#you could also set up multiple free accounts and use one as your backup and one as your active - s'why I rec 'get a new email'

[leveragehunters]

An alternative to google docs

To paraphrase a recent post: google docs is pants as a writing tool.

I'm suggesting MS Word as an alternative. Yeah, I know, it's not perfect, but it is (IMO), better than google docs.

But I'm not just suggesting Word when I suggest Word. I'm suggesting a free Microsoft account, which gives you Word and OneDrive.

It only takes a minute or two and a free account gets you:

Word in the browser

A OneDrive with 5gb of storage - now, 5gb might not be much holistically but in terms of text based documents, it's decent. My entire 'Fic' folder is 2.11gb. That's everything I've ever written and all their drafts, wips and their multiple drafts, betaed fics, ideas, writing refs and guidance, archived drafts/fics, AND the 500+ fics I've downloaded as epubs from AO3).

Excel, Outlook, Teams, OneNote - basically the whole Microsoft365 suite - in the browser

I use Word exclusively, both for fic and for work (where I write extensively), and the online version does everything I need. It autosaves, has version control/reversion, and sharing (if that's what you're into), and you can seamlessly copy and paste from Word into AO3's rich text editor - no formatting adjustments required.

Anyway, it's something to think about. If you want to give it a try, the simplest way is to create a new OneDrive account, which will also give you everything else.

Go here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/microsoft-365/onedrive/online-cloud-storage (clickable link)

Click 'Create a free account'.

Click 'get a new email address' and follow the prompts (recommended but not required) or use an existing email address. If you create a new email address, don't actually use it for email. It's just the umbrella the account sits under.

That's it; you're done.

[shadowglitch90]

Retro computer emulation/virtualization resources

Not too long ago, it was one of my hobbies to recreate and emulate old machines and try to use them in a somewhat 'legit' way in order to experience how using them in an accurate time-period might have felt like. While it's always better to use a real machine, it's also important to note that time-accurate machines are essentially a 'ticking bomb'. Some of the electronics inside can go bad at any given time, like capacitors, and other critical components might also go bad due to humidity, moisture in the air, changes in temperature, etc. Plus, they are not always cheap and they take space that you might not have.

This is why I prefer using emulators and virtualization software in order to virtualize a time-period accurate machine that I can use. This is the software I found that I like the most, and what systems I use them for.

DOSbox-X

This is a modified version of DOSBox that includes support for multiple video devices including 3dfx emulation (Voodoo), networking, and even printer support (emulated, but AFAIK it only prints in black and white). It's perfect for MS-DOS and Windows (1-3.11) emulation. Technically you could even install Windows 95 in it.

86-box

This is the way to go if you want to emulate old retro systems. No questions. The best part of it is how flexible it is. You can select the motherboard, the processor you want to emulate, the video card, you can also enable 3dfx support up to the Voodoo 2 (but it also emulates a Voodoo3 and the Banshee), sound card, literally every detail. It's like building a PC, but virtually. And it has hardware from the old 8086 IBM PCs to more modern Pentium 2 machines. It also has network and printer support.

The downside is that since it's low-level emulation, you need a 'beefy' CPU with very good single thread performance in order for more modern systems like Windows 9x and ME to run more smoothly. Another flaw is that for some reason the FP emulation for older processors doesn't work properly for some reason, so you might prefer to use DOSBox-X if you want DOS emulation. The 3dfx emulation is also 'so-so' and not very great, but it works.

It also requires valid ROMs, but you can search for a valid ROMset online (check Github) if you want to use it. For legal reasons, I can't provide links to them, but they are not hard to find.

VMWare Workstation Player

I choose VMWare over other virtualization solutions because of it's graphic drivers capable of running relatively new games from the mid 2000s, and because unlike VirtualBox (since version 6) it still supports old Windows versions, including XP, 9x, ME and old NT systems.

Broadcom wants you to buy a license for the Pro version so they hide the links to the free Workstation Player version. But they are still available and they even release updates once in a while (yes, it's free of charge).

In the link I'm providing, go to the 'player' folder and select the latest version (higher number, now it's 17.6.1) and your system to download VMWare Workstation Player. Then go to the 'ws' folder and select the same version and system, but then select 'packages' to download a matching copy of vmware tools.

Finding software

If you need software, there are three places you need to look for. One is archive.org, the other is WinWorld PC, and the other is Vetusware (requires an account). I can't provide links so search for them on your own. I also browse sites like oldversion.com, but I don't trust these too much, so go at your own risk (or better yet, don't). Naturally you should always buy the software you use, whenever it's possible, and use backups of your legally owned software.

Did you like this post?

I will make more posts in the future about how to set up these emulated machines and how I work with them.

[ricklucass]

Comprehensive Guidelines for Enhancing Security Through Web Hosting Practices

In today's digital age, having a website is essential for businesses, bloggers, and professionals alike. However, as the digital landscape expands, so does the threat of cyberattacks. One of the primary lines of defense against these threats is ensuring that your web hosting is secure. Here are some crucial web hosting tips to fortify your site against potential breaches.

1. Choose a Reputable Hosting Provider:

Not all hosting providers are created equal. Opt for a provider known for its security features and robust infrastructure. Research reviews, check their uptime statistics, and ensure they have a history of stable performance.

2. Regular Backups:

Ensure your hosting provider offers regular backups of your website. In case of any security breaches or data loss, having a recent backup allows you to restore your site quickly. Ideally, backups should be daily, with the option for manual backups when needed.

3. Use SSL Certificates:

Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificates encrypt the data between your website and its visitors. This is especially crucial for sites that handle sensitive information like credit card details or personal data. Many hosting providers offer free SSL certificates, so ensure it's activated for your domain.

4. Update Regularly:

Outdated software is a prime target for hackers. Whether it's your content management system (like WordPress) or plugins and themes, ensure everything is up-to-date. Many hosting providers offer automatic updates, which can be a lifesaver.

5. Implement Strong Password Policies:

 It might seem basic, but weak passwords are a common vulnerability. Use strong, unique passwords for your hosting account, website admin, and databases. Encourage (or enforce) strong password practices for all users on your site.

6. Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF):

A WAF sits between your website and incoming traffic, filtering out malicious requests. Some hosting providers offer integrated WAFs, but third-party solutions can also be effective.

7. Monitor for Malware:

Regularly scan your website for malware or suspicious activities. Some hosting providers include malware scanning and removal as part of their packages. If yours doesn't, consider investing in a reputable security plugin or service.

8. Limit Login Attempts:

Brute force attacks, where hackers try multiple combinations to guess your password, are common. Limiting the number of login attempts can thwart such attacks. Many security plugins offer this feature, and some hosting environments have it as a default setting.

9. Disable Directory Listings:

If directory listing is enabled, hackers can easily see the contents of directories on your website. This can expose sensitive data or reveal site structure, making it easier for them to exploit vulnerabilities. Ensure directory listings are disabled in your hosting settings.

10. Opt for Dedicated or VPS Hosting:

Shared hosting means your website resides on the same server as many others. If one site gets compromised, it can potentially affect all others on the same server. Virtual Private Servers (VPS) or dedicated hosting provide isolated environments, reducing such risks. Check out here to know more.

11. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):

2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring two types of identification before granting access. This could be a password combined with a code sent to your phone. Implementing 2FA for your hosting and website admin can significantly enhance security.

12. Stay Informed:

The world of cybersecurity is ever-evolving. Stay updated with the latest threats and best practices. Join forums, subscribe to cybersecurity blogs, or be part of online communities. The more informed you are, the better equipped you'll be to protect your site.

In Conclusion

Securing your website is not a one-time task but an ongoing commitment. As technology advances, so do the tactics of cybercriminals. By choosing a secure hosting provider and following best practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of your site being compromised.

Remember, while these tips provide a robust foundation, no site can be 100% secure. Always be vigilant, monitor your site's health, and act swiftly if you notice anything amiss. In the digital realm, a secure website not only protects your data but also builds trust with your visitors, making it an investment worth making.

[universalinfo]

Is Online Bill Pay Right for Your Business?

Are you finding it hard to keep track of all your bills, and worried about missing deadlines or incurring late fees? Online bill pay could be the answer. If you’re running a small business or at an enterprise-level operation, having an upgraded system for making payments on time can help reduce financial headaches and make bookkeeping easier. Let’s take a look at what online bill pay is accurate and how it might benefit your company.

Defining Online Bill Pay and its Benefits

Online bill payment is a service offered by many banks and financial institutions that allows users to easily make payments on bills and other recurring expenses. Business owners can use the service to automate their bill pay process, setting up regular payments with certain vendors, as well as one-time transactions. This helps ensure that all payments are made on time, eliminating the risk of costly late fees and helping to maintain a good relationship with vendors.

Pros:

The convenience of online bill pay can reduce administrative costs associated with paper-based bills paying, such as processing time and postage expenses.

By signing up for an electronic payment program, businesses can speed up the process significantly and save money in the future.

If an invoice needs to be sent to multiple people, you are able to do so quickly and easily helping expedite the payment process.

Security is another major benefit of online bill pay. Banks and financial institutions offering this service typically use encryption technology to protect user information from hackers, meaning that your business’s sensitive data will remain secure. This can help to reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft, as well as protect your business from costly data breaches.

Cons:

Vendors may not accept electronic payments. This means that you might still have to manually process paper-based checks or other forms of payment for those particular bills.

If your business relies heavily on cash transactions or deals with a lot of customers who prefer to pay in person, then using an online payment system could make it difficult or impractical.

Some banks may charge a fee for using their online bill pay service, so be sure to investigate all available options and determine which one will work best for you.

How to Choose the Right Online Bill Pay Provider

When deciding on an online bill pay provider, it’s important to consider the features that are most important to your business. Does the service offer integration with other tools or accounting software? What types of payment methods does it accept? Does it offer additional features such as automatic reminders for upcoming payments or updates about payment status?

Make sure to research any fees associated with the service. Some providers may charge setup or transaction fees, while others might offer free accounts for small businesses. Also, be sure to read the fine print and understand exactly what you’re signing up for before making a final decision.

Finally, consider how customer support is handled by the provider. Being able to easily contact a representative in case of issues or questions can be invaluable, so make sure that the service you choose has adequate customer support resources.

Setting Up the Right Security Measures with Online Bill Pay

When it comes to online bill pay, security is imperative. Retailers need to take the necessary steps to guarantee that their customers’ data remains safe and secure. This can be done by setting up multi-factor authentication for any payment system, utilizing strong encryption protocols on all devices, and restricting access to sensitive information when possible.

It’s also important for retailers to have a clear policy in place regarding data security and encryption. This should include information such as who is authorized to access customer data, what type of encryption algorithms are used, and how often backups are taken. It’s also important to keep up with the latest industry developments and regulations when it comes to online

Tips for Making Sure Your Customers Have a Smooth Experience with Online Bill Pay

Make sure your website has a secure login page for customers to access their payment accounts with robust encryption protocols and multi-factor authentication.

 Offer multiple payment methods, such as credit or debit cards, e-checks, and digital wallets, so that customers can choose the one that works best for them.

Use automated notifications to remind customers of upcoming payments or to update them on their payment status.

Provide clear and easy-to-understand instructions for setting up an online bill pay account, as well as step-by-step guidance on how to use the system.

Make sure customer support is available in case any issues arise.

Regularly review security policies and procedures to ensure that customer data remains safe and secure.

Conclusion

Online bill pay is a great way for retailers to restructure their payment process and provide customers with an efficient and secure way to pay their bills. By taking the necessary steps to guarantee that customer data remains safe and providing a smooth payment experience, retailers can benefit from increased customer satisfaction and lower costs associated with processing payments. Ultimately, it’s important to choose the right online bill-pay provider that meets the needs of your business, offers integration with other tools or accounting software, and provides adequate customer support. With the right provider in place, retailers can reap the many benefits of online bill pay.

[james-pelayo]

Comparing different types of battery power stations: Which one is right for you?

Are you tired of being tethered to a power outlet? A battery power station can be your solution. Whether you're camping, working remotely, or experiencing a power outage, having access to reliable electricity is essential. But with so many different types of battery stations on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of each type of battery power station so that you can make an informed decision and choose the perfect one for your needs. Let's dive in!

Pros and cons of each type of battery power station

When it comes to battery power stations, there are three main types: lead-acid, lithium-ion, and nickel-metal hydride. Each type has its pros and cons. Lead-acid batteries are the oldest and most traditional type of battery station. They're reliable and affordable but have a low lifespan compared to other types of batteries. Additionally, they're heavy and take up a lot of space due to their size. Lithium-ion batteries are more modern than lead-acid ones. They're lightweight, compact, and have a long lifespan compared to other types of batteries. However, they can be expensive upfront when purchasing them. Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) is another popular rechargeable battery technology for powering small devices such as cameras or portable audio equipment because these cells have high capacity capabilities at a lower cost than Lithium-Ion cells; while still offering good performance levels over time in terms of cycle life span potential versus total energy storage density per unit weight/volume ratio. Before deciding which one is right for you, consider your needs carefully so that you can choose the perfect option for your specific situation.

Which type of battery power station is right for you?

When it comes to choosing the right type of battery power station, there are several factors to consider that can help you make an informed decision. The first thing you need to do when considering a battery power station is to determine your energy needs. Knowing how much energy you need will help you choose the right size and capacity for your battery power station. Another factor to consider is portability. If you plan on using your battery power station while camping or traveling, then a lightweight and portable option might be best suited for your needs. On the other hand, if you plan on using your battery power station as an emergency backup at home or in case of natural disasters, a larger and more heavy-duty option may be necessary. Durability is also important when selecting a battery-powered generator. Look for models with sturdy construction and water-resistant features if planning outdoor activities such as hiking or camping where weather conditions can change without notice. Take into account any additional features such as solar charging capabilities or extra outlets that could make powering multiple devices easier during long trips away from electricity sources. Ultimately, choosing the right type of battery power station depends on individual circumstances including energy requirements, portability needs, durability concerns and added functionalities required by users.

Conclusion

After comparing the different types of battery power stations, it's clear that each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. If you're looking for something portable and affordable, a solar-powered battery station might be your best bet. However, if you need more power or want to charge multiple devices at once, a gas generator may be necessary. On the other hand, if you prioritize noise-free operation and eco-friendliness over everything else, then an electric battery station is definitely worth considering. Ultimately, the right choice for you will depend on factors like your budget, power requirements, portability needs and environmental concerns. So before making any decision about which type of battery power station to purchase or invest in make sure to do thorough research on features and specifications as well. Hopefully this guide has helped clarify some of these differences so that you can make an informed decision when choosing your next battery power station!