It wasn’t so long ago when financing a computer with bad
credit was next to impossible. The option for people with
bad credit was to put a computer on layaway. Of course you
could always rent to own a computer, but how many people
used it before you? If you did rent to own a computer you
would have paid up to four times the retail value.
It took awhile, but financing companies are finally starting
to realize that not all people with bad credit are unable to
afford payments on new products and services. There are many
variables that can bring one’s credit rating down such as
bankruptcy or divorce. It’s not always as simple as failure
to pay.
In todays world it is easy to get your computer financed
with bad credit and no credit check if you know where to go.
There are even a couple of different payment options. This
is because there are people who would prefer to put money
down in exchange for a lower monthly payment, and others who
prefer a no money down option.
Some let you put a laptop or desktop computer on what is
referred to as layaway. Though similar, it really isn’t true
layaway because you get to have your computer before it’s
fully paid for. When you put a computer on layaway like
this, what you’re really doing is showing the financing
company you can be trusted to make your payments. Normally
you’ll make payments for a few months before your computer
is shipped.
To get your computer financed with bad credit, no credit, or
without a credit check, you’ll still need a valid checking
account in most cases. This is to your benefit since you can
actually make payments using your checking account and you
don’t need a credit card. Some computer financing companies
will even help you get a prepaid credit card.
Just remember, when you put a PC on layaway through a retail
outlet, you’ll have to pay in full in about 90 days. If you
rent to own a PC you’re going to be over charged in a big
way, and chances are the computer has already been used
before. When you go through a financing company, your PC
will be brand new, out of the box.
If you can afford a good down payment on a computer, that
would be your best option since you can get your new
computer right away, and the payments aren’t that much
higher than if you would have had good credit. When you
can’t afford a sizeable down payment, the best thing you can
do is make extra payments when you can so you’ll get your PC
sooner.
Bad credit computer financing makes it possible for just
about anyone with an income to get a computer without the
hassle of a true layaway deadline or being overcharged by a
rent to own company. Not to mention, many of these companies
offer name brand desktop and laptop computers like DELL, and
in the end, only you know what payment option best suites
your needs.
By: Daymon Hoag
Posts Tagged ‘How Many People’
5 Tips To Keep Hackers From Connecting To Your Wireless Home Network And Stealing Your Identity
August 14th, 2009Drive up and down any neighborhood with a Laptop and wireless network card and chances are very good there is an unprotected wireless network waiting for anyone to connect. Imagine the hacker or your neighbor who has been using your connection and possibly capturing all data being transmitted over the Network. Your Email, Bank and Credit Card account information vulnerable and out in the open for anyone to steal.
If this sounds like your home wireless network, it’s time you put security in place and lock out unwanted guest. Beyond the oblivious security measures, changing and disabling SSID broadcast, turning off your wireless router when not is use, these 5 tips will secure a home wireless network in layers, and give the boot to even the most seasoned professional.
Tip #1 – Do Not Use DHCP – Using DHCP is very convenient, especially for intruders. DHCP automatically hands out IP addresses to any who successfully connects to your Network. When disabled, every computer or device must be manually assigned an IP address. All computers, printers and devices on your network will need to be manually configured with static IP addresses. The threat of just handing out access is eliminated and you gain more control over who can connect to the network.
Also consider changing the router local IP address to something other than 192.168.1.1 that most wireless routers are configured by default. Use an address of 10.0.0.x for the router and for assigning IP addresses to devices on your network. Changes to the defaults set by the router manufacture will help keep intruders guessing and keep them off the network.
Tip #2 – Change The Router Default Password – While this may seems like the most logical task when setting up a wireless router, many people ignore changing the password. You will be surprised how many people think just using encryption on their wireless network will prevent someone from gaining access to your router.
With router vendors using well known default passwords such as admin for Linksys, Dlink and Netgear, encryption will not stop intruder access to the administration interface and gaining access to more than just your Network.
Best practice is to change your password using a complex password. If your name is Joseph, you can easily mix alpha, numeric, and special characters to make a password you will never forget such as J0s3ph!r0ut3r*
Tip #3 – Implement The Strongest Form Of Encryption – This can potentially be the weak point of your Network, since wireless signals transmit over the airways. A hacker does not need to be connected to the Network to steal data. Use the highest encryption available. such as WPA-Personal or WPA2 with a long pass phrase mixed with alpha,
numeric and special characters. Ignore anyone who advises you to at least use WEP, which is a very weak form of encryption.
WEP (wireless encryption protocol) is one of the earliest form of encryption and the easiest to break. You will be at risk by not upgrading to a better wireless router, that offers newer encryption technology. If you run a home business, or use online banking, there is no excuse to protect your self by making a small investment for security.
Tip #4 Enable MAC Filtering: A MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique identifier, similar to fingerprints for people. MAC’s are assigned during the manufacturing of a network device, such as a network card or Wireless adapter. Enabling MAC Filter allows you to control which wireless-equipped Computers may or may not communicate with the Router depending on their MAC addresses and not allow any Computers that have not been added to the list.
Tip #5 – Secure Your Computer – Gaining access to your home network from your router is not the only entry point that exists. The sites you visit and protocols used, if not trusted, can be an invitation to theft of identity.
What do I mean by protocol? An example of a protocol is HTTP, HTTPs, FTP, etc. When creating username and passwords on websites such as financial related sites should always use HTTPS. These sites may need to install Java applets or ActiveX controls which could contain malicious code that can create a backdoor into your network remotely.
Make sure the site is authentic by verifying the certificate used and never respond to emails that claim account information is needed. Avoid being tricked into thinking it is your financial institute or site where you made a credit card purchases. Antivirus and Spyware software should always be up to date as well as making sure your Computer has the latest patches installed.
Protecting your home today involves more than just deadbolts and alarms. With technology creeping into your house in the form of wires, cables and airways, securing your personal data today involves, information, knowledge and good common sense.
By: Mike Boyd
