Upgrade to the latest in WiFi security.

If your wireless access point (WAP) is more than 6 months old, it is likely that your WiFi connection is not secure.

It’s easy to breach the original Wireless Protected Access (WPA) standard unless you have a super password with more than 21 characters and words that can’t be found in a dictionary.

And the prior security standard, Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), can be broken through in seconds.

If you haven’t already done so, we strongly recommend you use the latest defense, Wireless Protected Access 2 (WPA 2). Here’s how:

First, download WPA2 hotfix for Windows XP. Also check the “hardware, optional” category to see if you need to update your wireless drivers.

Next, go to the website of your WAP’s manufacturer and update the latest firmware for your WAP. You can find most manufacturers’ websites here.

If your WAP can’t support WPA 2, get a new one. It shouldn’t cost more than $40, and you’ll have far more security and privacy.

Now use your web browser to log into your router’s administration page and change security settings to WPA 2 Personal.

If you’re asked to choose an algorithm, use TKIP+AES. Choose a pass phrase (the best ones are long, with letters and numbers in combinations that can’t be found in the dictionary), save your changes, and you’re done.

Nike and iPod: the inevitable combo?

If you walk or run, you probably already do it with music. But now Nike and Apple have teamed up to take your exercise to the next level. The Nike + iPod Sport Kit not only pumps out the tunes to keep you running, it practically acts as a personal trainer.

Just attach the transmitter to the dock connector of your iPod nano, slip the sensor into your favorite pair of shoes, and you’re ready to go.

The iPod nano will ask you to enter your weight and to choose a PowerSong that you’ll be able to play at the touch of a button when you’re getting tired and need some inspiration.

During the workout, the system will tell you how far and fast you’ve gone, and how long you’ve been at it. When you’re done, it will tell you your time, distance and average speed, as well as how many calories you’ve burned.

Now for the fun part. Plug in the iPod nano and start up iTunes.

You’ll have the option of logging onto nikeplus.com, where you’ll see your time, speed and distance plus exactly when and where you turned on your PowerSong. You’ll get several options for recording, viewing and analyzing your data, so you can set goals and track your progress over time.

Best of all, you can become part of an online community, where other users encourage and challenge each other. You can create virtual track meets and other friendly competition. You can even find out what some of the world’s best athletes are listening to while they work out.

While Nike shoes are specifically designed to hold the sensor, users report that you can slip it between the shoelaces and the tongue of almost any shoe without seriously affecting its accuracy.

Unfortunately, the Nike + iPod Sport Kit only works with the iPod nano. If you have the shuffle or the mini you’re out of luck.

Overall, for $29 this is a great little gadget that might improve your health, too.

Negotiate to lower your broadband rate.

Call up your service provider about a month before your annual broadband contract is about to expire, and ask for a better rate. Chances are, their rivals are offering you some sweet deals to switch over. As a result, your provider will often lower the rates to keep you as their customer. Even if you are not at renewal time, some providers will cut your rate if you are willing to recommit with them for 1 or 2 years.

Visit AT&T, Verizon, or MegaPath for new rate info.

Too many rows in Excel

To delete duplicate rows in Excel, just do the following: Click anywhere in the data. Select “data,” then “filter,” then “advanced filter.” Check the box marked “unique records only”. Click “OK”. Highlight the thinned down data, then copy and paste it in a new worksheet. You’re done!

Brent, how can I keep my kids safe on the internet?

Here are five tips to help you take an active role in protecting your children from many possible online problems:

1) Keep the computer in a “public” part of the house, like the kitchen or living room. This low- tech measure makes it easier to monitor your child’s activity. They’re less likely to visit illicit sites when they know they don’t have absolute privacy.

2) Use filtering programs, but don’t rely on them. These programs are meant to block your computer from connecting to sites with adult material or other content you don’t want your children to view. Unfortunately, there are ways to get around these programs. Any kind of protection is better than none, but never assume using a filter is enough—it’s not. Safe Eyes 2006 was selected as Editor's Choice by PC Magazine. Read the full review here.

3) Learn more about the internet. This may be hard for some parents, but the more you know about the internet the better you’ll understand the potential risks your child may be taking. Take a class or read a few books if you need to.

4) Educate your kids about the dangers of the internet. Your children need to understand that the people they meet through chat rooms and message boards might not be who they claim to be. A user posing as a child could actually be a grown adult. Your child should let you know immediately if they receive an inappropriate message.

Also, remind your kids not to post or email anything that they wouldn’t want everyone to read. For example, an offensive, rebellious rant that was intended to be read by friends and peers could eventually be seen by a college admissions officer or a potential employer.

5) Be vigilant. If your child minimizes a browser window when you enter the room, that should be a red flag. Be alert if your child gets phone calls from people you don’t know. Talk to the parents of your children’s friends.

The internet isn’t going to go away. By taking a sensible, proactive approach, you can help protect your child from the potential pitfalls, while allowing him or her to fully participate in the excitement of the online world.

Clean your phone’s memory before recycling it.

Your cell phone contains the numbers and names of the people you’ve called and those who have called you, along with possible PINs and passwords. These are often in the phone itself, and remain there even if you remove the SIM card.

So if you plan on recycling your cell phone, erase the memory before you give it away. The process varies from phone to phone, and it may sometimes take 10 separate steps to completely clear your phone’s memory. You can find out how on the Cell Phone Data Eraser Page of Wireless Recycling. Here you can look up your phone and learn how to wipe it clean. Then you can recycle it.

If you want to know where to donate your phone, visit California Recycles or CollectiveGood.