AVG Internet Security 2012 gives its users a few extra features that raise its game to compete with the larger Internet security suites. The most important of those is the identity protection feature, which helps protect your identity and password from hackers. It also includes a PC analyzer which will clean your computer of junk files, broken shortcuts and other things that could be slowing down its performance. And for a price, you can also add parental controls ($0.99/year) or online backup ($79.99/year). All this for half the price of the bigger security software suites! You can also get an additional 20% off through NextAdvisor. To get the deal or read the full review, click here.

A: In theory, American InterContinental University will accept your transfer credits. In practice, the number of credits that can be transferred depends on whether they are applicable to your area of study.

AIU will accept transfer credits from any school that is accredited by an agency that is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. The University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association, so you should be fine. AIU will evaluate the credits you took at University of Phoenix and determine if they fit in with your desired program at AIU.

You should have no problem transferring general education classes, such as composition or basic math requirements. The more specific classes are where it becomes tricky. If you were an art student at University of Phoenix, but want to study business at AIU, most of those art classes won’t count for much. If you want to stay in the same area of study for your Bachelors at AIU, most of your credits should transfer with little issue. But each credit is subject to AIU’s evaluation process, so nothing is guaranteed.

Our other top-rated online college, such as Capella University and Kaplan University, have the same transfer requirements, as do many accredited colleges. Check out our compare page to see how other online schools stack up.

Source: BHM

A: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)  not only protects health insurance coverage for workers and their families, but is also meant to address the security and privacy of health data. Because the electronic transfer of health data is much more efficient and effective, HIPAA requirements strive to create safe standards for these practices.

There are a handful of online backup services that are HIPAA compliant. Carbonite and Mozy,  two of our highest-rated online backup services, both comply with HIPAA standards.

Another service that really stands out is IBackup. Though it isn't exactly at the top of our list, businesses, particularly those in the legal, health, or financial fields, will want to give IBackup serious consideration. IBackup's business-level services help businesses backup their MS SQL server databases and Exchange servers. Of course, they also boast support for HIPAA and a number of other compliance issues relating to business. The service, like various other online backup providers, also lets you set your own private encryption key, for all plans.

Always make sure that the online backup service you choose follows all of the regulations necessary to support your business, and always feel free to call their customer support!

Not only does it have an intuitive mobile app for both iPhone and Android, but it also has a Facebook application that backs up your social media life. It also lets users share their files and offers unlimited file versioning. You can even stream your favorite music from your computer to your mobile device. Though its a little on the pricier side of the online backup chain, many users will find the many new features to be a great value. Backup a max of 5 computers and choose from annual storage plans starting at  50 GB for  $79.95 and 100 GB for $99.95. External hard drives welcome!

Read the full review here.

New to the website building game? Want an easy-to-use, inexpensive and reliable host service? Network Solutions could be the perfect web hosting service for you. The service offers a site builder with hundreds of templates to choose from and a slew of features that are user-friendly and can easily be added to your site. Although a solid web hosting service, Network Solutions isn’t without its issues, namely a somewhat confusing interface and some technical issues with the site builder. But it makes up for its shortcomings with its wide range of features and reliability. And right now, Network Solutions is offering NextAdvisor readers a 55% discount on their web hosting packages. Want to know more? Read the review and get the discount here!

Welcome to the new NextAdvisor! It has the same trusted research and great deals you have come to expect, but with a new simplified, user-friendly look. With our readers in mind, we have enhanced the site’s navigation, to make it easier for you to find the reviews and deals that you are looking for. We’ve given you more choices on the homepage, so you have easy access to all of our content, including the most recent blogs and in-depth reviews. And we’ve also highlighted some of our featured reviews and deals that you might not even know about! The new NextAdvisor is all about you, so let us know what you think. Leave us a comment, like us on Facebook or sign up for our newsletter to get all the most recent research and deals that fit your needs.

Rumors abound that Facebook is now making public contact lists from smartphones that use Facebook Mobile. Although Facebook denies that this is true, a longstanding feature that syncs contacts from your phone to your Facebook account has been discovered by many. This means that Facebook has probably stored every number in your phone on a server somewhere.

You can see the phone numbers of all your contacts, which means that they can probably see your phone number. Regardless of the method Facebook may have used to get your number, here's what you should do:

1. In your phone's Facebook app, tap the Friends icon in the main menu. Then in the upper-right of the screen, click Sync.

2. When you're on Facebook, click on Account at the top-right of the screen. Then click Edit Friends. On the left side of the screen, click on Contacts. You'll see this text on the right: "If you would like to remove your mobile contacts from Facebook, you need to disable the feature on your mobile phone and visit this page." Click to go there, and then click the Remove button.

3. Double-check the privacy settings on your Facebook account to make sure that only the right people are seeing your number. We recommend deleting it completely.

For those worried about protecting their privacy, we recommend identity theft protection. Companies such as Identity Guard, Trusted ID, and LifeLock monitor your credit score and other records and alert you of fraudulent activity. Plus, NextAdvisor offers you a discount!

A: If your identity is compromised while you're subscribed to IDENTITY GUARD Total Protection®, you'll have full (free) access to the ID Theft Recovery Unit (ITAC).  The ITAC will be with you from start to finish, walking you through the steps that need to happen to resolve the issue and helping you get your good name and credit back.  The exact steps vary depending on what type of identity theft event has occurred, but common steps include setting up a case report for you, setting fraud alerts on your account, helping to notify creditors of any suspicious activity and sharing data with law enforcement agencies.  In addition, if it's needed the ITAC will work to have the fraud removed from your credit history.  And if there are any legal fees, affidavits or notary fees involved in resolving the issue, Identity Guard's 1 million dollar loss reimbusement will cover the expenses.

Overall, we think Identity Guard Total Protection is an excellent identity theft protection service.  And right now they are offering NextAdvisor readers a free 30-day trial and a 15% discount, so you can sign up free of charge and see if the service is a good fit for you.

You want to start with a small amount. Just five percent of your monthly income can equal years of financial security; if you can put even more away in a savings account, that amount can skyrocket. Try to automate your deposits to your account, too; it takes the thinking and hesitation out of the savings process. Reward yourself every so often for sticking to your savings goals: Doing something nice for yourself, even if you have to spend a little bit of your saved money, will keep you motivated.

Finally, U.S. News & World Report advises us to consider high-yield savings accounts at online banks. Why? Because online savings accounts can offer higher interest rates due to lower overheads. Here are the best highest-earning online savings accounts:

Discover: 1.15% APY, $500.00 to open, $0.00 minimum balance, no monthly fees

Ally: 1% APY, $0.00 to open, $0.00 minimum balance, no monthly fees

ING: 1% APY, $0.00 to open, $0.00 minimum balance, no monthly fees

It's never too late to open an online savings account and start planning for the future!

On March 30th, a hacker gained access to a portion of the email marketer's database, making off with an untold number of user emails and names. According to the company, nothing more sensitive than that was gleaned—no passwords, no Social Security numbers. So what's the risk?

The real damage from the attack will come later when the addresses fall into the hands of phishers. Since Epsilon's customers include financial institutions, cybercriminals are likely to use the addresses to send phishing emails. This is exactly what the emails I've been receiving have warned me about.

A phishing email is made to look just like an email from a financial institution or other Internet service. It contains either a direct request for personal information (account number, Social Security number, password, etc.), or a link to a web page that requires that information for a login. Phishing emails and web pages are built to look exactly like the pages of the companies they are emulating. They may even have similar urls. Hacks like the Epsilon breach allow phishing attacks to be highly targeted, since the phishers can be reasonably sure which customers use which services.

To protect yourself from these and other phishing attacks follow a few simple rules:

1) Don't respond to emails requesting personal information, even if it appears the sender was a company you do business with.

2) Don't click on links in emails. If you receive a notification that requires you to log into an account, go directly to the site via a browser bookmark, or by typing the URL in to the browser.

3) Invest in Internet security software that has built-in phishing protection and/or a personal information vault.

4) For maximum personal security—online and off—sign up for an identity theft protection service.

Q: I live in California and borrowed money from PayDayMax in November for $570 dollars. They are now asking me to pay $1984.63. Is there anything I can do to get out of it?

A: We're sorry to hear you're having trouble with this lender, though sadly we're not surprised. We gave PayDayMax a 1-star rating when we reviewed them, largely because they're not located in California, and therefore are not bound by state laws that protect consumers from bad lending practices. In fact, they're not even headquartered in the United States.

First, you should review your original loan terms carefully, and make sure that your current balance is in line with what you signed up for. This can help you in a dispute, and at least you'll know where you stand.

In our research we found PayDayMax offering terms outside of what's legal in California. However, you may still be bound by their contract. California law does, however, protect you from being criminally prosecuted for failure to pay. While we're not lawyers, we don't believe California would or could enforce requests from PayDayMax.

After you've checked the terms of your original agreement, you might try checking to see if there are any free legal resources in the area you live in. They may be able to advise you of any alternatives you have. You can also try contacting the Attorney General's office in California to lodge a complaint or get more information.

Unfortunately, your credit score may be affected, and PayDayMax will likely report you to a collections agency, if they haven't already. We've heard that some people have had luck filing a cease and desist order, which will at least prevent further harassment, though it won't eliminate the debt.

If you do have to pay, try and negotiate a payment schedule with the company. You may be able to at least halt the addition of further fees and penalties. As much as possible you should avoid taking out additional loans to pay off PayDayMax as this will only increase your debt.

If you take out any payday loans in the future, we recommend going with a well-rated lender  such as CashNetUSA that operates in the State of California.

A: Yes, TrustedID IDFreeze provides an annual copy of all 3 of your credit reports with your service.  You'll automatically receive your free annual credit reports from the 3 credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion—and be able to review your credit history to make sure your identity hasn't been compromised.  Right now TrustedID has partnered with NextAdvisor to offer a 14 day free-trial and 15% discount thereafter for IDFreeze.  To get this special deal just sign up from our site via the IDFreeze review.

Q: Can you explain the differences between Carbonite and SugarSync?

A: This is a good question. Both have distinct advantages. SugarSync let's you back up multiple computers, but has certain set storage limits (30 to 250 gigabytes depending on your plan), while Carbonite offers basically unlimited online backup for one computer. We say "basically" because Carbonite does limit you to files of 4 gigabytes or less, and you can't transfer more than 100 gigabytes per month. So Carbonite has a storage advantage. Some people may like Carbonite's backup software a bit better because it includes support for backing up emails, settings, and contacts. SugarSync sticks to more basic categories like music, photos, and documents.

SugarSync, however, has several great features. Its specialty is keeping documents from multiple computers backed-up and synced-up. So if you work on a document on a desktop and a laptop, you'll always be sure you're working on the latest version. SugarSync also supports music streaming, so any MP3s that you back up can be streamed to a computer or smart phone. SugarSync also has a great online photo album viewer. Finally, only SugarSync makes it easy to share files with others by giving you the ability to set up password-controlled filesharing sections, as well as the ability to send out links to specific files.

So, that's about the size of it. Carbonite is more basic, if a little more comprehensive. SugarSync is a bit more useful for day-to-day operations.

A: That would probably depend on your financial circumstances.  Most people do end up getting some sort of financial assistance, ranging from loans to grants and scholarships.   You can learn more about financial aid  for online college, including the different types of assistance and how to get it, in our Financial Aid section.

Q: A little over a month ago my purse was stolen. In this last week I have received several calls from creditors regarding old accounts. How do I find out if someone is trying to open accounts in my name?

A: We're sorry to hear this. If you're receiving calls about activity on accounts you haven't used in a while, there's a good chance someone may be using items stolen from your purse for identity theft. We've written a couple of other blog posts that you may find helpful, and we'll include those links below. Most importantly, you need to see what's going on with your credit report, and protect yourself from any future financial hardship. An identity theft protection service like Trusted ID or Identity Guard can help you do both. You may also want to order a credit freeze, to prevent further damage, as outlined in the article below, "What to do if someone has stolen your identity."

Also, if you're receiving calls about old accounts, it's a good idea not to give the caller any information. Tell them you'll call them back. It's possible these people aren't who they say they are. Find the phone number of the creditor in question by using the contact information on your old statements (or via the company's website), and call them to confirm what's going on, and put a hold on those accounts.

related posts:

What to do if someone has stolen your identity

My wallet was stolen, what should I do?

The scope of the crime is huge, since that little laptop is the only place where their data is kept. This is why we stress the importance of an online backup service, particularly for individuals who have laptops. For those that are truly mobile, this is the best backup solution: As long as the laptop is connected to the Internet, it saves a copy of your data in a secure off-site facility. Laptop tracking services like LoJack for Laptops may also help some people recover their stolen property, but for many people it's the data which has the real value.

A: The FICO score is a type credit score, but all credit scores are not FICO scores.   A good analogy would be to think of credit scores as a car, and a FICO score as particular make of car, like a Porsche.  There are many other types of branded credit scores out there, but there is only one brand called the FICO score. The FICO score was created by Fair Issac & Co back in 1956, and uses it's own "secret" algorithm to calculate credit scores.   You can learn more about the FICO score and how it's calculated in this previous post

Regarding not having a credit score, it may have something to do with how new your file is, but it's a little hard to tell based on the information you provided.  However, if you are obtaining a credit score from a credit agency it may not be a true FICO score.  As mentioned above, there are many different brands of credit scores and it is likely that the score you were accessing was not the FICO.

But good news, we have partnered with FICO to offer a free FICO score when you sign up with myFICO credit monitoring service.  myFICO monitors your Equifax credit report 24/7 and will alert you if there are any changes, which is a great way to know what's going on with your credit file.  And right now we are running an exclusive 10 day free trial, which will give you your FICO score for free!

A: You need to obtain copies of all 3 of your credit reports.  If your lender won't give them to you, you can get them yourself for free from a variety of sources, including annualcreditreport.com or by signing up for one of our top-rated credit monitoring services.

Once you have your credit reports, carefully review them for errors or suspicious activity (this is just to be safe).  The "Inquiries" section of your credit report will let you know who has been requesting access to your credit files.  Although it won't tell you why they wanted access, once you have this information, you should be able to track down the culprits and ask them why they wanted to see your report.  This is also a good time to learn the difference between hard inquiries and soft inquiries.

Slate has put together a nice little widget that will search your email address against those that are known to have been stolen. Many users were notified early by an unsolicited email from an ad-hoc group called Team Hint, though their motives and their place in the whole breach remain unclear.

It's a good reminder to choose strong passwords and to keep separate passwords for different sites. As always, you should protect yourself with strong Internet security software, particularly one that comes with identity theft protection features such as a password and ID vault.

Want to avoid it?

1. Don't click on links you're not sure about.
2. Don't enter your password unless you're really, really sure you asked for something to be installed
3. Get and install Internet security software, and make sure you're paying the yearly subscription fee so you get the latest virus definitions.

A: I believe you are referring to our identity theft protection and credit report monitoring free trial offers.  You don't need a code for any of the offers shown in these categories, because the offer is automatic once you click on the product sign up link from NextAdvisor.  It is important that you click on the NextAdvisor link, because it is the only way you'll get the deal.

We offer exclusive free trials and discounts on a variety of products on our site.  For the vast majority of the deals you don't need a physical coupon, but you do need to click on the "Sign Up" or "Visit" link from the NextAdvisor site.  Once you click the link, you will be automatically be given the offer, and will not need to provide a coupon or code. In the rare case do you need a coupon, we indicate the code within the product review, usually in the first paragraph.

We've just completed our review of HostNine web hosting, and we're pretty impressed. In many ways it's not too different from other web hosts we've reviewed. It uses cPanel and Fantastico scripts to run things. It offers unlimited storage and data transfer. What is different is its no-commitment hosting plans and inexpensive pricing. You can get complete web hosting for only $2.96 per month (with an exclusive 25% discount), and you can actually pay that month-to-month. Now, domain registration will cost you $12.96 per year (and domain privacy, if you want that, is about ten bucks). But it's still far-and-away the cheapest web host we've reviewed. Most web hosts that offer web hosting in that price range require a two- or three-year commitment.

Check out our complete review of HostNine and see how it stacks up against the competition.