November 10th, 2009 -- Posted in Other |
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 possible hackers, attackers and crackers. While some may be looking to phish your personal information and identity for resale, others merely just want to use your computer as a platform from which to assault other unknowing targets. Below are straightforward, cost-effective steps you can take to make your computer more secure.
1. Do make backups of important information and store in a safe place separate from your computer.
2. Do update and patch your operating system, web browser and software frequently. If you have a Windows operating system, start by going to Windows Update at Microsoft and running the update wizard. This program will help you find the latest patches for your Windows computer. Also, go to Office Update at Microsoft to locate possible patches for your Office programs.
3. Do install a firewall. Without a good firewall, viruses, worms, Trojans, malware and adware can easily access your computer from the Internet. Consideration should also be given to the benefits and differences between hardware and software based firewall programs.
4. Do 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. Do install anti-virus 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. Do 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. Do turn off your computer and disconnect from the network when not using the computer. A hacker cannot attack your computer when you are disconnected from the network or the computer is off.
10. Do 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.
These are just some of the simple steps to make your computer a more secure system and reduce the risk of inviting an unwelcome intruder into your home computing system. The more knowledge you obtain about PC protection, the better you will be able to prevent these malicious programs.
November 8th, 2009 -- Posted in Other |
AVG has been a long-time user favorite due to its free available softwares (Virus Scanning, Spyware, and Rootkit protection), though, of course, paying users have the benefits of maximizing more options and features available to them. The latest internet security offering of AVG, the AVG Internet Security 8.0 (AVG IS8, is fast becoming a top choice among users because of its well-designed protection program for both home and small businesses. AVG IS8 has email, instant messenger and browsers protection all combined in its AV engine. Installation and configuration are hassle-free and users can configure updating and scanning schedules.
A popular choice among advanced users, the Norton Internet Security 2008 is regarded as one of the best security suite in the market today. With its price ranging from $29-$71, Symantec’s Norton Internet Security 2008 edition boasts of its added full-scale password and identity management, and of its new BrowserDefender technology which lets users have stronger defense against Web threats. The NIS 2008 is claimed by many as an easy-to-use security suite that has a wide range of extra-security features like the Security Inspector scan that warns users about unsafe browser settings. The NIS 2008 is also found to perform better than most security suites in terms of removing infections, cleaning up 80% of all files and registry entries added by malware.
Before getting all too excited to use that security suite you’ve just bought, be sure to read the following reminders to get the proper information that will help you maximize the full potential of your suite:
• Do not use two firewalls or two anti-virus products at the same time. You should uninstall one of them first before installing the other.
• When installing a security suite, update the program immediately through the vendor’s website. Turn on the auto update feature of the program if it has one so that you can be assured that your security suite is always updated on the latest threats.
• Be sure to test your firewall after installing it using an online service like Security Space in order to determine if it has been configured properly.
• Try considering using an Internet service provider or email service that has server side anti-virus and spam email filtering as its second layer of defense against threats.
Internet security and utility software suites aim to combine multiple features into a single product to be marketed by one or more vendors. These suites offer convenience since users get to maximize several features all combined together. Users will also find it easier to contact a vendor in case of upgrades and support and the user has the advantage of asking the vendor to fix problems with any parts of the suite. A licensed suite may also save you money and effort in case you want to install security softwares on one or two more computers at home. All in all, it is still best for users to carefully look for the right suite which can offer them the security and privacy feature they want.
When ZoneAlarm launched its own brand of router, the Z100G router, people thought if the price ($149.95) was worth it. This wireless unit is said to cover 984 feet indoors and 3,280 feet outdoors (claiming that users can now avoid dead spots in their homes) using its extended range (XR) technology and has 108 Mbps network speed that can also support Super G standards (although it is also compatible with the older 802.11b and 802.11g technologies. According to ZoneAlarm’s website, the Z100G router has bandwidth monitoring (which is the same technology used, as ZoneAlarm claims, by Fortune 500 companies) and a built-in print server that lets users to print from any wireless desktop computer or laptop directly to the printer.
September 18th, 2009 -- Posted in Other |
If you are in the market for a computer, there are a number of factors to consider. Will it be used for your home, your office or perhaps even your home office combo? First off, you will need to set a budget for your new purchase before deciding whether to shop for notebook or desktop computers. Many offices use desktop computers because they are not intended to be moved around a lot. In addition, affordability often plays a large role in someone’s decision as to whether to purchase notebook or desktop computers.
While you are shopping around, it’s important to keep in mind some of the benefits that go along with owning different types of computers. To that end, this article provides five important reasons to purchase desktop computers.
Unlike notebook computers, replacing a keyboard, mouse, speakers or even a monitor does not require having your computer serviced by a professional repair shop. Because notebook computers have everything built in, including the aforementioned features, it is more difficult to replace a keyboard or monitor as opposed to desktop computers, which operate on external connections.
In the event of an unlawful entry into your home, desktop computers are not as likely to be stolen because of their weight and bulk. Notebook computers, on the other hand, are small and portable. This, alone, makes them more appealing to a thief than desktop computers.
Desktop computers are stationary by nature. Unlike a notebook computer, which can easily be moved from room to room, they are less likely to be dropped or broken because they are not moved as often.
The vents on desktop computers are located on the back of the tower, which allows for proper ventilation that will help to prevent the computer from overheating. Notebook computers, on the other hand, feature only one vent on the back with the remaining underneath the base. If placed on a table, the air vents can become blocked and the computer may overheat. If prolonged use leads to overheating, damage may result.
When choosing from the many desktop computers on the market, always make sure that you purchase from a manufacturer who has experience in creating computers. Even though they are more affordable than notebooks, desktop computers are not cheap. With an investment that involves several hundred dollars, you will want to consider the length of time the manufacturer has been in business, their reputation with customers and their warranty.
Additionally, when choosing any system, including desktop computers, always look at the potential for future upgrading. As you grow, you will want your computer to grow with you and a part of that will include a slight upgrade from time to time. This is the only way to get the best use of your desktop computers and make sure that your investment is one that lasts for years to come.
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