We all look forward to the day we get our first or next new computer.  It’s all nice and new as we unpack it.  We plug it in and turn it on.  Nothing like a new computer and starting fresh.  We marvel at how much faster the new one is over the old are a happy camper.

Little did you know, or maybe you did, that you new computer has come loaded with a bunch of trialware programs.  Each of these programs will take up space and you may never ever use them so why keep them.  So much for your new computer bliss. 

If I were to tell you there is an easy way to clean your new computer of all the extra program “trialware stuff” that was loaded on would you believe me?  Well, it’s true.  

There is a program that you can get for FREE, you read it right free, that you can run to uninstall the “stuff” you don’t want.  It’s called PC Decrapifier.  Hey, I didn’t name the program and would probably couldn’t come up with anything as creative anyway.  But the inventor did named it for exactly what it does.

Click here to get the free PC Decrapifier tool.    PC Decrapifier

With this tool you don’t have to go to the Control Panel and remove programs.  The PC Decrapifier will automatically detect and uninstall most of the pre-installed software unattended.  It will also reset your browser home page and default search engine for you.

Here is what you will see:

Above is a list of programs that the PC Decrapifier program can remove.  Most of these programs are trialware developed by OEM partners including Norton, Yahoo, Dell, Roxio, Sonic, Corel, Google and Microsoft.

This software has been around for a while and the latest version is 2.0.

Pick and chose what you want uninstalled from your machine and what you may want to take a look at first and maybe uninstall later.  You decide what is worthy of staying on your machine.

Not may things in this day and age come to you free.  Take advantage of any extra FREE help you can get to keep your computer clean and working at top speed.

Don’t forget to always, always, always run your antivirus program and an anti-spyware program to get rid of any nosy tracking spyware that has attached itself to your computer.  The spyware does just that, spies on you and eports on your on-line shopping habits and sites you frequently visit.  And you wonder where all that unsolicited email comes inviting you to visit certain websites.  This is how they find out about you.  So do yourself a favor and run your anti-spyware program often.  

You don’t have to buy the protection either, just google free anti-spyware program.  There are quite a few to choose from.  Pick one that gets the highest marks for protection that is free.  No sense spending money on something you can get for free.   

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 In this article I’ll talk about security measures that are available to you to secure your laptop against theft and unwanted users tampering with your files.   No one wants their “stuff” being tampered with or their computer stolen.  So take some action to safeguard your “stuff”.

Okay, first lets talk about the term Operating System and exactly what it means.

Operating System - Also abbreviated as OS.  This is referring to Windows Vista or XP, or Mac OS X, or Linux Distributions such as Ubuntu and SUSE.  This is what all your programs operate in, your operating system or OS.

If you are like most truckers and have your laptop with you in the truck, you will want to set up an OS password on your computer.  This will protect anyone from being able to enter your computer without the correct password including you.  Also be sure to change this password from time to time.  Don’t just create the password and then never change it.  To protect your information, you should be changing your password at least once every 6 months unless you are paranoid.

To set your password in the OS

As your computer is booting or starting up, begin mashing F8 very quickly.  This should gain you access the Admin account in Windows.  This is also booting into safe mode.  Set your password and be sure to pick a password that you will remember or jot it down someplace safe in case you forget it.

Now that you have your password set, train yourself to lock the computer every time you are away.  For those of you running Windows, it would be the Windows key + L (selected at the same time).  This prevents anyone from messing with your laptop while you are at the buffet getting yourself something to eat.

There are also physical measures you can implement to keep your computer safe such as locking cable tethers or computer safes that would be mounded to your truck.

A cable lock will cost you about $40.  Locking your computer with a cable that attaches to your truck seat or something permanently part of your truck insures your computer isn’t going to grow legs if left in your truck.  Unless the thief really wants your computer and comes prepared with bolt cutters, the cable can pose as an obstacle to a quickie grab-and-run thief.

Then again a computer safe that is mounted to your truck protects your computer and is out of sight of would-be thieves.  These can cost you about $100 plus time to install.

There are also vehicle laptop mounts that hold your computer in place, provide access to your computer while you are behind the wheel, help cushion the motion of your truck for your computer, and mount to your seat bolts.  Something bolted to your truck is again less likely to walk off.   There is also added security in having your computer attached to this type of system, locked tight and bolted to the floor of your truck. Cost will depend on the style, your computer brand and security features you want.

Any measure you decide on will help safe guard your computer from growing legs is better than nothing.  

And remember, your laptop can always be replaced and your programs reinstalled on the next computer.  Your data that you have on your laptop concerning your business is sometimes a little harder to reproduce unless you faithfully back up your data.  There are several methods to backing up your data.  One is an external hard drive with enough capacity to handle all your data.  Another method is to a flash drive, again large enough to handle your data.  These can be found anywhere electronics are sold and will vary in price.

Do yourself a favor and do something, anything you are able, to safeguard your computer and your data.  After all, this is your business data you are protection and your livelihood.

Easy Truckin is brought to you by Easy Trucking Software. We hope you enjoy it.

What do Billboards and Trucking have in common

This past year has been a brutal one for everyone.  From storm damage to sky rocketing fuel costs to a slumping economy.  And don’t even get me going on the stock market.  

History is an indicator of financial cycles going up and down.  We are in one of those cycles right now and we need to get creative and think outside the box to survive.

Being creative with your business is something to consider in todays market.  Two guys, Brad Hawley and Bryan Thompson out of Birmingham, started their own business called Blacktop.  

What Blacktop does is sell outdoor advertising on the sides of trucks, a rolling down the road billboard.  Pretty clever if you ask me.  Blacktop will contract with trucking companies to place ads on their trucks to create a moving billboard.  Pretty clever idea and if Brad and Bryan in Birmingham can do this, why not you too.

If you are an owner operator or company driver, this is an idea you too could capitalize on in your area.  Sitting around thinking about how bad things are doesn’t put money in your pocket or food on the table.  As a trucker you need to think outside the box, as they say.

If you are an owner operator, perhaps there are businesses in your area that are starting to expand their market and you could help get the word out.  Check them out and ask for their business.  Go in with a plan and some idea of how much money you would want to display the advertising. 

Even if you are a regional hauler, I’m sure their are businesses in your hauling range that would be interested in listening to this idea.  Even a local outdoor sign advertiser would be a great place to start and let’s not forget about political campaigns.  

If you are a company driver, bring the idea up with someone that does advertising in your company.  Explain the concept and ask for the credit if they use the idea.  The word “credit” here could translate as extra cash for you.  The company would have some connections and may see it as an opportunity to partner with another businesses to make a little more money besides load hauling.  This could be a win / win situation for you and your company to make some extra money.  

Let’s face it, you cover a lot of ground with your truck and trailer and there are companies out there looking to expand their advertising in a cost efficient way.  You could be the one helping out another business and yourself in the process.

If you would like more info about Blacktop or to see how they do things, visit their webside www.blacktopmedia.com.  

So, what do billboards and trucks have in common…….

As Bryan Thompson said, “You’ve got blank space riding up and down the road every single day that is a great background for advertising that isn’t being utiliz     

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But what if something does happen, regardless of what kind of shape you are in?  Would your traveling companion, if you have one that can talk, know whether or not you are allergic to anything?  What about your primary doctor’s name and phone number.  I know my blood type is red and that’s about it, but what about yours?

Worse case scenario is you are unconscious for whatever reason, have allergies, are on medications that if not taken could be life threatening and you are alone.  Do you want to leave it to chance that the EMT is going to know all your information by ESP?   Or what about being serious ill and you need to be hospitalized.  Most of us in this situation will be pretty worked up about needing hospitalization that not all the questions asked will get an accurate answer.

Having your medical records and medical care directives on hand in your truck with you would sure help the EMT’s, doctors and nurses treat you according to your wishes.  Not everyone wants to be revived and live on life support indefinitely and not everyone wants to be an organ donor.  And unless you have something in writing stating your wishes, no one will know.

There are websites that have forms to create medical records and advance directives.  One such site is nim.nih.gov/medlineplus/advancedirectives.html

This website is a joint venture of the U.S. National Library of Medicine (nim) and National Institutes of Health (nih).

Your medical records should include the following and feel free to copy the list and create your own:

• Name, birth date and social security number
• Names and phone numbers of emergency contacts
• Blood type
• Contact information for physicians, dentists and pharmacies you have recently used
• Health insurance information
• Health conditions, including dates of past surgeries and whether you have artificial joints, heart valve replacements, etc.
• Vision or dental problems, including whether you wear glasses, contacts, or dentures
• Current medications and dosages
• Allergies to drugs and/or foods
• Recent DOT physical findings
• Immunizations
• Organ donor information
• Family health history
• Tobacco or alcohol use
• Dates of any recent viruses, colds toothaches, etc.

Having this in your truck with you at all times will help in the event of any health emergency you may have.  Even if you don’t have absolutely everything completed in the above list, something is always better than nothing in cases of emergency.

Health ID tags are also a good choice for anyone having diabetes or blood thinners.  An ID tag is hard to miss by an EMT or doctor doing an examination of you.  Help make it easier for a doctor/nurse/EMT to care for you in a safe manner having life-saving information readily available.

Finding a physician or hospital away from home can be as easy as connecting to WebMD.com or call your insurance carrier, if you have insurance.  The WEbMD website also has a secure place for your medical information.  Any medical provider can also log-in at WebMD and if they know your user name are able to access your records.

Having fuel for your truck or drugs for your body should have to be a choice you are faced with.  Most drug companies have prescription assistance on their websites if you need it or call toll-free 1.888.477.2669 to Partnership for Prescription Assistance.  

Several pharmacies such as Walgreens, Target & Wal Mart have a flat $4 fee for common medications.  Visit their websites for their $4 drug list.  A prescription that I personally take is $4 a month or 3 months for $10 at Wal Mart.  And I get my prescription in a breakable tablet so my doctor wrote my prescription for twice the dosage and I can get a 3 month supply for only $7 because I cut my tablets in half for the correct dosage for me.  Yes I have prescription coverage but with a high deductible, so I’m saving money anywhere I can.  Always ask your doctor about generic drugs, FREE samples if they have them and for alternative medications that would fall into the $4 category.   Don’t forget to take your bottles of medication with you on the road in case you need a refill or for any medical emergencies.   Be smart and travel safe.

 Easy Truckin is brought to you by Easy Trucking Software. We hope you enjoy it.

While I was web surfing the other day, I came across a website called 12V Auto Tech.  They had this handy little portable stove the size of a lunchbox called Stove To Go.  It plugs into any 12 volt receptacle and provides you, the road warrior, with some other options for quick hot meals.  Take left-overs and/or sandwiches along from home to heat up on the road.  Buy canned stews or non-refrigerated prepackaged meals to heat up or even some frozen meals.  It looked to be a pretty versatile item that didn’t take up much space either.  

The Technical Specifications are:

• Operates from any 12 volt DC power source
• Will reach and maintain cooking temperatures of 250 to 300 degrees
• 190 Watt Output during start up
• 100 Watt output during cooking
• 4 pounds
• 10.5” X 6” X 8”

This website also has an Oven To Go that can cook, bake and warm up food.  This too would plug into an 12 volt receptacle.   Another pretty handy gadget for being on the road and short on time to eat.

They also had a listing for Tools, Accessories, Radar/Laser Detectors, Lighting, Cleaning, Package Deals, Cooking, Coffee, Outdoors, Safety, Comfort, Emergency, Cell Phone Adapters, GPS Receivers and Accessories, Power inverters, Hands Free Sets and Replacement Parts.  Pretty interesting website, especially for anyone that travels or camps out.

In this day of pinching every penny until it screams, you do what you need to and can do to cut costs on the road.  Bringing food from home or shopping at home to get a better price and buying in quantity to save money on favorite foods can also help.  When you are on the road you are at the mercy of stores and restaurants that are within walking distance or have parking available for your rig, which leaves you with a limited selection and sometimes higher prices.

Life is just too fast paced and you end up running, literally, from getting unloaded to getting loaded again and hit the road.  Not much time left in there to eat.  Having the option of stopping at a wayside or parking area of some kind and heating up something to eat takes less time than looking for and stopping at a restaurant.  This can be especially true when you are under the gun to get to your next destination quickly.

Now I’m not saying don’t stop at that favorite truck stop to talk with other truckers and take a well earned break.  You need to do that too.  I’m talking about the time when you are just too rushed and you still have to eat.

An empty stomach makes it extra hard to concentrate on driving and staying focused.  Stay safe out there and take good care of yourself.  Some planning on your part before leaving home can save you money on the road.  Select food items that are single serving size so you don’t have leftovers that may need refrigeration and don’t forget about having plenty of fresh fruit on hand too.

Easy Truckin is brought to you by Easy Trucking Software. We hope you enjoy it.