Here are your action steps

Step 1
Click on Start and then click on your control panel

Step 2
Defrag your computer

Step 3
In your control panel click on Programs and uninstall programs you are not using or don’t need

Step 4
In your control panel click on Internet Options and delete browsing history and cookies or if you are using Firefox go to Tools located at the top of your browser, click on clear private data and delete cookies. If you are using Internet Explorer go to Tools and click on Internet Options and delete cookies and browsing history

Step 5
If your computer does not run faster after following steps 1-4 (make sure you don’t have a lot of large programs running in the background, and if you do and you want to keep those programs, then add some memory)

Step 6
Make sure you install Norton to rid your computer of virus/bugs.

Here are you action steps

Step 1
If you hire a programmer to work for you and he/she suggest using (go to meeting), make sure he/she turn off this program when they are done

Step 2
If you hire someone to build your website, pay for things yourself (they will ask for your credit cards but don’t give it out)

Step 3
If your programmer insist that he or she needs your password to your hosting company, don’t give it out. You can have your hosting company help you set up a FTP page and give that programmer access to that page. If they want access to your database, the hosting company can also help you to set up page so they will have access to your database and when they are finished, change your password. If your hosting company does not provide you with the resources to protect your email and personal information, you should consider changing hosting company.

Step 4
If you have personal things on your computer, remove them before hiring a programmer. If you have a Will or other things that may have you or your spouse’s Social Security number, delete those programs or delete any information that may cause your identity to be stolen

Step 5
If you find that your social security number has been compromised you can contact your credit reporting agencies and they will provide you with a pin number so no one else will have access to your credit information. You should also contact the police and get a police report if this happens

Step 6
If you can, try to use programmers that are in the same state as you are in because it is easier to prosecute the bad guy if he or she is in the same state, most states do not have an internet crime division and usually the bad guy lives in that state.

Step 7
Document and keep records of any experience you have (keep copies of emails, any correspondence, recordings)

Step 8
Turn off your computer when you are finish with it, if someone has taken over your computer with a remote access such as the program used on go to meeting, just closing your laptop does not mean that your computer is off, it is just sleeping and the bad guy will wake it up and get access to any of your personal records. Be sure to shut down your computer when you are finish.