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Microsoft has announced a programme named “BizSpark”, where it is going to provide private companies with free software and support.

BizSpark is going to be held on a worldwide basis, where companies that have been in the business for less than three years and produce an annual revenue of less that $1 million are eligible to participate.

The world software leader would be partnering with business networks around the world. Microsoft would also try to build partnerships with government agencies.

The new strategy is aimed to build a customer base for the future. After a worldwide survey, Microsoft have realized the increase in the number of individuals setting up their own businesses, hence have planned for this move.

To participate in the BizSpark program, selected companies need to be recommended by venture capital firms, business network or Microsoft Champ. And yes, the companies need to be software development companies only.

The companies that qualify, would get three year subscription Microsoft Developer Network and the cloud services technologies.

Microsoft once was involved in manufacturing software only, but now by the changing trend it has also started providing other services such as running a video game industry. Apart from focusing on software it has also started trying hands on the other Industries.

No matter in which Industry Microsoft hops into, but it should learn the skill of focusing onto a particular target. After all, targeting something is a crucial quality. Creating a unique identity is most important.

Its good that Microsoft is trying to make stand in different sectors too, but it should not keep its major identifier apart (Software). With the help of software production, Microsoft has attained a major level, so keeping this level intact if its trying some other sector is always acceptable. It has till now leaded the market of Operating Systems(OS), Office(MS-Office) for enterprises and students common equipments, as we all know.

I would say that this is a sensible move of Microsoft, as today the world is of web.

But if we analyze, as Microsoft shifted its focus from OS, Apple grabbed the opportunity and made its stand in the market. So now Microsoft cannot claim itself to be a leader in a particular sector. As Apple declares itself to be a hardware firm, Google as an online service provider and a mobile provider, Microsoft too should declare its identity.

According to me just being successful is not enough, an identity is essential.

Data protection or data security is important for everyone. Here are a few tips about keeping your data secure.

Whether it may be personal or official data files, securing them is important and essential for all of us. Antivirus softwares and firewalls can protect your PC or laptops from getting damaged or from various Internet threats. But not your personal confidential data. Encrypting the data can prove to be helpful in securing your valuable data.

Encrypting means converting the files in a format can be read only by you. Its just like a digital locker whose code is only known to you.

So how do you do the Encryption?

Here is the solution.

Go to Start —> All Programs —> Accessories —> Windows Explorer.

Then just Right click on the file you want to Encrypt. Click Properties —> General Tab —> Advanced

Check Encrypt contents to secure data box.

Now your file is encrypted.

NOTE : Compressed files or folders cannot be encrypted.

When you again need to make changes in the file or folder, you need to Decrypt it.

Go to Start —> All Programs —> Accessories —> Windows Explorer.

Then just Right click on the file you want to Encrypt. Click Properties —> General Tab —> Advanced

Select the Clear the Encrypt contents to secure data check box.

But there is one flaw in this too. If someone is able to access your computer, then the file you have encrypted, can be accessed. To avoid this you can set a password to your system or limit your access to others.

Scareware merchants are accused of fooling computer users by making them to click on fake alert pop-ups which say the local device is damaged and corrupted. This lawsuit is filed by Microsoft and Washington State Attorney General.

Scareware merchants influence the users to but the software which would treat the non-existent problem by providing fake security fixes.

Users are deceived to download a bogus scan of the computer and then fooled by making them buy the software which they do not need.

Branch Software and Alpha Red is the name of the Texas firm against whom the lawsuit has been filed.

The fake message that is seen in the pop-up is “CRITICAL ERROR MESSAGE! - REGISTRY DAMAGED AND CORRUPTED.”

During last six months there increase in the number of people who have faced such incidents. The scareware agents use the trick of ‘scare and scam’ for fetching money out of the users pockets.

In Windows operating system there is feature that allows network administrators send notices to the users. And feature is used incorrectly by these agents.

To avoid such cybercrimes, there should be awareness in public and stronger protection for online consumers.

A survey revealed that despite been told that certain messages were fake, users hit the OK button 63% of the time. Hence, one should be careful of such pop-ups.

In today’s age most people use personal computers and access Internet. But not much people are aware of Online Security. Many people still commit mistakes that gives chance for thieves to take advantage.

Below are seven mistakes that people usually commit and ways to avoid them.

1. Assuming your security software is protecting you

It is a common belief that once installing an anti-virus software will keep the computers safe. But that isn’t true, viruses keep coming all the time. So the software must be activated properly and should be regularly updated for effectively lowering threats. One should ritually check is the security software is active when working online. The software’s auto update option should be kept activated in order to have an updated version.

2. Accessing an account from an e-mail link

It is suggested not to do that. If you get an e-mail from your bank asking you to update your financial or personal information, better be aware that it might be a hacker who is waiting to empty your account.

These e-mails are especially insidious as they come adorned with genuine corporate logos and look legitimate.

People usually fall prey to such e-mails. Most of the banks have stopped sending e-mails for any update in customer information due to this threat.

But as we all are aware that net banking is used by most of us, we should only use the banks address in your browser and not by clicking on any link that you have received through an e-mail.

3. Using a Single password for all your online accounts.

This is a common mistake seen in almost every individual, instead of keeping or remembering N number of passwords we keep only one and that too a simple one. This can lead you to a disaster. There are much code-cracking software available which the cyber-crooks use to uncover the passwords.

Another convenient way to remember your password is making variations in your password on a regular basis. This should help you remember your password. Your password should be of atleast 8 characters with letters in both the cases and should have numbers and punctuations to make it stronger and difficult to uncover.

4. Downloading Free Software.

There is nothing wrong in doing so, but it should be done from the locations which you are 100% sure of about its safety.

Some “free” software comes loaded with spyware, which clogs your computer with ads or employs a keystroke-capture program to steal your personal information. It is recommended that you download only from such reputable sites as Download.com or SnapFiles.com, or, if you have a PC, scanning it with Windows Defender software.

5. Thinking your Mac shields you from all risks

Its not incorrect that Mac’s are less susceptible to viruses and spyware than regular Personal Computers. But as per surveys, Mac’s too have been targeted and its user`s have fallen prey to hackers.

Latest version of Firefox browser is recommended for use.

6.  Clicking On pop-ups and ads that say you PC is not secure

Its pretty simple to click on an ad by mistake and then get re-directed to another spyware site.

It is recommended that those ads should be carefully closed by the close tabs located on the top left or right corner of the add window. Or you can also enable pop-up blocker or instead use a free one from Google toolbar.

7.  Shopping Online just as we do in stores.

While doing online shopping you are not sure that who’s on the other end and if s/he really is interested in doing business. But still always make sure that the web-site’s URL starts with “Https” which offer higher security than “Http” should be used if you are giving your address and Credit Card information.

Different credit cards should be used for different purposes. For Example: One for your business transactions and a different one for online purchase