It’s the end of the year, and you probably have a day or two off coming to you. If your family and friends haven’t already booked you solid (not that there’s anything wrong with that), you might want to consider doing yourself a few favors to make sure that next year is a good year:

1. Back up your stuff. I’ve said it again and again, because I’ve been burned myself — have a backup of your most critical stuff, or two backups, preferably with one of them off-site. Hoping and praying with not save your hard drive.

2. Make sure you’re running up-to-date virus protection. It won’t save you in all cases (like this
Big Security Hole in All IE Versions, which most virus apps aren’t even picking up) but it’ll definitely help. If you are using Internet Explorer, consider downloading Firefox or Safari and giving them a whirl instead.

3. Triple-check your statements for credit cards, banks, etc. to make sure that only the stuff you bought for Christmas is on there. Any problems or threats you’re experiencing are easier to fix the sooner you find them. If you’re checking them online, also make sure your chosen companies have accurate email addresses, phone numbers, and mailing addresses so that if something odd does happen, they can actually reach you.

OK, soapbox trip over — for now ;)