Beginning-of-the-year resolutions are hard to make and even harder to keep. So, this week, we want to talk about a few easy-to-do things that you can accomplish -- taking on just a bit at a time. If you are like me, it is easy to forget -- so pull out your calendar and make a note to do one thing a week for the next month.

First, start with your firewall. That is a piece of hardware or software that keeps hackers or other unwelcome guests out. Often in a single computer set-up, that firewall is built into your operating system. For networked computers -- the router that connects them all together can serve as the firewall. Your job this week is to do some research on what you already have and whether you need to add any further protection. Either way, make sure that the firewall you have or get is actually turned on. In many cases, it is possible to disable the firewall -- and doing so could leave you at risk.