” page.

What are you waiting for?

I found this article in the Hammond Times on Thursday December 1st 2011 and found it interesting enough to place on the board. I think this “sums it up” when asking the question, “Are tablets replacing regular personal computers?” and other electronics.

The opinions are the writer’s. April Miller Cripliver, of Chesterton Indiana, holds a doctorate in management information systems and is a computer hardware and software consultant.

Q: I have heard tablet computers and cellphones are replacing the need for standalone hardware. What is your take on this?

A: I have been reading the same pundits who believe that some items are obsolete and should be put on the nearest garage sale table. I don’t agree, and here are my reasons:

Wristwatches
Sure, your cell phone has the correct time, but it’s a pain to have to take a cell phone out of its holster or from the bottom of your purse while you’re driving or otherwise engaged. Stick to the thing on your wrist.

Dedicated GPS
Most smartphones have a global positioning system, but the screen is so tiny. I think my hand-held GPS has more features, plus I have the ability to update my maps whenever I want to and not when my cell service provider feels like giving an update. Also, what do you do when you get a call when your next turn is coming up?

Digital cameras
Sure, cellphone cameras work in a pinch, but the quality and versatility of your “big camera” are unsurpassed. You have optical zoom on the bigger one, too.

Camcorders
Most smartphones can double as camcorders, and most of the newer digital cameras also can shoot high-definition video. However, if you’re fussy about your video, nothing beats the full–strength camcorder.

Local storage
Cloud computing is here to stay, I know. But if you live in an area with iffy Internet service, sometimes you and your files will not connect. Keep your files close to you by keeping them locally stored as well as in the cloud.

Laptop computers
The tablet personal computer is great — most of the time. I’m a teacher and a writer. Tablet computers, to me, are consumptive devices. They’re great for checking email, the weather, the news, etc., but not for meaningful work. Have you tried typing a college paper on your tablet?

Portable media players
This one is a no–brainer to me. When I need to make a phone call, I need my cellphone to have the battery to deliver my request. I don’t want to waste battery on music or movies. My cellphone’s storage isn’t as large as my iPod either. I rest my case.

Non-smartphones
I have some dear family members who wouldn’t know how to use a smartphone, yet they still need a phone in case of emergencies. The industry needs to serve this sector as well.

Landlines
If you live in an area with poor cellphone reception, a landline is still required. Period.

Read more: On this article

Click here to find out more information on Malwarebytes Anti-Malware protection for your personal computer.

Download the Windows Developer Preview Guide below to learn about new features for developers, consumers, and businesses.

Click here to check out the Windows Developer Preview Windows 8 Guide

Click here to read more and to see pictures of a dirty, dusty computer.

CCSAM wants you to be safe! Of course you can pay to protect your identity, but there are simple things you can do that don’t cost a thing!

Please review the following checklist and safeguard yourself against possible identity theft:

THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT IDENTITY THEFT

Get a BETTER Internet Web Browser
One of the first things you can do is replace your current internet web browser with the safe, lightning fast and FREE Firefox! Why? Because most people are still using Internet Explorer version 7.0 and older. The vulnerability found by leading antivirus companies which used Internet Explorer to attack Google and other companies has already been found. On more than 100 other popular websites! It’s spreading fast! When using browsers such as Internet Explorer, if you visit targeted web sites, you can become infected instantly without any knowledge! Without clicking on anything! Without downloading anything! All you have to do is visit these targeted web sites. And before you know it, you’re infected! Firefox includes all of the functionality, reliability, security and speed you can expect from a great web browser! Over 1 billion people have it installed on their computers!

What are you waiting for?

Protect Yourself Against Spyware
Spyware is malware downloaded to your computer or website, without your knowledge or consent, that runs in the background and collects information about you: Make sure whatever anti-virus program you’re running on your personal computers includes spyware protection, as well. Microsoft Security Essentials offers basic anti-spyware for free, while charging for advanced protection. And great antivirus protection is the most important and critical program you need for your computer. Many people do not have a newer version of an antivirus because they keep having to pay for newer versions. This means you must install the latest software once every year or two. Not just the daily updates that you pay for. That’s why I recommend Microsoft Security Essentials. Once installed on your computer, the program updates virus definitions every day automatically. It also upgrades to the newer version once it is available. That’s protection I can trust. All for a great price! FREE!

Click here for complete instructions on how to replace your existing Anti-virus program with Microsoft Security Essentials.

OR Click here to get Microsoft Security Essentials

Click here to download a PDF file for instructions on how to replace your existing antivirus program with Microsoft Security Essentials Antivirus & Mal-Ware protection.

Please take careful notice! Having more than 1 antivirus program installed may result in program conflicts and cause unexpected crashes leading to failure or serious damage to your computer. Click here to get your antivirus removal tools for various programs before you install Microsoft Security Essentials.

Use Caution When Entering Information Online
When providing personal or financial information online, be certain that you have a secure connection. The URL in the address bar should change from “http” to “https” or “shttp.” A closed padlock symbol also often indicates that the connection is secure.

Create Strong Passwords
We realize that generating strong passwords, not to mention keeping track of them all, can be a hassle, but it’s critical that you have strong passwords for every site you use. Use a combination of numbers and letters NOT related to you or your personal life.

You may also want to check out PWDHash for more information. When you visit a site that requires you to create a password, enter a simple password you’ll remember, but before you submit it, run the PwdHash browser extension (Firefox, Safari or Chrome), and it will invisibly generate a custom, strong password for that site. In the end, you only need to remember one password, which your browser is able to securely transform into a different, strong password for each site you use.

Use Discretion When Sharing Information
Use discretion when updating social media websites such as MySpace, Facebook & Twitter. Even if you limit the number of people who have access to your profile, tweets, etc., keep in mind that the information is still published online and can be copied and pasted elsewhere. If anyone asks you for personal information, make sure they are who they claim to be and that there is a legitimate reason for the request.

Stop Unsolicited, “Pre-Approved” Credit Offers
Opt out of pre-screened credit/insurance offers to prevent potential thieves from intercepting and accepting the offers in your name. Opting out doesn’t affect your eligibility for credit or insurance; visit OptOutPrescreen for more information.

You should also limit the amount of unsolicited emails you receive by customizing your spam filter settings. Every program has these tools available in the options, settings or preferences section.

Shred Confidential Information
When disposing of papers with account numbers or other identifying information, shred them! This includes convenience checks that come with your credit card statement, as well as unsolicited credit card offers.

Remain Vigilant: Review Your Accounts Regularly
Monitor your accounts online frequently, so you can discover potential issues without having to wait for bills or statements to come by mail. You also may want to check out MyIDScore. It’s a free service that reviews how likely it is your identity is being misused and provides ways you can reduce that risk.

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