Today, more and more people are using their computers for everything from communication to online banking and investing to shopping. As we do these things on a more regular basis, we open ourselves up to potential hackers, attackers and crackers. While some may be looking to phish your personal information and identity for resale, others simply just want to use your computer as a platform from which to attack other unknowing targets. Below are a few easy, cost-effective steps you can take to make your computer more secure.
1. Always make backups of important information and store in a safe place separate from your computer.
2. Update and patch your operating system, web browser and software frequently. If you have a Windows operating system, start by going to www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com and running the update wizard. This program will help you find the latest patches for your Windows computer. Also go to www.officeupdate.microsoft.com to locate possible patches for your Office programs.
3. Install a firewall. Without a good firewall, viruses, worms, Trojans, malware and adware can all easily access your computer from the Internet. Consideration should be given to the benefits and differences between hardware and software based firewall programs.
4. Review your browser and email settings for optimum security. Why should you do this? Active-X and JavaScript are often used by hackers to plant malicious programs into your computers. While cookies are relatively harmless in terms of security concerns, they do still track your movements on the Internet to build a profile of you. At a minimum set your security setting for the “internet zone” to High, and your “trusted sites zone” to Medium Low.
5. Install antivirus software and set for automatic updates so that you receive the most current versions.
6. Do not open unknown email attachments. It is simply not enough that you may recognize the address from which it originates because many viruses can spread from a familiar address.
7. Do not run programs from unknown origins. Also, do not send these types of programs to friends and coworkers because they contain funny or amusing stories or jokes. They may contain a Trojans horse waiting to infect a computer.
8. Disable hidden filename extensions. By default, the Windows operating system is set to “hide file extensions for known file types”. Disable this option so that file extensions display in Windows. Some file extensions will, by default, continue to remain hidden, but you are more likely to see any unusual file extensions that do not belong.
9. Turn off your computer and disconnect from the network when not using the computer. A hacker can not attack your computer when you are disconnected from the network or the computer is off.
10. Consider making a boot disk on a floppy disk in case your computer is damaged or compromised by a malicious program. Obviously, you need to take this step before you experience a hostile breach of your system.
Showing posts with label internet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label internet. Show all posts
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Surfing The Web Anonymously
When you surf the web it is possible to learn information about you even when you don't want to advertise who you are. This is true even if your system contains no virus or malware software. Specifically information that is easily available online includes your IP address, your country (and often more location information based on IP address), what computer system you are on, what browser you use, your browser history, and other information. It gets worse. People can get your computer's name and even find out your name if your machine supports programs like finger or identd. Also, cookies can track your habits as you move from machine to machine.
How do people get this basic information about you?
When you visit another web site, information about you can be retrieved. Basically, information is intercepted and used by others to track your Internet activities.
How do you stop this from happening?
First of all, it is possible to serf the web anonymously and thereby stop leaving a trail for others to find. Note that this is not fool-proof, but it makes it much harder for people to know who you are. There are products called anonymous proxy servers that help protect you. The anonymous proxy server replaces your Internet address for its own. This has the effect of hiding your IP address and making it much harder for people to track you.
How do I get an anonymous proxy server?
There are many vendors who sell anonymous proxy servers. There are also free proxy servers available to you. Two such products are ShadowSurf and Guardster. Guardster (http://www.guardster.com/) offers various services for anonymous and secure access to the web, some paid as well as a free service. ShadowSurf (http://www.shadowsurf.com/) ShadowSurf provides anonymous surfing at their site for free. Go to it and you will find a box to enter a URL that you want no one to track. There are many others, but here are two that are frequently used.
Another interesting product, given the recent news about the Google search engine filtering its findings for the Chinese government, is Anonymizer (http://www.anonymizer.com). This company, among others, recently (Feb 1st, 2006) pressed that it "is developing a new anti-censorship solution that will enable Chinese citizens to safely access the entire Internet filter-free" (http://www.anonymizer.com/consumer/media/press_releases/02012006.html).
Does an anonymous proxy server make you 100% safe?
No. Still, you are much better off if you use such technology.
What other things should I be concerned about when trying to keep my private information private?
Three other items come to mind when trying to keep your information private. First, you can use an encrypted connection to hide your surfing. This article does not go into detail on this, but search the web and you will find a lot of information on this. Secondly, delete cookies after each session. Third, you can configure your browser to remove JavaScript, Java, and active content. This actually leads to limitations, so you need to think about the cost/benefit of this course of action.
Anything else?
Wishing you happy and safe surfing!
How do people get this basic information about you?
When you visit another web site, information about you can be retrieved. Basically, information is intercepted and used by others to track your Internet activities.
How do you stop this from happening?
First of all, it is possible to serf the web anonymously and thereby stop leaving a trail for others to find. Note that this is not fool-proof, but it makes it much harder for people to know who you are. There are products called anonymous proxy servers that help protect you. The anonymous proxy server replaces your Internet address for its own. This has the effect of hiding your IP address and making it much harder for people to track you.
How do I get an anonymous proxy server?
There are many vendors who sell anonymous proxy servers. There are also free proxy servers available to you. Two such products are ShadowSurf and Guardster. Guardster (http://www.guardster.com/) offers various services for anonymous and secure access to the web, some paid as well as a free service. ShadowSurf (http://www.shadowsurf.com/) ShadowSurf provides anonymous surfing at their site for free. Go to it and you will find a box to enter a URL that you want no one to track. There are many others, but here are two that are frequently used.
Another interesting product, given the recent news about the Google search engine filtering its findings for the Chinese government, is Anonymizer (http://www.anonymizer.com). This company, among others, recently (Feb 1st, 2006) pressed that it "is developing a new anti-censorship solution that will enable Chinese citizens to safely access the entire Internet filter-free" (http://www.anonymizer.com/consumer/media/press_releases/02012006.html).
Does an anonymous proxy server make you 100% safe?
No. Still, you are much better off if you use such technology.
What other things should I be concerned about when trying to keep my private information private?
Three other items come to mind when trying to keep your information private. First, you can use an encrypted connection to hide your surfing. This article does not go into detail on this, but search the web and you will find a lot of information on this. Secondly, delete cookies after each session. Third, you can configure your browser to remove JavaScript, Java, and active content. This actually leads to limitations, so you need to think about the cost/benefit of this course of action.
Anything else?
Wishing you happy and safe surfing!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Phishing For Your Identity
Who hasn’t received an email directing them to visit a familiar website where they are being asked to update their personal information? The website needs you to verify or update your passwords, credit card numbers, social security number, or even your bank account number. You recognize the business name as one that you’ve conducted business with in the past. So, you click on the convenient “take me there” link and proceed to provide all the information they have requested. Unfortunately, you find out much later that the website is bogus. It was created with the sole intent to steal your personal information. You, my friend, have just been “phished”.
Phishing (pronounced as “fishing”) is defined as the act of sending an email to a recipient falsely claiming to have an established, legitimate business. The intent of the phisher is to scam the recipient into surrendering their private information, and ultimately steal your identity.
It is not at easy as you think to spot an email phishing for information. At first glance, the email may look like it is from a legitimate company. The "From" field of the e-mail may have the .com address of the company mentioned in the e-mail. The clickable link even appears to take you to the company's website, when in fact, it is a fake website built to replicate the legitimate site.
Many of these people are professional criminals. They have spent a lot of time in creating emails that look authentic. Users need to review all emails requesting personal information carefully. When reviewing your email remember that the "From Field" can be easily changed by the sender. While it may look like it is coming from a .com you do business with, looks can be deceiving. Also keep in mind that the phisher will go all out in trying to make their email look as legitimate as possible. They will even copy logos or images from the official site to use in their emails. Finally, they like to include a clickable link that the recipient can follow to conveniently update their information.
A great way to check the legitimacy of the link is to point at the link with your mouse. Then, look in the bottom left hand screen of your computer. The actual website address to which you are being directed will show up for you to view. It is a very quick and easy way to check if you are being directed to a legitimate site.
Finally, follow the golden rule. Never, ever, click the links within the text of the e-mail, and always delete the e-mail immediately. Once you have deleted the e-mail, empty the trash box in your e-mail accounts as well. If you are truly concerned that you are missing an important notice regarding one of your accounts, then type the full URL address of the website into your browser. At least then you can be confident that you are, in fact, being directed to the true and legitimate website.
Phishing (pronounced as “fishing”) is defined as the act of sending an email to a recipient falsely claiming to have an established, legitimate business. The intent of the phisher is to scam the recipient into surrendering their private information, and ultimately steal your identity.
It is not at easy as you think to spot an email phishing for information. At first glance, the email may look like it is from a legitimate company. The "From" field of the e-mail may have the .com address of the company mentioned in the e-mail. The clickable link even appears to take you to the company's website, when in fact, it is a fake website built to replicate the legitimate site.
Many of these people are professional criminals. They have spent a lot of time in creating emails that look authentic. Users need to review all emails requesting personal information carefully. When reviewing your email remember that the "From Field" can be easily changed by the sender. While it may look like it is coming from a .com you do business with, looks can be deceiving. Also keep in mind that the phisher will go all out in trying to make their email look as legitimate as possible. They will even copy logos or images from the official site to use in their emails. Finally, they like to include a clickable link that the recipient can follow to conveniently update their information.
A great way to check the legitimacy of the link is to point at the link with your mouse. Then, look in the bottom left hand screen of your computer. The actual website address to which you are being directed will show up for you to view. It is a very quick and easy way to check if you are being directed to a legitimate site.
Finally, follow the golden rule. Never, ever, click the links within the text of the e-mail, and always delete the e-mail immediately. Once you have deleted the e-mail, empty the trash box in your e-mail accounts as well. If you are truly concerned that you are missing an important notice regarding one of your accounts, then type the full URL address of the website into your browser. At least then you can be confident that you are, in fact, being directed to the true and legitimate website.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Website Security Rules of the Road
In 2004, online consumer spending was at a record $65.1 billion. More and more people are attracted to the ease of online shopping and are spending higher amounts. Unfortunately, the chances of becoming a victim of Internet fraud are also increasing. The Internet National Fraud Center Watch reported that the average loss to fraud victims for just the first six months of 2005 was $2,579. This is compared to the $895 average for all of 2004. Complaints relating to general merchandise purchases (goods never received or misrepresented) accounted for 30% of Internet fraud complaints, and auction purchases (goods never received or misrepresented) topped the list at 44%.
While many e-commerce Websites are reputable and have taken the necessary safety precautions to protect you, it never hurts to always proceed cautiously. If you are making an online purchase consider these easy steps:
1. Use only one credit card, preferably with a low credit limit, when making online purchases. Avoid using an ATM or debit card.
2. Be wary of unsolicited offers by sellers. The Internet National Fraud Information Center Watch reported that email, as a method of contact by Internet scammers was up 22% in 2004.While the offer may be legitimate, spammers like to use this tactic to side-step reputable sites that provide consumer protection for online purchases.
3. Use only reputable e-commerce websites that list a street address and telephone number in case you need to contact them directly.
4. Read the website’s privacy policy. Some websites may reserve the right to sell/give your information to a third party. Check the document to see if they allow an opportunity to “opt-out” of receiving special offers from third-party vendors or for permission to share your personal information.
5. Check for a lock symbol in the status bar at the bottom of your Web browser window. Also, do not provide your personal information if the website address doesn’t start with “https” (a sign that the site is using a secure server).
6. Choose only verified sellers. Check to see if the vendor is a verified member of a reputable third party such as the Better Business Bureau, VeriSign, or Guardian eCommerce. These third-party sites help to ensure online consumers will be protected when shopping or conducting e-commerce transactions.
7. Check that the delivery date posted is reasonable. If you have not dealt with the vendor on a regular basis, be wary of any Website that states the shipment will be delayed 20 or more days. Delivery dates of 7-10 days are more common.
8. Keep a paper trail of all online transactions. Print out a hard copy of the transaction and keep it in a file for future reference.
9. Be wary of website offers that just sound too good to be true. The Internet is littered with get rich quick scams and false advertising claims. Investigate all claims thoroughly before proceeding.
10. If you do not receive what you paid for, and the vendor will not return your emails or calls, contact your state’s Department of Consumer Affairs for further assistance.
While many e-commerce Websites are reputable and have taken the necessary safety precautions to protect you, it never hurts to always proceed cautiously. If you are making an online purchase consider these easy steps:
1. Use only one credit card, preferably with a low credit limit, when making online purchases. Avoid using an ATM or debit card.
2. Be wary of unsolicited offers by sellers. The Internet National Fraud Information Center Watch reported that email, as a method of contact by Internet scammers was up 22% in 2004.While the offer may be legitimate, spammers like to use this tactic to side-step reputable sites that provide consumer protection for online purchases.
3. Use only reputable e-commerce websites that list a street address and telephone number in case you need to contact them directly.
4. Read the website’s privacy policy. Some websites may reserve the right to sell/give your information to a third party. Check the document to see if they allow an opportunity to “opt-out” of receiving special offers from third-party vendors or for permission to share your personal information.
5. Check for a lock symbol in the status bar at the bottom of your Web browser window. Also, do not provide your personal information if the website address doesn’t start with “https” (a sign that the site is using a secure server).
6. Choose only verified sellers. Check to see if the vendor is a verified member of a reputable third party such as the Better Business Bureau, VeriSign, or Guardian eCommerce. These third-party sites help to ensure online consumers will be protected when shopping or conducting e-commerce transactions.
7. Check that the delivery date posted is reasonable. If you have not dealt with the vendor on a regular basis, be wary of any Website that states the shipment will be delayed 20 or more days. Delivery dates of 7-10 days are more common.
8. Keep a paper trail of all online transactions. Print out a hard copy of the transaction and keep it in a file for future reference.
9. Be wary of website offers that just sound too good to be true. The Internet is littered with get rich quick scams and false advertising claims. Investigate all claims thoroughly before proceeding.
10. If you do not receive what you paid for, and the vendor will not return your emails or calls, contact your state’s Department of Consumer Affairs for further assistance.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Removal Adware Spyware
Why is there a need for a download adware spyware removal?
It is such a hassle to find personal computers crashing especially if you know that all the care have been given to prevent such a catastrophic event from happening. By all care means every bit of ounce that the information technology department can do they are instructed to do so. The system starts off clean with passwords needed to be able to open and use the personal computer so that not just anyone can access it.
What follows then are that the programs essential to the business and the owner are uploaded and these said programs are double checked to see if they do not have any bogus programs attached to them before they are installed. Even internet usage is limited just to assure non-entry of any programs or any sort of connection that can bring in problems to the existing system.
This may mean that only company email systems and networks can be opened while non-essentials like messengers or online shared programs cannot be uploaded which is actually good for offices so the company is sure that employees are working whenever they are in the office. In reality, it cannot be avoided for employees to use office personal computers to chat or to download files or songs not related to office duties.
Having said that, it is now time to turn your attention to one of the enemies of the cyber industry these days and that is spyware. Spyware came into advent as a result of the booming internet slash computer industry. For of course there will always be those people who will take advantage of something positive and ride on it in a negative manner.
Sometimes the negative becomes so popular that more and more people will choose to take part in these bad actions. The evil genius behind spyware is a traitor to all its victims who totally unaware of its existence that is not until it messes up a seemingly functional system. There is nothing right at all with collecting information about users without their consent and that wrong thing is what spyware is all about. It is an invasion of privacy in the first place and a totally destructive tool next but then again it is proliferating.
Adware is sort of a spyware spin off wherein online advertisements pop up from out of nowhere and no matter what you press in that dialog box will trigger something to be downloaded into your system without you even knowing you instigated the whole process. There is no way to get out of this sad reality but hopefully the culprits can be tracked down so at least steps can be taken to curb their doings.
What makes the situation worse is that some of these illegal operations are actually tied to legal companies who provide legal programs. Sure there are downloadable adware spyware removals but even these adware spyware removal programs are not one hundred percent effective. Maybe there is one out there that can be very effective but there are so many claiming to be adware spyware removal programs but are con spywares as well.
It is then advisable for everyone concerned to carefully research before finally deciding on what adware spyware removal program to use and once you find the right one stick to that for it is rare to find an adware spyware removal that really works.
It is such a hassle to find personal computers crashing especially if you know that all the care have been given to prevent such a catastrophic event from happening. By all care means every bit of ounce that the information technology department can do they are instructed to do so. The system starts off clean with passwords needed to be able to open and use the personal computer so that not just anyone can access it.
What follows then are that the programs essential to the business and the owner are uploaded and these said programs are double checked to see if they do not have any bogus programs attached to them before they are installed. Even internet usage is limited just to assure non-entry of any programs or any sort of connection that can bring in problems to the existing system.
This may mean that only company email systems and networks can be opened while non-essentials like messengers or online shared programs cannot be uploaded which is actually good for offices so the company is sure that employees are working whenever they are in the office. In reality, it cannot be avoided for employees to use office personal computers to chat or to download files or songs not related to office duties.
Having said that, it is now time to turn your attention to one of the enemies of the cyber industry these days and that is spyware. Spyware came into advent as a result of the booming internet slash computer industry. For of course there will always be those people who will take advantage of something positive and ride on it in a negative manner.
Sometimes the negative becomes so popular that more and more people will choose to take part in these bad actions. The evil genius behind spyware is a traitor to all its victims who totally unaware of its existence that is not until it messes up a seemingly functional system. There is nothing right at all with collecting information about users without their consent and that wrong thing is what spyware is all about. It is an invasion of privacy in the first place and a totally destructive tool next but then again it is proliferating.
Adware is sort of a spyware spin off wherein online advertisements pop up from out of nowhere and no matter what you press in that dialog box will trigger something to be downloaded into your system without you even knowing you instigated the whole process. There is no way to get out of this sad reality but hopefully the culprits can be tracked down so at least steps can be taken to curb their doings.
What makes the situation worse is that some of these illegal operations are actually tied to legal companies who provide legal programs. Sure there are downloadable adware spyware removals but even these adware spyware removal programs are not one hundred percent effective. Maybe there is one out there that can be very effective but there are so many claiming to be adware spyware removal programs but are con spywares as well.
It is then advisable for everyone concerned to carefully research before finally deciding on what adware spyware removal program to use and once you find the right one stick to that for it is rare to find an adware spyware removal that really works.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Adware and Spyware
Knowing the basics of Adware and Spyware
People think that there is actually no difference between a spyware and an adware. Spyware is just a web term used to refer to an advertising supported software, which is otherwise known as adware. These are the pop-up ads that often come out whenever we open a website or download a shareware software. But according to some web experts, spyware is much much more.
Supporters of spyware and adware say that though it can be pretty annoying at times especially if you are really in a hurry, both do give consumers huge benefits. Because the product ads generate income for developers of shareware software, consumers can get them for free. Developers are in turn paid for their work. Of course, if you don’t want to be bothered by the constant pop-ups, you can always pay the licensing fee or the regular fee for the software. If you want it for free, you just have to sacrifice through the spyware.
There is however another downside to it. Spyware, from the name given to it, is actually used as a tracking device in your computer system. These tracking devices will look into your surfing habits, your chatting logs and even the number of times you open your email. If designed or programmed the right way, it can discover just about everything else in your system.
And because the program runs in the background, there is no way that a person can control the kind of information that he or she sends out.
These kinds of programs were actually originally used by parents or people in the business sector who wish to track down and put on record web activity. It is actually beneficial but not when people are not aware that they are being tracked down. This is often the case when people download software over the Internet. As mentioned before, it is used by companies to advertise their products and in turn help the developers of software keep their costs down so that they can afford to offer their programs for free.
Although privacy issues indeed come into play, there is nothing illegal about it. In fact, its use is prevalent all over the World Wide Web. There are however some areas that people who value their privacy will object to. Because of this, people are given the option to refuse the software.
There is really no way that one can avoid adware and spyware as these programs are packaged with the software that you will be downloading from the Internet. The most that you can do is to avoid downloading from the internet and to refuse any file downloads that you did not personally authorize. It is also good to only view websites that have a good reputation or those that have anti-spyware and adware programs installed in their pages.
People think that there is actually no difference between a spyware and an adware. Spyware is just a web term used to refer to an advertising supported software, which is otherwise known as adware. These are the pop-up ads that often come out whenever we open a website or download a shareware software. But according to some web experts, spyware is much much more.
Supporters of spyware and adware say that though it can be pretty annoying at times especially if you are really in a hurry, both do give consumers huge benefits. Because the product ads generate income for developers of shareware software, consumers can get them for free. Developers are in turn paid for their work. Of course, if you don’t want to be bothered by the constant pop-ups, you can always pay the licensing fee or the regular fee for the software. If you want it for free, you just have to sacrifice through the spyware.
There is however another downside to it. Spyware, from the name given to it, is actually used as a tracking device in your computer system. These tracking devices will look into your surfing habits, your chatting logs and even the number of times you open your email. If designed or programmed the right way, it can discover just about everything else in your system.
And because the program runs in the background, there is no way that a person can control the kind of information that he or she sends out.
These kinds of programs were actually originally used by parents or people in the business sector who wish to track down and put on record web activity. It is actually beneficial but not when people are not aware that they are being tracked down. This is often the case when people download software over the Internet. As mentioned before, it is used by companies to advertise their products and in turn help the developers of software keep their costs down so that they can afford to offer their programs for free.
Although privacy issues indeed come into play, there is nothing illegal about it. In fact, its use is prevalent all over the World Wide Web. There are however some areas that people who value their privacy will object to. Because of this, people are given the option to refuse the software.
There is really no way that one can avoid adware and spyware as these programs are packaged with the software that you will be downloading from the Internet. The most that you can do is to avoid downloading from the internet and to refuse any file downloads that you did not personally authorize. It is also good to only view websites that have a good reputation or those that have anti-spyware and adware programs installed in their pages.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Beware Internet Explorer Plug-Ins
Just what is Intelligent Explorer? For your safety, you really need to know
I recently hit, by mistake, what I thought was an Explorer upgrade option. It turned out to be a pop-up appearing legitimate but really was not. It uploaded a product called Intelligent Explorer on my machine. What a nightmare!
I did some research on the web and found messages like this one from a BullGuard Antivirus Forum,
"PLEASE HELP!!! I HAVE A SPYWARE, TROJAN AND HIJACKER ON MY COMPUTER. I HAVE RUN BULLGUARD, CWSHREDDER AND AD-AWARE. ALL HAVE PICKED UP THE VIRUSES AND SAID THAT THEY HAVE BEEN MOVED/REMOVED BUT WHEN I LOG ONTO THE INTERNET THAT DAMN INTELLIGENT EXPLORER TOOLBAR IS SHOWING"
Another message from spywareinfo Forum goes something like this:
"Hey I'm having issues with something called Internet explorer toolbar - Intelligent explorer. I can’t find a way to remove it from my comp and I really don’t want to reinstall windows. I've used spybot, ad-ware, and cw shredder but nothing seems to work."
It appears that Intelligent Explorer allows other software to be downloaded to your machine and this is where the problem occurs. What is even more remarkable is that by downloading Intelligent Explorer, their license grants them the right to install software add-ins on your computer at their will. Take a look at what the software license for Intelligent Explore says (go to http://www.ieplugin.com/terms.html to read it all):
"You grant to us the right, exercisable by us until you uninstall the Software or this agreement is otherwise terminated, to provide to you the Service of downloading and causing to be displayed advertising material on your computer, through ‘pop-up’ or other display while you use your browser. You acknowledge and agree that installation of the Software may automatically modify toolbars and other settings of your browser. By installing the Software you agree to such modifications."
The company, IBC incorporated, is incorporated in Belize. I really can't believe this license!
One end user found highly objectionable pop-up advertisements generated by this software bundled with Intelligent Explorer in the form of extreme pornography.
I have yet to break this.
Intelligent Explorer is a plug-in, which can create a new home page, as well as start up and endless loop of pop-ups. You can remove the view bar, but then starting up Internet Explorer will cause it to reappear. I asked some friends to help, and no one could tell me what to do.
This is what I did:
I bought a copy of a program called XoftSpy and it removed the software. It took two scans and a reboot to do it. This is not an advertisement for this product. They advertised it was free, which it was to run, but then I had to buy it to actually fix anything. It cost me $40 and I am sure that there are freeware products out there as well, but that is what ended the nightmare for me. Other spyware products I have seen out there include spybot, NoAdware, Spyware Eliminator, Pal Spyware Remover, and Spyware C.O.P.
Let the buyer beware!
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Make It Safe
New computers typically come with Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2, but they probably do not have the latest security updates. So when you first turn your machine on, leave it disconnected from your modem (cable or DSL) or your network router. Many systems come with a limited-time version of an antivirus program, usually McAfee Security Center or Symantec Internet Security. When you first run the system, the antivirus software will pop up a series of dialogs prompting you to activate the trial versions. Unless you have another security package ready to install, you should agree to switch on one of the trial versions, because you'll want to have security software running when you first connect to the Internet. (If you use one of the trial versions, you needn't feel obliged to buy an annual subscription when the trial runs out.) If you'd rather install other security software from a CD, do so now. When the software is fully installed (you'll probably need to reboot to complete the process), use the Start menu to open the Control Panel, then open the Security Center. Make sure that Firewall, Automatic Updates, and Virus Protection are all turned on. But don't connect to the Internet just yet.
Next insert a blank CD or DVD into the appropriate drive and then find and run the software on your system that lets you create a recovery disc, which will let you restore your system to its original state. Don't neglect this step: It's essential if rogue software or an overenthusiastic family member disrupts your system to the point where you need to return it to its out-of-the-box condition.
Now—and only now—plug in your network cable or connect to a wireless network. You don't need to turn off your machine before plugging in the cable. Windows should detect your network automatically. When you're connected, Windows' automatic updates service should start running automatically; notice the shield-like icon on the taskbar. If it doesn't start in a few minutes, run Windows Update from the Start menu. Also run any software-updating service that may be installed with your machine. On some systems, the updater will run automatically; others require you to launch a Software Installer or similarly named program. Either way, it's almost always wise to install any updates proposed by the updater.
Source by www.wugnet.com
Next insert a blank CD or DVD into the appropriate drive and then find and run the software on your system that lets you create a recovery disc, which will let you restore your system to its original state. Don't neglect this step: It's essential if rogue software or an overenthusiastic family member disrupts your system to the point where you need to return it to its out-of-the-box condition.
Now—and only now—plug in your network cable or connect to a wireless network. You don't need to turn off your machine before plugging in the cable. Windows should detect your network automatically. When you're connected, Windows' automatic updates service should start running automatically; notice the shield-like icon on the taskbar. If it doesn't start in a few minutes, run Windows Update from the Start menu. Also run any software-updating service that may be installed with your machine. On some systems, the updater will run automatically; others require you to launch a Software Installer or similarly named program. Either way, it's almost always wise to install any updates proposed by the updater.
Source by www.wugnet.com
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Tools to Protect your Internet Privacy
Did you know that pictures, banners and images from websites you visit could be downloaded on your PC without your knowledge? If you want to use the internet for your business especially online business, it will be a good idea to get some sort of protection. You will be using your internet all the time for payments, transactions, and online banking and you will obviously have passwords for all of these. This is where internet eraser software is much needed. Basically, internet eraser software helps to delete all the information that is stored in hidden files on your computer which is very easy for hackers to get hold of.
Using internet eraser software will make sure that no one can get into your system to steal your passwords, user names, account details, and credit card numbers. Internet eraser software has advanced features that erase your internet browser history, your address bar history, your internet browser cache, your cookies and junk files and your internet search history. You can delete your cookies one by one, so that you can choose which ones are important and necessary to keep.
The internet eraser software ensures that every part of your computer is safe from unwanted visitors. It is possible for people to secretly place unwanted items like banners and pictures on to your computer when you have been downloading something like music or video or any other program from some websites. To delete such unwanted files from your computer, the internet eraser software also includes a Media Player history eraser, a real Player history eraser, and porn tracks eraser and it deletes the unwanted files permanently.
The internet eraser software also has Google search history, Yahoo search history, and MSN search history eraser, and supports almost all major web browsers such as Internet Explorer, Opera, Netscape, and Firefox. If you do most of your work and financial transactions online, it is a good idea to take all precautions and purchase internet eraser software. Your computer can also be safer from viruses that are frequently downloaded from unsafe sites you might have visited. Now you can delete all of this information permanently from your PC.
Internet eraser software is cost effective and will ensure that your office or home office is safe from hackers, viruses and other invasions. This is also great for offices, as you can not be sure what your employees get up to all the time. They could download something potentially dangerous and even though they have deleted the original files, the hidden files downloaded in the computer can infect your PC. We all need to face facts, that today’s world is not safe and there are vicious people out there just waiting to take advantage of someone else’s lifestyle, so get your internet eraser software now to protect your family and your future.
Source By: IC
Using internet eraser software will make sure that no one can get into your system to steal your passwords, user names, account details, and credit card numbers. Internet eraser software has advanced features that erase your internet browser history, your address bar history, your internet browser cache, your cookies and junk files and your internet search history. You can delete your cookies one by one, so that you can choose which ones are important and necessary to keep.
The internet eraser software ensures that every part of your computer is safe from unwanted visitors. It is possible for people to secretly place unwanted items like banners and pictures on to your computer when you have been downloading something like music or video or any other program from some websites. To delete such unwanted files from your computer, the internet eraser software also includes a Media Player history eraser, a real Player history eraser, and porn tracks eraser and it deletes the unwanted files permanently.
The internet eraser software also has Google search history, Yahoo search history, and MSN search history eraser, and supports almost all major web browsers such as Internet Explorer, Opera, Netscape, and Firefox. If you do most of your work and financial transactions online, it is a good idea to take all precautions and purchase internet eraser software. Your computer can also be safer from viruses that are frequently downloaded from unsafe sites you might have visited. Now you can delete all of this information permanently from your PC.
Internet eraser software is cost effective and will ensure that your office or home office is safe from hackers, viruses and other invasions. This is also great for offices, as you can not be sure what your employees get up to all the time. They could download something potentially dangerous and even though they have deleted the original files, the hidden files downloaded in the computer can infect your PC. We all need to face facts, that today’s world is not safe and there are vicious people out there just waiting to take advantage of someone else’s lifestyle, so get your internet eraser software now to protect your family and your future.
Source By: IC
Computer Science Information
A computer from being a scientific tool to conduct research has taken many forms and have become as integral part of our lives. We see different forms of computers all around us laptops, palm pilots, tablet PC's and our own old faithful desktop PC's. We have to admit the fact that we can not live or resist life without a computer in our homes.
With the advent of computers to our homes the science behind it too changed. Computers were no longer huge cupboard sized gizmos which only engineers could operate they had to be pleasing and user friendly. They also had to be in shape which was more pleasing than our earlier friend the television. So there was a huge spurge of designs and methods of making a computer cute. We now have study of ergonomics which goes into creation of computer accessories like keyboards, mice etc.
This was the hardware part, the software also had to be user friendly, for you to read this article on internet there are at any given point of time four remote servers and millions of pixels on your monitor are working in harmony. This is the coordination and the high end software part. What about the display? Your browser? How should it take up all the complicated work and simplify the process to the end user. Well this is where the software came into picture, software which integrates, calculates and provides simple front end.
Computer science also gave in to related developments like internet, World Wide Web and extended networks. This made the entire world a tiny place. Now you have information at your fingertips and few clicks away. At the same time the cyber world has given rise to many cyber crimes too. Cyber crime is no longer a soft offence in many countries it's turned criminal and now a day's security has become big issue over the internet.
Security also has become big business, security not just to your hardware but also to your software. There are stray viruses over the internet waiting to get into your machine and disturb the way you work on your system. There are anti virus software's available to protect your computer from getting troubled.
Concluding this piece computer science is very similar to apples on a tree. As we all know when we discover the apple is a tasty fruit apples do appear to have discovered a way to lure us. So all Adams and Eves should watch out for the apples which they eat. Too much is definitely too bad in the cyber world.
Source By: Alexander Hjalmarsson
With the advent of computers to our homes the science behind it too changed. Computers were no longer huge cupboard sized gizmos which only engineers could operate they had to be pleasing and user friendly. They also had to be in shape which was more pleasing than our earlier friend the television. So there was a huge spurge of designs and methods of making a computer cute. We now have study of ergonomics which goes into creation of computer accessories like keyboards, mice etc.
This was the hardware part, the software also had to be user friendly, for you to read this article on internet there are at any given point of time four remote servers and millions of pixels on your monitor are working in harmony. This is the coordination and the high end software part. What about the display? Your browser? How should it take up all the complicated work and simplify the process to the end user. Well this is where the software came into picture, software which integrates, calculates and provides simple front end.
Computer science also gave in to related developments like internet, World Wide Web and extended networks. This made the entire world a tiny place. Now you have information at your fingertips and few clicks away. At the same time the cyber world has given rise to many cyber crimes too. Cyber crime is no longer a soft offence in many countries it's turned criminal and now a day's security has become big issue over the internet.
Security also has become big business, security not just to your hardware but also to your software. There are stray viruses over the internet waiting to get into your machine and disturb the way you work on your system. There are anti virus software's available to protect your computer from getting troubled.
Concluding this piece computer science is very similar to apples on a tree. As we all know when we discover the apple is a tasty fruit apples do appear to have discovered a way to lure us. So all Adams and Eves should watch out for the apples which they eat. Too much is definitely too bad in the cyber world.
Source By: Alexander Hjalmarsson
Monday, July 23, 2007
Can someone tell me what VoIP is?
Without going into any technical terms I will explain to you what VoIP is and how you can benefit from it. I answer your questions and at the end of this article you will fully understand why you ought to have it.
Once you understand about what VoIP is you will be really keen to use it.
The first and very last bit of a hint of technical terms is what the letters VoIP mean. It means Voice over Internet Protocol. Wow, now we have got over that we can talk about just what it is all about. Basically, all this means is that, instead of your voice being sent down a line in the old way down landlines, it is now being sent down an internet connection.
There are a couple of differences between these but basically the internet way is very fast and you voice is sent in little data packages which is converted back to your voice at the other end. The old way was slow so not as economical cost wise. Hence, although you may not have realised it your phone companies have been converting your voice messages to VoIP for some time now. They can handle thousands of conversations at the same time down the same line whereas previously they could not. However, they have been reluctant to reduce prices until the pressure has been put on them recently by new VoIP companies springing up.
So… There we have it. VoIP is just anther way to have a conversation between two or more people. How hard is that to understand?
Now we come to the bit where you have a choice. Do you stick to paying a high price to phone all over the world or do you look for someone to use that will give the same – if not better service much cheaper. I know what I do!
This is where most people start to panic asking the questions – How do you do it? With whom do you do it? Do I need to have some special phone line? Do I need a special telephone? It's still a mystery to me, who will help me? And so it goes on. Yes, all these and many more questions are quite understandable. These changes are very new and like anything new, we fear the unknown until we get some of the answers.
So let us tackle some of the questions here and you will see that there is really nothing over complicated at all. After all, at the end of the day you are going to save a lot of your money. Afford to be more in contact with your friends without worrying how much the call is going to cost you.
I have written a lot of published articles that are reproduced around the world so I can give you the guidance that you may need. Let's find the answers to some of those questions.
How do you do it? First you need to decide on a VoIP service to go with. There are a lot around, some based on original VoIP platforms and have developed an impressive array of web facilities. Such a Skype, Verizon and other well known's. But there are a number of new VoIP service providers that are pushing forward the VoIP technology. These are patenting these new platforms /features. Check my resource at the end.
With whom do you do it? Sounds the same as the first question; however what you want is someone to guide you in both your choice and in understanding how to use the VoIP features. Better a service that provides you with a personal helper.
Do I need to have some special phone line? No. You will be using just your normal cell phone or telephone line.
Do I need a special telephone? No. Not necessarily so unless you wish to have an I P telephone. This all depends on how far you want to go in ease of use. Alternatively to are able to use an adapter to which you plug in your normal phone. However, the service can be used without special setup, using your ordinary landline, computer, or a cell phone. You do not even have to have a connection to the internet with companies such as Global1touch. You simply dial a special number, disconnect. You will get a call back asking which number you wish to call. You enter it and you are connected via VoIP. There is no cost involved with your normal landline or cell phone service provider. In fact on a cell phone you will not even lose any ‘free' time minutes.
It's still a mystery to me? Well I hope that you now see that it is not really something beyond anyone to use. Now if you had a person to assist you, you would find your worries disipate. Did you know that VoIP customers worldwide are doubling year on year, so it cannot be that hard.
I recommend VoIP to all and particularly to families where a huge saving can be made. Small to medium business are taking up VoIP rapidly, realising the massive savings they can make, plus now that VoIP communications are becoming mobile and no longer chaining you to a computer it is even more appealing. Contacting personnel via cell phones locally and internationally runs up large communication accounts, sometimes on top of actual cell phone package deals. Using VoIP slashes the costs dramatically.
I am convinced that now you have read this article you will feel more comfortable in considering bringing onboard VoIP in your communications as a package.
Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com
By: Michael Moore
Once you understand about what VoIP is you will be really keen to use it.
The first and very last bit of a hint of technical terms is what the letters VoIP mean. It means Voice over Internet Protocol. Wow, now we have got over that we can talk about just what it is all about. Basically, all this means is that, instead of your voice being sent down a line in the old way down landlines, it is now being sent down an internet connection.
There are a couple of differences between these but basically the internet way is very fast and you voice is sent in little data packages which is converted back to your voice at the other end. The old way was slow so not as economical cost wise. Hence, although you may not have realised it your phone companies have been converting your voice messages to VoIP for some time now. They can handle thousands of conversations at the same time down the same line whereas previously they could not. However, they have been reluctant to reduce prices until the pressure has been put on them recently by new VoIP companies springing up.
So… There we have it. VoIP is just anther way to have a conversation between two or more people. How hard is that to understand?
Now we come to the bit where you have a choice. Do you stick to paying a high price to phone all over the world or do you look for someone to use that will give the same – if not better service much cheaper. I know what I do!
This is where most people start to panic asking the questions – How do you do it? With whom do you do it? Do I need to have some special phone line? Do I need a special telephone? It's still a mystery to me, who will help me? And so it goes on. Yes, all these and many more questions are quite understandable. These changes are very new and like anything new, we fear the unknown until we get some of the answers.
So let us tackle some of the questions here and you will see that there is really nothing over complicated at all. After all, at the end of the day you are going to save a lot of your money. Afford to be more in contact with your friends without worrying how much the call is going to cost you.
I have written a lot of published articles that are reproduced around the world so I can give you the guidance that you may need. Let's find the answers to some of those questions.
How do you do it? First you need to decide on a VoIP service to go with. There are a lot around, some based on original VoIP platforms and have developed an impressive array of web facilities. Such a Skype, Verizon and other well known's. But there are a number of new VoIP service providers that are pushing forward the VoIP technology. These are patenting these new platforms /features. Check my resource at the end.
With whom do you do it? Sounds the same as the first question; however what you want is someone to guide you in both your choice and in understanding how to use the VoIP features. Better a service that provides you with a personal helper.
Do I need to have some special phone line? No. You will be using just your normal cell phone or telephone line.
Do I need a special telephone? No. Not necessarily so unless you wish to have an I P telephone. This all depends on how far you want to go in ease of use. Alternatively to are able to use an adapter to which you plug in your normal phone. However, the service can be used without special setup, using your ordinary landline, computer, or a cell phone. You do not even have to have a connection to the internet with companies such as Global1touch. You simply dial a special number, disconnect. You will get a call back asking which number you wish to call. You enter it and you are connected via VoIP. There is no cost involved with your normal landline or cell phone service provider. In fact on a cell phone you will not even lose any ‘free' time minutes.
It's still a mystery to me? Well I hope that you now see that it is not really something beyond anyone to use. Now if you had a person to assist you, you would find your worries disipate. Did you know that VoIP customers worldwide are doubling year on year, so it cannot be that hard.
I recommend VoIP to all and particularly to families where a huge saving can be made. Small to medium business are taking up VoIP rapidly, realising the massive savings they can make, plus now that VoIP communications are becoming mobile and no longer chaining you to a computer it is even more appealing. Contacting personnel via cell phones locally and internationally runs up large communication accounts, sometimes on top of actual cell phone package deals. Using VoIP slashes the costs dramatically.
I am convinced that now you have read this article you will feel more comfortable in considering bringing onboard VoIP in your communications as a package.
Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com
By: Michael Moore
4 Things You Need To Know Before You Switch To VOIP Services
VOIP Service for making and receiving phone calls is probably the most cost effective way to communicate, and is showing the phone companies that their "cash cow" of home telephone service may be coming to an end on the horizon. Still, VOIP service is not for everyone, and here are some things that you need to verify and feel good about before you consider switching to VOIP service.
1. Your High-Speed Internet Connection is critical.
Almost any VOIP service that you choose is not going to include high-speed Internet service. The VOIP provider assumes you already have that, and would have that whether you decided to implement VOIP or not, which is probably true in most cases.
However, what the VOIP service provider does not tell you is that your high-speed Internet connection needs to be fast, stable, and reliable. Depending on where you are and what high-speed Internet provider you have chosen, this may not be a given. The VOIP provider has ZERO control over this – if you have a lousy Internet connection, VOIP will be lousy, it is a one-to-one relationship.
There are various online sites that allow you to do a speed test on your connection so you can get a feel for how fast it is. The problem is that these tests do not tell the whole story – it might have been fast at the moment you did the test, but is slower than molasses an hour later. Do you notice it stopping when you are using it or having significant time delays? This could be a sign that VOIP will not work well on it.
Also, do people in your household also use the computer when you would be talking on your VOIP phone? If so, your connection may not be capable of handling both connections at the same time. Typically this is more of a problem for DSL than for cable, but it can represent a problem with a cable connection as well.
Is your only option a satellite high-speed Internet connection? Forget it. You are not going to be happy with the results of VOIP service on a satellite connection.
2. When your high-speed Internet connection goes out, so does your phone
Despite the fact that they have over-charged us for years, you need to give the telephone company credit, since when you pick up the phone, you almost always can hear the comforting sound of a dial tone, ready to make your call.
With a VOIP phone, you are depending on your Internet connection to make and receive phone calls. If your high-speed service goes down, then your ability to use your VOIP phone also goes down until the internet service comes back up. This again goes back to the reliability of your high-speed Internet connection and provider.
3. Be sure 911 is supported
All VOIP providers are supposed to be setup so that they support 911 (or E-911) services in case of emergency. You see, with a traditional phone line, if you call 911, they can tell where you are calling from. But this same ability does not exist with a VOIP phone, so you need to register your VOIP phone with the service so that if you call 911 from your VOIP phone, the emergency responders will know where to go.
4. Be ready to save money and have tremendous flexibility.
There is no doubt about it, VOIP service is significantly cheaper than traditional phones from the phone company. At no extra charge, you typically get the features you would pay the phone company extra for, like caller ID, call waiting, voice mail, and call blocking. You also typically get unlimited or high-usage local and long distance calling throughout the country at no additional cost with VOIP.
If you travel, you can take your VOIP phone with you. If you are traveling to visit your friends in Denver or cousin in New York, just plug your VOIP phone into their high-speed modem and you can continue to make and receive calls just as if you were at home, using your same phone number. If you are in a hotel in Chicago, again plug your VOIP phone into the high-speed connection in your hotel room, and you are making and receiving phone calls as if you were at home.
Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com
By: Jon Arnold
1. Your High-Speed Internet Connection is critical.
Almost any VOIP service that you choose is not going to include high-speed Internet service. The VOIP provider assumes you already have that, and would have that whether you decided to implement VOIP or not, which is probably true in most cases.
However, what the VOIP service provider does not tell you is that your high-speed Internet connection needs to be fast, stable, and reliable. Depending on where you are and what high-speed Internet provider you have chosen, this may not be a given. The VOIP provider has ZERO control over this – if you have a lousy Internet connection, VOIP will be lousy, it is a one-to-one relationship.
There are various online sites that allow you to do a speed test on your connection so you can get a feel for how fast it is. The problem is that these tests do not tell the whole story – it might have been fast at the moment you did the test, but is slower than molasses an hour later. Do you notice it stopping when you are using it or having significant time delays? This could be a sign that VOIP will not work well on it.
Also, do people in your household also use the computer when you would be talking on your VOIP phone? If so, your connection may not be capable of handling both connections at the same time. Typically this is more of a problem for DSL than for cable, but it can represent a problem with a cable connection as well.
Is your only option a satellite high-speed Internet connection? Forget it. You are not going to be happy with the results of VOIP service on a satellite connection.
2. When your high-speed Internet connection goes out, so does your phone
Despite the fact that they have over-charged us for years, you need to give the telephone company credit, since when you pick up the phone, you almost always can hear the comforting sound of a dial tone, ready to make your call.
With a VOIP phone, you are depending on your Internet connection to make and receive phone calls. If your high-speed service goes down, then your ability to use your VOIP phone also goes down until the internet service comes back up. This again goes back to the reliability of your high-speed Internet connection and provider.
3. Be sure 911 is supported
All VOIP providers are supposed to be setup so that they support 911 (or E-911) services in case of emergency. You see, with a traditional phone line, if you call 911, they can tell where you are calling from. But this same ability does not exist with a VOIP phone, so you need to register your VOIP phone with the service so that if you call 911 from your VOIP phone, the emergency responders will know where to go.
4. Be ready to save money and have tremendous flexibility.
There is no doubt about it, VOIP service is significantly cheaper than traditional phones from the phone company. At no extra charge, you typically get the features you would pay the phone company extra for, like caller ID, call waiting, voice mail, and call blocking. You also typically get unlimited or high-usage local and long distance calling throughout the country at no additional cost with VOIP.
If you travel, you can take your VOIP phone with you. If you are traveling to visit your friends in Denver or cousin in New York, just plug your VOIP phone into their high-speed modem and you can continue to make and receive calls just as if you were at home, using your same phone number. If you are in a hotel in Chicago, again plug your VOIP phone into the high-speed connection in your hotel room, and you are making and receiving phone calls as if you were at home.
Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com
By: Jon Arnold
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