Whether you use a computer at home or work, you probably have a few files for your eyes only. TrueCrypt is a great tool that provides the average user with an advanced file security system. Complete with a beginner's guild walk-through to set up your secure "Volume," this simple, free utility displays all contents within to only those with the master password; others who stumble upon it will find only a single file that displays jumbled up text if clicked on. There is even a "Hidden TrueCrypt Volume" option to use in case you are ever forced to reveal the master password. Visit the TrueCrypt website and download a copy to try out on your PC, a thumb drive you use to carry sensitive information or an external hard drive.

Brent - How do I prevent Vista's Indexer from constantly hindering my system performance as it catalogs my hard drive contents?

Windows Vista does a lot of things that make us scratch our heads; the Indexer is one of them. The best fix for this comes in two parts:

Your first step would be to disable the Vista service altogether. From 'Add / Remove Programs,' click 'Add / Remove Windows Components' in the left panel. Deselect 'Indexing services' and click 'Next.'

Next, if you like the idea of fast searching on your computer, there are other options for you. Copernic came out with a product that can perform "sub second" searches for the various types of files on your machine. Visit the Copernic website and download a copy of "Copernic Desktop Search." Did I mention it's free?

"The best Bluetooth headset just got better."

With a new design, a commitment to having no visible buttons and a patented noise-cancellation technology called "NoiseAssassin," Jawbone is aggressively competing for their place as the top mobile Bluetooth headset. The unit comes with three differently-sized interchangeable ear buds and two different sizes of ear loops in both leather and wire. When properly worn, the Voice Activity Sensor (VAS) touches your cheek and "feels" your voice, allowing the NoiseAssassin to cancel out any ambient noise. All you have to do is get used to not having to repeat yourself anymore!

In this issue, we are talking more about personal security rather than your data. By now, it is almost common knowledge that FreeCreditReport.com is not actually free and that leaves the lingering question of "Why is it so hard to find a free credit report despite the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003?" Whether you'd like to admit it or not, buying a car and a house without an abundance of cash laying around is much easier done with a good credit score. Regularly checking your credit report is the first line of defense when combating and preventing identity theft and Annualcreditreport.com is still the only website that provides all three credit reports once per year with no strings attached. Head over to the website and take that first step necessary to fight identity theft and inaccurate credit reporting.

From the Symantec website:

"AntiVirus2009 is a misleading application that may give exaggerated reports of threats on the computer."

AntiVirus2009 can affect any version of Windows and disguise itself as a virus-scanning program to try to get you to agree to install other misleading applications such as "XpSecurityCenter." We have seen a wave of infected machines come across our support desk and many of these callers are knowledgeable computer users that were honestly tricked by the virus' attempt at installing it's own components.

Luckily, Symantec has published the removal instructions for those who are using their anti-virus product (most users are, consult your respective software manufacturer for similar instructions). Use the link above to see the technical notes regarding what AntiVirus2009 does to your computer and how to remove it.