How To Prevent Thieves From Stealing Your PDF Ebooks!

There are 2 main options for protecting your PDF file: OPTION 1: Use Adobe Acrobat's basic protection. Adobe Acrobat allows you to set basic protection for your PDF document. This includes: * allow/disable the ability to copy text of document * allow/disable printing of file * allow/disable changing document * require password to open document (Yes their password protection was broken a few years back, but it's still adequate protection and will keep out most people.) Ideally, to use this option you should use Adobe Acrobat, however the high cost may put that out of reach of many. Fortunately, there are MANY, MANY inexpensive PDF creators that will allow you to also set some of these permissions. Such as: http://www.pdf995.com http://www.pdffactory.com http://www.deskpdf.com There are also some standalone applications like: http://www.verypdf.com/encryptpdf/index.htm Overall, option 1 is what I call "static protection". Meaning, once you choose the security and then distribute the file, you cannot change the security for those files that are already distributed. For example, you distribute a file to Client A in December. In January, your relations with the client become strained and you no longer want them to have access to your file. Unfortunately, with static protection, you cannot change their access permissions. It is already "set". Though this option may allow you to prevent copying text within the file, it does NOT prevent a user from copying the entire file and redistributing it to others. Though it may allow you to require a password to access the file, the password can be easily passed around so anyone can have access. So it's not entirely secure and easily circumvented. If protection of your document is critical, you should boost protection using additional mechanisms. OPTION 2: Use a third party protection system. This option includes systems that offer "real time" control over your document. "Real time" means that you have the ability to change or alter the document security after it has been delivered to the end user. This is what I choose to focus on as it provides the greatest amount of security and post-distribution control. Some just offer basic lock and unlock ability, while others go into more extensive PDF settings that can be altered at any point. Here are some things you should be looking for when evaluating a PDF protection system. 1. Does the system offer complete protection? This the first thing you should look at because if the protection is not up to par, move on! You will never even get to the other points. When evaluating protection features, make sure you check each feature out for yourself and don't always take the company's word about protection. Many times I have seen companies advertising certain protection features on their website, but in testing, the product doesn't seem to do what is claimed. So, always check first. For PDF files, there are some basic areas that any adequate system must protect against. In order to be totally protected, the PDF security system you use MUST: * Prevent saving a copy of file. * Prevent emailing of file and exporting or extracting pages from file * Prevent copying of file from the TEMP folder * Prevent copying file and text to the clipboard * Prevent redistilling of the file * Prevent unlimited, uncontrolled printing of file * Prevent access to file without permission * Watermark all printed pages If any system that you look into does not cover these, I recommend that you move on to something that does. 2. Can you afford it? If the system passes the security test, the next thing you should look at is the cost of the system. Is it within your budget? Can you justify the price of this type of service? Do you buy the entire system and run it on your server, or is it a hosted service that charges you a monthly fee. There are pros and cons of both. If you run the system on your server then you will avoid monthly fees, but these types of systems usually require extensive programming and integration work which can increase your overall costs and take weeks to months before you get up and running. If you choose a third party system that is hosted by another company, you avoid the integration issue as most of these services can get you up and running in minutes to hours. 3. Does the system offer auto-distribution? Does it automatically deliver your document to your customers and clients hands-free? If so, does it integrate with your payment system and/or shopping cart? 4. Is the system flexible? The next thing you should look at is the flexibility. Does it allow you to tweak and modify the security options to fit your unique requirements? The ability to customize things such as program icons, customer download emails, thank you pages, etc. makes a big difference. 5. Is there any customer support? What kind of support and help will you receive when you purchase the product or service? Is their any documentation of all features and uses? What good is having the best system if you don't know how to use it? 6. Is the Company reliable? Does it protect my data? Is this company reliable? Do you feel that the the company will shut down, thus leaving your documents inaccessible and/or unprotected? Ask them what measures do they provide to ensure that your information remains protected in this event? Do they back up your data? If so, how often? 7. Can you demo the system? Most companies offer a trial or demo period for free or a small fee. You should always try the system out to see it "in action". Set it up to do exactly what you are looking for and see if it works the way you need. Never sign up or purchase something that you have not yet tested. 8. Other questions? Those are the major criteria, of course there are other things that you may want to consider such as: * What is their cancellation/refund policy? Do they require a contract or can you sign up for a month to month service? * Does their system use Acrobat Reader or another PDF viewer? If they use Acrobat Reader, do they have an Adobe DRM license which is required for all Acrobat reader security systems? * Does it allow you to contact your database of users/clients * Can you export your user database There is a lot to consider when deciding on a PDF protection system. My advice is Do NOT rush into it. Because once you choose a system and start distributing files using that system, you are stuck with it.

Tips For Buying A Pouch Laminator

The pouch laminator is the most common and economical laminating equipment for most homes and offices. They are compact and don’t require a laminator stand. They can be used on any counter, furniture or desk top and can be stored when not in use. Laminators vary in size and are available in sizes up to 20 inches. A pouch laminating machine costs less and is easier to operate than a roll laminator. You can find them in any office supply store, online or in most stores that sell office equipment. A variety of sizes are available to laminate anything from an ID card to legal sized documents. How a Pouch Laminator Works These laminators use pouches of laminating film that are shaped like a folder. The document is placed inside the film and is then fed into the machine. The document is sealed inside the pouch. This method forms a permanent bond between the film and the document. There is a slight overlap of the film, which leaves a clear edge around the document. Once laminated, the document is water proof and tear proof. This protects documents from getting destroyed or becoming dirty. In addition, lamination gives your documents a professional look. When you laminate reports or presentation materials, they have a high quality look. Types of Pouches for your Laminator Thermal pouches are heat activated. They adhere the film to the document at higher temperatures of between 175 and 270 degrees Fahrenheit. Low melt pouches are available and bond at temperatures between 120 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Photographs and other images can be damaged at high temperatures and should be protected with cold lamination or low melt. Pressure sensitive pouches are used in cold lamination machines. These use pressure to attach the laminate to the document. The pouch has release paper which must be removed to expose the adhesive. The document is then placed between the layers and fed through the machine. Pressure from the rollers helps the laminate adhere to the document. Barcode pouches have an opaque covering that prevents bar codes from being copied. These are available in a variety of sizes. Security coating is used with photographs in developing. The laminate is completely bonded with the image and can’t be removed without destroying the photograph. Magnetic stripe pouches store information in magnetic codes which can be decoded by a stripe reader. These are commonly used by businesses for swipe cards in access control systems. Pre Punched pouches have holes already punched in them. This allows you to put the finished documents in a binder without having to punch your own holes. A variety of hole arrangements are available to fit just about any binder. Buying a Good Laminator Consider the documents you will be laminating. Make sure the size of the machine is sufficient for the documents you need to protect. Be sure the machine you choose is suitable for the work you will do. If you will be laminating a lot of pictures, you may not want a hot laminator. Another option is to choose a machine that will work with all laminates on the market. These tend to be more expensive, but are more versatile. Consider how many documents you will laminate in a day. Pouch machines are best for laminating up to 50 pages each day. If you will be doing much more than this, consider a larger machine.

Firewall Protection Needed

If you’re using the Internet, then you must have a firewall to protect your computer. It’s the only sure way to block intruders seeking to access your computer.

Why would someone want to get to your computer? There are many reasons, including stealing credit card numbers or other personal information. Without a firewall, you expose every item located on your computer to the world. Moreover, using a cable or DSL modem places you at greater risk, since you’re always connected to the internet.

WHAT YOU CAN DO – It’s essential to run an updated anti-virus program as well as anti-spyware software; however, this is not enough protection. You must also be sure to have at least one firewall installed and running on your computer. A firewall is an extra layer of security that blocks intruders from accessing files and data on your computer. It acts as a barrier and only allows certain types of information both coming in as well as going out of your network. It has built-in filters which permit only those with permission to enter, limiting access between two or more networks, usually between a private network and a public (untrusted) network, such as the Internet. Firewalls also log attempts of others trying to gain access to your network.

TYPES OF FIREWALLS -- A hardware firewall can be installed between your computer network and the outside connection. This is usually used in environments that have many computers networked together, sharing information. For large business environments where maximum protection is essential, it is best to have this type of firewall as well as a software one to prevent your network from attack. A software firewall is simply a program installed and running in the background to prevent the computers from infecting one another, should a virus or other unwanted hazard make its way onto the network.

However, it should be noted that it is not a good idea to run two software firewalls simultaneously as they are likely to conflict with one another. The existing firewall should be uninstalled or disabled before adding a new firewall program. The hardware version is a bit trickier to install but once it is installed it virtually takes care of your computer with no interaction from you. It provides protection and logs information without the user even being aware of its existence; unlike firewalls of the software version which require some interaction. Software firewalls will sometimes ask permission to allow certain programs access, and you must be knowledgeable enough to know what to allow and what to block. But don’t worry; an explanation is always included along with a recommendation as to what action to take.

WHERE TO GET FIREWALL PROTECTION -- If you are running Windows XP you probably have a built-in firewall as Microsoft included it in the Service Pack 2 update. Although there are more efficient and effective firewalls available, the one Microsoft provides would be better than nothing at all. There are also many fairly effective firewalls offered as freeware and many more for purchase. Whatever firewall you choose to use, you should test it after installation and make sure it is working properly. You can do this at the website listed below.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FIREWALLS -- Microsoft has a very good website explaining about firewalls that can answer any questions you may have about Internet firewalls. It can be found at the following address - http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/firewall.mspx. Another good resource to learn more about firewalls is maintained by Steve Gibson, of Gibson Research Corporation. It can be found at the following address - http://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?rh1dkyd2. You can also test your firewall protection at that site.

4 Necessary Steps You Should Take When You are Online

When you connect to the internet you can harm your PC. That is a fact. The reason antivirus software and other similar products where created is to protect your PC.

It is not your fault that you got viruses, however you should take the precaution methods to stop this from happening again.

Keep PC Clean: It is important that your PC stays clean if you use the internet. Clean from the 'bad, harmful objects' that are also known as spy ware, adware or viruses.

There are many different types of harmful objects but luckily there exist also cure to keep your PC protected.

A must use Software: The two most important software you must have are an antivirus and an anti adware. There is no need to purchase 30 different kinds of anti spy ware software...

However you must choose two software which will protect your PC. These will work in the background automatically. Some anti adware products also heal spy ware not just adware.

Schedule Maintenance: The software will block spy ware and adware. However you should also use the software when you are offline. You should scan your
PC using both software at least once every three weeks. That will clean any harmful objects. These objects can make a lot of harm to your PC.

Safety Measurements: We already mentioned that you need two software to keep ongoing protection on your PC.

If you download software/movies/images/videos or any other thing from the internet it is recommended that you scan those items. Before opening them right click on them and use your antivirus to scan them.

Go to Control Panel to turn on Firewall. Firewall is also an ongoing protection which is very important.

Once you have your software installed these protect your PC and you get back the freedom you deserve. Remember that prevention is better than cure.