meo Archives - Reactual

How Standalone HEPA Air Filters Work

Justin Thomas — Thu, 05 May 2016 16:25:14 +0000

We’re all keenly aware of air pollution. If you ask someone about it, they might point to the smoggy haze that hangs over Los Angeles, fumes from a smokestack at an industrial site, or smoke from a burning pile of leaves. What many fail to consider is that, even in the cleanest home, air pollution exists indoors as well. Indoor pollutants can result in irritation to the lungs, and contribute to worsening symptoms of allergies and asthma. Standalone HEPA air filters are an increasingly popular way to combat indoor pollutants.

While most people dust and vacuum on a regular basis, these efforts may just be moving the dirt around rather than removing it from your environment. To effectively remove air–polluting irritants from the home, many are turning to HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) air purifiers. This guide will explain what standalone HEPA air filters are, how they work, and what kinds are on the market today.

Environmental Pollutants

Common dirt particulate, invisible to the naked eye, include dust mite debris, bacteria, plants spore, mold and smoke, typically measured in microns of .5 to 100 microns. A micron is equivalent to 1/25,000th of an inch. A human hair is typically 50–100 microns. HEPA air filters are effective in trapping dirt as small as 0.3 micron. HEPA filters are typically composed of a non–woven synthetic fiber. Some HEPA filters may be made of glass fiber. HEPA filters traps dirt in four ways:

Impaction: As air flows through the filter, particles larger than 0.5 microns are propelled forward by the force of the air where they impact and stick to the surface of the filter.

Diffusion: Tiny particles of less than 1 micron are so light that rather than flowing with the air, they diffuse through the air. Because these tiny particles don’t follow the air path around the filter, the particles penetrate the fiber and become trapped.

Interception: Mid–range particles are not heavy enough to be inert, but are not light enough to be defused through an air stream. These particles will follow the air stream as it circulates the filter, and they are trapped in the filter as they pass by it.

Sieving: Sieving occurs when filter fibers are closely spaced together and particles cannot fit through the air space between the filter fibers, so they become lodged. This occurs with particles typically 1 micron or larger.

These four filtration methods combine for exceptionally high filtration of pollutants and environmental irritants, with the weakest point of filtration at 0.3 microns. HEPA filters, at their weakest, trap 99.97% of all microparticles. HEPA filters were originally developed by the nuclear industry, which needed this technology to ensure a thorough cleanup of dangerous, radioactive particles. The technology was also championed by factories and workplaces where the environment produces heavy amounts of dust as part of the manufacturing process. HEPA filters are also routinely used in places that require the highest hygienic standards because of their ability to trap mold spores, bacteria and viruses.

HEPA Filter Classifications

HEPA filters may be classified using a five-letter system, A through E. Each letter designation indicates how well the filter captures particles and resists airflow. A is the lowest ranking, but still meets the basic criteria to be classified as HEPA. E is the highest ranking and is considered military grade. E rated filters are able to handle chemical, radiological or biological particles. HEPA filters may also be rated as type 1 or type 2. Type 1 is fire resistant, and type 2 is semi–combustible.

What You Should Consider When Purchasing a HEPA Stand Alone Air Filter

When purchasing an air filtration system for home use, there are few key things to consider. First and foremost, look for filters designated as genuine HEPA filtration. You may also see the terms “True HEPA,” or “Absolute HEPA.” This indicates that the filter will pick up 99.97% or particles at 0.3 microns. Some manufactures may list their products as “HEPA–like,” or “HEPA type.” These products are not quantified in any way and may be much less effective than a true HEPA filter. A true HEPA filter will always quote the numbers regarding their effectiveness.

Be aware that air purifiers with true HEPA filtration may have slightly highly power consumption than air filters without HEPA, and they may be slightly noisier than other air purifiers. However, most people adjust quickly to the sound, and some people even find the “white noise” sound to be relaxing, The few extra dollars of electricity each month incurred using a HEPA air filter is more than offset by the improved health and comfort that comes with removing indoor environmental pollutants.

HEPA filters need to be cleaned or replaced periodically. You can check the price of replacement filters before purchasing an air filter to insure maintaining the unit will fit within your budget.

Types of Air Filters/Purifiers

When choosing an air filter, there are two basic types to choose from; room models, which are portable and may be easily moved from room to room, and whole–house models, which are built into the ductwork of forced air hearing and cooling systems. Let’s take a closer look at the room, or portable, models.

Room/Stand–Alone Air Filters/Purifiers

Room/stand–alone air filters typically weigh between 10 and 20 pounds, have a handle for easily moving between rooms, and can stand on a floor or table. When choosing a unit with true HEPA filtration, they can absorb 99.7% of indoor environmental pollutants. The HEPA filter inside the unit is replaceable and should be replaced once a year in most households.

Cleanable HEPA filters can be cleaned and reused. Room air filters use a built–in fan to suck in air. Some models may have a built–in service indicator light that indicates when it is time to clean or replace the filter. Some models may also have a dust sensor and air quality monitor that raises or lowers the fan speed automatically as pollutants in the air rise and fall.

The post How Standalone HEPA Air Filters Work appeared first on Reactual.

How To Set-Up A Wireless Projector System For Your Home

Justin Thomas — Wed, 04 May 2016 16:53:53 +0000

Projectors often need to be placed in the most inconvenient locations to connect your laptop or computer to – they are often hanging from a ceiling or sitting across the other side of the room. Thankfully, instead of trying to perform the trapeze each time you need to connect your laptop, tablet or phone to the projector, you are now offered a number of wireless solutions that allow you to stream content to a projector without wires. This makes life much more comfortable, whether you’re taking a portable Pico laptop to the boardroom with you or simply relaxing in the den using your projector as a home theater.

Using Apple Airplay to Stream Content Wirelessly to your Projector

If you’re lucky enough to be using a projector that supports Apple AirPlay, such as the excellent iDea Pico Projector or EUG 760+(A), you should be able to use its wireless streaming capabilities without buying additional hardware. You’ll need a device that supports AirPlay – Apple products running iOS 7.0 (or later) or OSX Mountain Lion 10.8 (or later) are your best bet, but you can also use software like 5KPlayer to stream from computers running Windows.

To use AirPlay on an iOS device, swipe from the bottom of the screen and open the Control Center. Choose AirPlay. Here you’ll see a list of the devices on the network set up to receive AirPlay content. Choose your projector from the list, and the content on your iOS device will be mirrored on the projector. Simple!

Using a Proprietary Wireless Adaptor to Connect to your Projector

If you already have an expensive projector, but it doesn’t have wireless capabilities, you’ll need to take another route. Projector manufacturers, recognizing the growing demand for wireless connectivity in projectors, often offer wireless dongles as an optional extra. Big names like Sony, Epson and BenQ offer wireless dongles for their popular projectors. USB wireless adapters are common on newer models, but wireless adapters with a VGA output are also available for many older projectors without USB ports. Check your projector manufacturer’s website to see if you can buy a wireless adapter for your projector from them or on Amazon.com.

Using a Full Wireless Kit to Turn a Non-Wireless Projector into a Wireless Projector

Proprietary wireless adapters are not available for every projector model, so a more versatile option is choosing a full wireless projector kit such as the BenQ Wireless FHD Kit. This wireless kit and others like it, works on any projector with an HDMI input. Wireless kits like this work somewhat like a virtual HDMI cable, and come with two digital boxes – one you plug into the HDMI output on your laptop or cable box and the other you plug into the receiving projector. This allows you to transmit up to a 1080p 3D picture.

Both the sending device and receiving device are powered by USB, so you should be able to keep wires to a minimum. This system works through line-of-sight, so the receiving box should be within 20 meters of the sending box.

While a wireless kit is particularly versatile, it’s important to consider their cost, which is about $100 to $350 depending on the brand and special features. Since an excellent new wireless projector can be purchased for less than $800, it might be sensible to consider replacing an old projector with a new wireless one instead of using a wireless kit.

Using a Projector-Connected Computer to Make your Projector Wireless

One of the simplest ways to get the functionality of a wireless printer is to connect a computer to the projector and use the projector as this computer’s output screen. Then, use software that allows you to mirror your content across the network on the projector-connected computer.

Such devices are now available in tiny sizes no bigger than a USB drive with a single HDMI output that you plug into your projector.

A version of this method is to use an Apple TV device connected to the projector, and then use Apple Airplay to stream content to the Apple TV. If you use a Windows PC or laptop connected to the projector, you can use software like AirServer to stream content in a similar fashion.

Alternatively, if your projector-connected device supports Windows, like the tiny Intel Compute Stick, you have a wealth of software options to help you stream content over the network to your projector. A simple option is the use of VNC (Virtual Network Computing), which allows you to mirror screens across computers and remotely control the computer as if you were operating it with a connected mouse and keyboard. Free VNC software clients and servers are available for a host of operating systems, including Windows and Android.

If you are planning to stream movies, TV and music to a home projector, consider installing Plex Media Server on your desktop computer and Plex client software on your projector-connected device. This allows you to send your media to the projector with consummate ease. Plex client software is available for a wide range of platforms, including Windows, OSX, ChromeOS and Android.

The post How To Set-Up A Wireless Projector System For Your Home appeared first on Reactual.

The Ruggedest Audio Player

Justin Thomas — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 07:16:42 +0000

In a Nutshell

The Cowon Plenue 1 portable MP3 player is diamond-carved out of a solid slab of aluminum, making it impressively durable. In addition to its durability, it’s equipped with the world-renowned Burr-Brown PCM1792A Audio DAC, allowing it to deliver awesome sound quality that any audiophile would love.

The Details

I’m a true audiophile (a guitar player, in fact) who wants music to resound in his ears and brain with clarity, power, and instrument separation. I’m also someone who loves to engage in certain outdoor activities like running and hiking. My wife and I do a good amount of traveling, too. What that all means for me is that I’m prone to exposing a quality portable MP3 player to getting banged or dropped and damaged. With that end in mind, my research tells me that the answer is the Cowon Plenue 1.

Carved out of a solid slab of aluminum using diamond-cutting CNC (computer numerical control) machining technology, the Plenue 1 is highly durable with its full metal body, anodized finish, and half-an-inch thickness. Additionally included with the device is a leather carrying sleeve for further protection. If I’m looking for a high quality portable music player with the most impressive durability and ruggedness, the Plenue 1 is my choice.

This is not at all an inexpensive MP3 player. It sells in the U.S. for about $900. However, the Plenue 1 is equipped with the world-renowned Burr-Brown PCM1792A Audio DAC which allows it to be one of the best of the best high-fidelity portable music players money can buy. According to the manufacturer, the PCM1792A “is a monolithic CMOS integrated circuit that includes stereo digital-to-analog converters and support circuitry in a small 28-lead SSOP package. The data converters use TI’s advanced segment DAC architecture to achieve excellent dynamic performance and improved tolerance to clock jitter.”

The Plenue 1 gives you wide file support, being able to play 24bit/192kHz PCM (WAV & AIFF), DXD (352.8/384kHz), and DSD128 (5.64MHz) formats. The device has also got 128 GB of memory which can be doubled. Reviews and testimonials about this portable music player’s sound quality are overwhelmingly outstanding.

Nothing is perfect. In addition to the hefty price tag that it carries, critics point out the Plenue 1’s absence of streaming support and third-party apps. Moreover, there are complaints about the awkwardness of the user buttons (not raised enough, not finger-friendly, easy to hit by accident) and there being less than 9 hours of battery life at full charge.

Nevertheless, for its durability and its awesome hi-fi sound, the Cowon Plenue 1 is worth the big bucks.

The Cowon Plenue 1 is available from Amazon for about $900.

The post The Ruggedest Audio Player appeared first on Reactual.

The Top Rated Waterproof Headphones

Justin Thomas — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:18:25 +0000

Today, water lovers can bring their tunes with them and still get quality sound. Not just for swimmers, waterproof headphones are beneficial for all sports enthusiasts since they are also sweatproof and can be rinsed off after use. By reading reviews across the web (iLounge and CrunchGear are good sources), we’ve come up with a list of the top rated waterproof headphones.

H2O Audio Surge 2G Waterproof Headphones

H2O Audio Surge 2G Waterproof Sport Headphones

H2o Audio, an innovator in developing underwater accessories, has recently released their improved Surge 2G waterproof headphones. These are the headphones used and endorsed by Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps. They are 100% waterproof for underwater submersion up to 12 feet and can be rinsed after a strenuous workout. Five sets of varying sized rubber tips are provided to find the right fit. According to iLounge, these earbuds form a more complete seal in the ear than other headphones they’ve tested. Also compared to other underwater options, the H2o Audio Surge 2G offers an unparalleled sound with a sound-isolating fit and bass amplified neodymium drivers to provide a balanced quality both above and below the water.

The plug is designed to fit into H2O Audio’s waterproof armbands and cases so is only compatible with the iPhone 3G and all iPod models. For other Mp3s or the original iPhone you’ll need a case with a pass-through port or an adapter.

The H2o Audio Surge 2G waterproof headphones retail for $49.99, but are currently on sale at Amazon for $25.59. Comes with a waterproof carrying case. Also offered is a model with a built-in waterproof microphone for around $50.00 here.

Aquapac Waterproof Headphones

The Aquapac waterproof headphones that operate at an underwater depth of 30 feet, but are not advised for use beyond 10 feet due to pressure on the ear. Underwater headphone testers at iLounge gave the Aquapacs a B rating. They were impressed by the sound quality both above and below the water. The silicone tips create a seal in the ear to prevent water from getting in, though the one downside to the Aquapacs are that they only come with one size tips that will fit average sized ears.

The Aquapac waterproof headphones come with a buoy and keychain cord keeper.

You can get them on Amazon for about $47.

Audio Bone Waterproof Headphones

The Audio Bone headphones use bone conduction technology which allow the user to wear the headphones on the outside of their ears. Since we hear differently while submerged in water, this technology completely bypasses the ear drum by converting sound waves into vibrations. There are pros and cons to this type of headphone and after reading reviews by those who have tried them, people either love them or hate them.

Bone Conduction Technology

One of the cons is the price. The audio bone headphones retail for $189.00. However, these headphones do transfer well to all activities, such as cycling or even listening at work, since it allows you to still be able to hear other things going on around you. Another con is that bone conduction is a less efficient way for us to hear, therefore your iPod or Mp3 will generally need to be on the highest volume setting which can cause the battery to drain faster. Some users report a muffled sound quality, while others like that they can still hear outside noise. Your personal preference would depend upon the intended use. Also, many people don’t like the feel of earbuds so the Audio Bones are a perfect match for them. You can read a full review at the Gadgeteer and CrunchGear.

The Audio Bone Waterproof Headphones are currently on sale at Amazon

Budget Pick: H2O Audio Flex Underwater Headphones

H2O Audio Flex Underwater Headphones

These Flex headphones are the newest entry from H2O Audio and our budget pick for a waterproof headphone. These would be a good option for someone who needs waterproof headphones from time to time, perhaps for sweaty workouts, occasional laps in the pool, or just lying in the bath. They are submersible up to 3 feet underwater. Amazon reviewers complained about the fit with these headphones, though they do come with 3 bud sizes. As one reviewer pointed out, be sure to wipe out your ear so that it’s dry before inserting the buds. This will help create a stronger seal and they won’t slip out as easily. Also, wear the wires on your back and insert the headphones from behind your neck. The sound is of good quality and is well-balanced. Those who prefer a strong bass won’t get it here, but again, the price is key. For a full review on the H2O Audio Flex click here.

The H2O Audio Flex underwater headphones come in a choice of 5 cool colors and are on sale at Amazon for $19.41.

Waterproof iPods Cases

H20Friendly 100% Waterproof iPod Shuffle Case

If you spend a lot of time in the water, you may want to consider investing in a fully waterproof system. Companies such as H2oFriendly and Swimman will waterproof an iPod shuffle from the inside out so you can take it right into the water without use of a bulky case. User reviews for both of these systems are excellent both for quality and for ease of use. H2OFriendly offers a 1 year waterproof warranty and you can purchase just the 4th generation 2 GB iPod shuffle or a complete system which includes Velcro securing straps that clip onto goggles and underwater headphones, as well as the original iPod shuffle packaging.

The H2OFriendly Swim System sells for $169.95 on Amazon. Or just the silver waterproof iPod goes for $143.95 on Amazon. You can also order straight from the company’s website if you’d like a choice of iPod colors: green, orange, blue, silver, or pink.

Swimman Underwater Music System

Swimman has an excellent reputation among swimmers and they are currently waterproofing 3rd generation iPod shuffles. At $250.00, their system is more than the H2oFriendly, but they do include a waterproof control adapter and their underwater headphone set boasts superior sound quality similar to top-of-the-line non-waterproof headphones. To purchase Swimman order directly from their website. You can also purchase their headphone set separately for $100.00 here.

The post The Top Rated Waterproof Headphones appeared first on Reactual.

Top Rated File Encryption Software For PCs

Justin Thomas — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 15:38:02 +0000

File encryption software allows you to secure individual files and folders by associating a key with the data you wish to protect. Only by entering the key will a user have access to the encrypted files. Unlike disk encryption—where a master key is used to lock down all the data on a volume—file encryption allows you to selectively encrypt data while employing different encryption algorithms and keys for different files. We’ve taken a close look at professional and user reviews on sites such as CNET, PC Advisor, Dowload.com, Softpedia, Lifehacker, PC World, digZIP, and rbytes in order to bring you the top rated file encryption software for PCs:

Kruptos 2 Professional

Kruptos 2 Professional ($15)

Pros:

Easy to use
Can mask file names
Includes secure deletion and self-extracting file creator tools

Cons:

Limited functionality without payment

Top Review Sources:

CNET: 5.0/5.0 “Kruptos 2, with all its features, is what every user needing simple file encryption desires”
PC Advisor: “Simple and effective file and folder encryption at an excellent price point”
Download.com User Reviews: 4.0/5.0 (130+ reviews)

Kruptos 2 Professional provides an easy way to password protect any number of files, with the option of masking even the file names themselves. Part of what makes Kruptos 2 Professional easy to use is its tight integration with Windows; right-click a file and you are only one more click away from encrypting it. You can also drag and drop files and folders onto the Kruptos user interface in order to encrypt them. After decrypting a file for editing, Kruptos will automatically re-encrypt it upon close. The program uses the 256-bit Blowfish algorithm to encrypt files. Kruptos also includes a secure file deletion tool, self-extracting file creator, and the ability to encrypt a USB flash drive.

Kruptos 2 Professional is available for purchase on the manufacturer’s website.

MEO

MEO (Free)

Pros:

Free
Interface is as simple as it gets
Tiny installation footprint

Cons:

Advertisements
Email encryption isn’t as straightforward as file encryption

Top Review Sources:

CNET: 4.0/5.0 “As far as free file encryption programs go, this is one of the better ones we’ve seen”
Softpedia User Reviews: 3.8/5.0 (25+ reviews)
Download.com User Reviews: 4.5/5.0 (5+ reviews)

MEO has a bare-bones interface that puts those new to the encryption game at ease. Encryption and decryption are simple processes that take only a couple of clicks, either from the MEO interface or from a Windows context menu. MEO allows you to create self-extracting encrypted folders. The program provides the option to encrypt an email, though novices may find MEO’s method of doing this hard to follow. The product’s main demerit is its advertising; MEO will prompt you to install additional software during installation (though you can opt out). MEO employs the Triple DES 256-bit algorithm.

MEO can be downloaded directly from the publisher.

AxCrypt

AxCrypt (Free)

Pros:

Free
Fully integrated into Windows
Includes file shredder and self-extracting file creator

Cons:

No support for 256-bit encryption

Top Review Sources:

CNET: 5.0/5.0 “AxCrypt is both powerful and easy to use, and we think that it’s a great way to keep files secure for users of all experience levels”
Lifehacker: One of the “Five Best File Encryption Tools”
PC World: “A simple, free way to encrypt individual files”

Axantum’s AxCrypt provides a free and easy way to deploy AES-128 encryption on your PC. Fully integrated with Windows, AxCrypt is operated exclusively via the context menu—there is no other user interface. The program supports the creation of self-extracting files, plus includes a file shredder for secure deletion. You can set a passcode on encrypted files, or you can create a key file. A key file is typically stored on removable media such as a USB flash drive. When you insert the drive into the computer, it will allow decryption. AxCrypt’s online help file is thorough and quite useful for both new and experienced users.

You can download AxCrypt from the publisher’s site.

SafeBit

SafeBit ($40)

Pros:

Easy-to-use interface
Strong, flexible encryption

Cons:

Cost
Only one encryption algorithm

Top Review Sources:

Softpedia: 4.5/5.0 “Very Good”
digZIP: “SafeBit Disk Encryption is uncomplicated software with an attractive interface that securely converts files unnoticed”
rbytes User Rating: 3.5/5.0

NeoByte Solutions’ SafeBit employs an intuitive, clean interface, helping make file encryption tasks go quickly and smoothly. Advanced users will appreciate the plethora of customization options. To encrypt your data, SafeBit requires you to create a password-protected virtual drive (called a “safe”). You may create as many safes as you’d like. Users are able to save their passwords on external memory—such as a flash drive—to create a key they can use to unlock and lock their safes. The program operates transparently, encrypting your files automatically as you work within a virtual drive. In the process, SafeBit will not drag down the speed and responsiveness of your system. SafeBit makes use of a single encryption algorithm: AES-256. AES-256 is an effective algorithm, but some reviewers express disappointment in it being the only one offered, given the cost of the program. SafeBit includes a virtual keyboard as a safeguard against keyloggers. The help files are robust, and allow a beginner to get up and running quickly.

You can purchase SafeBit on the official website.

The post Top Rated File Encryption Software For PCs appeared first on Reactual.

An Introduction To Online Privacy Tools: Part 1

Justin Thomas — Fri, 20 May 2011 23:33:17 +0000

There are many reasons to seek privacy on the internet. These days, we have ISPs monitoring our connections, corporations tracking and consolidating our information across multiple websites. We have governments and other institutions routinely monitoring our internet activities. We have hackers, identity thieves and criminals attempting to access our computers and steal our personal information.

Basically, internet privacy should be of interest to everyone. Even if you feel you have “nothing to hide” you probably still value having curtains on your windows, or not having your credit card statements available for anyone to read. Likewise, most people are not comfortable with having every email they write and every web site they visit being broadcasted to the public.

Overview

In this series of articles I’ll be covering the following topics:

Making your web browsing private
Installing a VPN or “Virtual Private Network”
Securing your computers and wireless network
Encrypting your email and instant messages

These are basic secure measures — something everyone should have in place before they go online.

Install The “HTTPs Everywhere” Browser Extension

Why you’d want to do this:

To stop eavesdroppers tracking the sites you visit
To stop eavesdroppers monitoring the information your send via HTTP

The HTTPs Everywhere is an extension for the Firefox and Chrome browsers, made by the Electronic Frontiers Foundation. It encrypts your communications with many major websites, giving you a basic level of web browsing privacy. For example, if you are reading email in Gmail or Hotmail, your email messages will be encrypted before they are sent to your web browser. Similarly, an eavesdropper won’t be able to detect what Wikipedia articles you are reading, or what items you are purchasing at an online store. However, this is true only for the websites that HTTPs Everywhere supports, and only for the parts of those websites that support HTTPs connections. Here’s a raw list of the sites they support.

Note that HTTPS Everywhere does not conceal the identities of the sites you access, or the amount of time you spend using them. For example, an eavesdropper can tell you accessed Wikipedia for an hour, but they won’t be able to see which particular articles you read on Wikipedia.

Install The “Ghostery” Browser Extension

Ghostery is a browser extension that blocks the “invisible” web. It detects trackers, web bugs, pixels, and beacons placed on web pages by Facebook, Google Analytics, and over 1,000 other ad networks, behavioral data providers and web publishers.

I like Ghostery because it’s a “set and forget” add-on — Ghostery will continue to work silently in the background as you browse, removing all those undesirable tracking elements in web pages. I prefer to turn off the notification the blocked elements (you can find this option in the Ghostery preferences).

Use A Search Engine That Doesn’t Log Your Searches

Why you’d want to do this:

To stop search engines logging and storing your searches
To stop web sites and other corporations from collecting and selling your personal information

Many popular search engines like Google and Bing, save your search history. Typically, your searches are saved along with some information about your computer (e.g. your IP address, User agent and often a unique identifier stored in a browser cookie), and if you are logged in, your account information (e.g. name and email address).

With this information, your searches can be tied together. This means someone can see everything you’ve been searching, not just one isolated search. You can usually find out a lot about a person from their search history.

They also put cookies on your browser to uniquely identify you. For example, when you search for something private, you are sharing that private search not only with your search engine, but also with all the sites that you clicked on (for that search). See this page for more info.

If you want to avoid this tracking, you can make use of search engine that take privacy seriously, like StartPage or DuckDuckGo.

I like StartPage by Ixquick because they incorporate search results from Google. Startpage removes all identifying information from your query and submits it anonymously to Google. They get the results and return them to you privately. StartPage also includes a free web proxy, which can open sites anonymously for you.

Ixquick’s Privacy Policy is routinely being confirmed by two independent organizations — Europrise and Certified Secure.

DuckDuckGo is another good search engine with a focus on privacy. Like StartPage, DuckDuckGo and does not record user information — see their privacy policy for the details.

Configure Your Web Browser For Privacy

You can easily adjust your web browser to enhance your privacy. You can turn off third-party cookies — these are cookies that are sent to advertising firms. Turning off these cookies just means you’ll be tracked less — it won’t affect your browsing ability. I prefer to turn off cookies completely, and use the Cookie Whitelist add-on to only accept cookies from specific sites that I log into.

You can install a extension like Adblock Plus (Firefox, Chrome) to block ads, thereby reducing the amount of information collected by advertisers.

You can turn off Java and Flash in your browser (both can be a security risk — see an explanation here).

You can install an extension like No Script (Firefox only), which stops web pages loading and running Javascript, Java and Flash. Using No Script can be tedious but it protects against attacks like Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and Clickjacking (a trick that causes you to click and run a malicious program).

Use A Password Manager

It makes sense to use password manager like LastPass, KeePass or 1Password. Password managers allow you create strong, unique passwords for each website you log into. Also, Password Managers can automatically log into websites for you, which prevents key-logging (attempts to capture your keystrokes and hence your passwords). LastPass and KeePass are free and are both good programs. 1Password is the most polished and is frequently updated, but costs $50.

Continued… Read Part 2 of this article series.

The post An Introduction To Online Privacy Tools: Part 1 appeared first on Reactual.