Online computer security tips
As much as we would like to think that everybody is as
decent as we try to be, it's just not true. Computers
and the Internet have provided a way for criminals to
become even more effective. Fortunately, there are many
things you can do to improve your level of computer safety.
And yes, we should take all this online security stuff
seriously.
Did you know you can get a virus simply by visiting
a website? Virus writers use safety holes in
computer operating systems or the web browsers. If you
make sure that you have the latest patches for your
operating system and internet browser, the risk of getting
a virus will be minimized.
Consider the number of sites you visit when you're
autosurfing. Having the proper security installed on
your PC will greatly reduce the chances of you dowloading
viruses, trojans, worms, etc.
Once a week...
You need to keep your antivirus protection up
to date every day, but it's a good idea to run
Ad-Aware and Spybot once a week.
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Anti-virus protection
Firstly, several downloadable virus scanners:
Grisoft offers AVG
for free home use. You will need to remember to update
it manually. I suggest every day, as part of your
getting started routine. New viruses are created every
day and any decent AV program will be updated regularly.
(Personally I now use Vet by Computer Associates and
most days it is automatically updated 1-2-3 times.)
Avast
supplies a free AV program too.
Secondly, there are several free online virus
scanners:
Housecall,
Bitdefender,
f-secure,
F-prot.
For Internet Explorer only.
PandaSoftware's
ActiveScan scans and disinfects viruses from all
parts of your system, hard disks, compressed files
and all your e-mail. The last time I checked, it identifies
and eliminates over 63,000 viruses and trojans directly
over the Internet. You can have it scan a specified
folder on your hard drive which will save you time
if you know where the problem is. There's a small
download that manages the online scanning process.
More about
free virus scanners.
Browser security
 Firefox
is widely regarded as being more secure than
Internet Explorer.
E-gold security
Whether or not you use e-gold, their security
recommendations are well worth taking the time
to examine.
Firewalls
A firewall is like a fence, designed to keep the
bad guys out. Without it, you've pretty much left
the front door open and sooner or later somebody will
intrude on your privacy. A firewall will prevent this
unauthorized access to your computer. Here are two
free firewalls: ZoneAlarm
and Norton.
So how secure are you? Shields-UP!
Internet Connection Security Analysis will expertly
check your computer's ports (pathways into your computer)
to see if your PC is vulnerable.
Ports? Yes, they're the 'connection points' if you
like, between your PC and the big wide world of the
Internet. You know how you can be surfing at the same
time that you're downloading some software, at the
same time that... (you get the point). Well, each
computer application uses a different address at your
computer, a different 'port'. And nasties can enter
through those hundreds of ports without either asking
you or informing you. And they can copy whatever information
they want! So be wise. Click the link to find out
how vulnerable your computer is to uninvited entry
by malicious robots and hackers. Then be sure you
get it to "Test my shields" and also to "Probe my
ports".
Mac security
SecureMac.com
- if you use an Apple Mac computer.
Patches. Install those updates promptly!
If you use Windows, you can find the latest patches
and service packs at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
Roboform form-filler
Unlike Gator (which is spyware), Roboform is a non-spy
alternative that fills in all your online forms, remembers
passwords, creates random secure passwords, uses 3DES
encryption (it's secure!) and is free for personal
use. Click
here to get Roboform FREE.
Slow computer? Try this
CCleaner
is a free system optimization and privacy tool. It
removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows
to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space.
It also cleans traces of your online activities such
as your Internet history. But the best part is that
it's fast (normally taking less that a second to run)
and contains no spyware or adware.
Spyware, adware
Ad-Aware
is excellent free software that identifies and removes
spyware from your PC. Some of the programs you download
from the Internet could actually be spying on you,
keeping track of the websites you visit, the purchases
you make, your click patterns, etc. But Ad-Aware searches
your program files for spyware, lists it all and then
asks you whether you want to delete each of them from
your hard drive. (When it asks you whether to delete
items from your 'deep registry', it's wiser to say
No. I found that out the hard way.)
Spybot
is the best privacy software. And it's free. For protection
against ad-serving software, Trojan horses, and other
means of tracking your surfing habits.
SpywareBlaster
by Javacool prevents the installation of spyware and
other potentially unwanted software. And it's free.
(I mention Javacool because there are other products
of the same name.)
More information on spyware.
Trojans and trojan removal
Most virus scanners aren't programmed to recognise
trojans. (Panda is.) This leaves
the door wide open for trojans hidden in .exe/.com/.bat
files. ICQ and IRC are flooded with trojans, just
waiting to get their hooks into your system. Used
chat lately?
PC
DoorGuard offers a free download that will scan
your computer for thousands (7161 when I checked last)
of trojans. If it finds one, you can buy their cleaner
program. $29.95.
Hackfix
is dedicated to sharing information about trojan horse
programs, how to know if you're infected and how to
safely remove them.
More about removing
trojans from your computer.
Ultimate
Wealth Package - If you would like to start working
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entire page and take action right away.
Emergency
Cash Generators - 101 Ways To Raise Emergency
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