Jimbo
February 27th, 2005, 23:12
I spend a lot of time helping people who are not "into" computers, get online. After letting them know how much they can do online, I have to get a few basic safety rules across to them. If you are online, you should have a few items to keep your computer, as well as the personal info on it, safe from Hackers, crackers, and viruses.
First off, you need a virus scanning software. Some online services like AOL have virus scanning built in, but it is always better to have your own software on your computer, protecting you. I myself use McAfee's Virusscan, but there are a few others out there that are good. Norton has a virus scanner, but it is a pain in the neck to me, being too sensitive to small issues. There is another company, called Trend Micro that has a program called "PC CILLIN" ( like penicillin ). It does a great job, from what I see.
Next, you need a firewall. This makes sure that the only traffic going in and out of your computer is the traffic you want. While you are logged on to the internet, your computer may have a number of "open ports". This is how a hacker can get into your computer. Some hackers can flood your computers with commands, and take control of your computer. It's better to be safe from this before it happens, rather than kicking yourself after it happens. McAfee has a firewall program, as does Norton. I myself use a program called "Zone Alarm". I love this program, and it has stopped a few attacks for me in the past couple of years. Zone alarm actually makes your open ports invisible to hackers. They can't hack what they can't find.
After that, you should have an ad removal tool. Although most ads don't harm you, some can. There are some programs called "data miners". These programs get installed without your knowledge, and gather information about you, or your online surfing habits. Later, when you are online again, these programs send this info back to where they came from. Some of these things can even gather your online banking account numbers and passwords. I use a free version of a program called Ad-Aware. This is a great program, and the cost was free. They have a better pay version, but the free version will do you just fine. Other software can include "Spybot", or a privacy protector from McAfee or Norton.
A second point about ads is that they slow your computer waaaay down. Before your computer can start doing what you want it to, it has to read and carry out all the commands from these ads. This is a major time consumer, if nothing else.
If you are going to install any of these items, be sure to read and understand how these programs work before you use them. The cost of the ad removal tool I mentioned is free. The Virus scanner and FireWall should cost about $20 each. Some software can be found in "Bundles" which can save you money. Instead of paying $20 each for two programs, you might be able to find them bundled together for $25 or so. If you can't find any software at a reasonable price, or if you have any questions, E-mail me. I will be happy to look for the best price on someting for you.
First off, you need a virus scanning software. Some online services like AOL have virus scanning built in, but it is always better to have your own software on your computer, protecting you. I myself use McAfee's Virusscan, but there are a few others out there that are good. Norton has a virus scanner, but it is a pain in the neck to me, being too sensitive to small issues. There is another company, called Trend Micro that has a program called "PC CILLIN" ( like penicillin ). It does a great job, from what I see.
Next, you need a firewall. This makes sure that the only traffic going in and out of your computer is the traffic you want. While you are logged on to the internet, your computer may have a number of "open ports". This is how a hacker can get into your computer. Some hackers can flood your computers with commands, and take control of your computer. It's better to be safe from this before it happens, rather than kicking yourself after it happens. McAfee has a firewall program, as does Norton. I myself use a program called "Zone Alarm". I love this program, and it has stopped a few attacks for me in the past couple of years. Zone alarm actually makes your open ports invisible to hackers. They can't hack what they can't find.
After that, you should have an ad removal tool. Although most ads don't harm you, some can. There are some programs called "data miners". These programs get installed without your knowledge, and gather information about you, or your online surfing habits. Later, when you are online again, these programs send this info back to where they came from. Some of these things can even gather your online banking account numbers and passwords. I use a free version of a program called Ad-Aware. This is a great program, and the cost was free. They have a better pay version, but the free version will do you just fine. Other software can include "Spybot", or a privacy protector from McAfee or Norton.
A second point about ads is that they slow your computer waaaay down. Before your computer can start doing what you want it to, it has to read and carry out all the commands from these ads. This is a major time consumer, if nothing else.
If you are going to install any of these items, be sure to read and understand how these programs work before you use them. The cost of the ad removal tool I mentioned is free. The Virus scanner and FireWall should cost about $20 each. Some software can be found in "Bundles" which can save you money. Instead of paying $20 each for two programs, you might be able to find them bundled together for $25 or so. If you can't find any software at a reasonable price, or if you have any questions, E-mail me. I will be happy to look for the best price on someting for you.