Dave reviews the slick Kingston Technology 16GB DataTraveler Locker+ G2 encrypted secure USB "thumb" drive and really likes what he finds. If you're worried about the security of the data on your own portable drive, this is a good solution at a very competitive price. Watch it to learn more...

Now that the Nexus 7 Android tablet's come out with the same form factor and Kindle app, but faster processor and better screen, well, why would I keep my Kindle Fire when I can get the upgrade? So I'm selling my Amazon Kindle Fire but before I give it to its new owner, I want to to a full system restore / reformat so I can reset it to factory settings and ensure the new owner can't get to my apps, my Kindle account, etc.

It's a problem that few people talk about, but it's real: when you're using a wireless network, most of your data is traveling through the air "in the clear" (that is, unencrypted) and anyone with the right software could easily be tapping into the data stream and stealing your information, email messages, passwords, credit card numbers, and anything else you might be sending, viewing or receiving. Sure some sites now offer a secure connection, but there are a lot more sites that don't, leaving it your responsibility to ensure that your information is safe.

There are a number of ways to solve this problem, some expensive (your own personal encrypted mifi hotspot) and others complicated (only connect online through your own private network), but there's also a slick solution that automatically encrypts every single byte of data you send or receive by creating what's called a virtual private network or "VPN". Put one of these in place and dubious hackers and stalkers will always be stymied trying to "sniff" your data packets and all your information will be safe. Smart.

Problem is, getting a VPN set up can be complex. Enter Hotspot Shield by AnchorFree, Inc. Even better, you can either opt to use it for free -- in return for a small advert popping up -- or for a small fee you can subscribe to the service.

Let's have a look.

My brother upgraded to a 3TB Apple Time Capsule and gave me his old 500gb Time Capsule. Why you can't just pop the drive and put in another one I don't understand, but meanwhile, I want to reformat or reset the older unit so I can make it my own and set it up in my dorm room. How do I reset the Time Capsule?

I have a protected [secured] PDF document that my lawyer sent me and I want to save it on my iMac but I want to change the password from what she thought would be memorable to something I know I'll remember in six months. How can I easily do that?

The more devices I get that can access the Internet, the harder it is for me to keep track of all the accounts and passwords I've set up for access. I know I don't want to use the same password on multiple sites, but I can't remember what's what. I've heard good things about Agile Software's 1Password app for password management, and I can see that there's a Mac, an iPhone and an iPad version. Cool, but can they sync?

Hi Dave. I have a question that I don't think you've ever written about: I have a folder with confidential information and want to encrypt or password protect it. I can see how to create a ZIP file from it with the Archive feature, but that's not password protected either. Is there any way to accomplish this in Mac OS X Snow Leopard?