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First, regularly back-up all files that you deem to be non-replaceable.
Don't let anyone use your machine that will be:
• Visiting pornographic websites.
• Downloading pirated software from other web sites such as Kaaza.com.
• Downloading 'cracks' or 'registration keys'.
• 'Hacking' into other websites or other computers.
• Sharing song files because this practice opens YOUR computer for others to access.
Also....
• Tell everyone that uses your computer that it will be thoroughly analyzed once a year by a professional, Microsoft Certifed Technician such as our local Haldane's Computer Store, or by some independent technicians, hopefully MS Certified, or Military Certified. And, DO IT!
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Kim Komando's radio show on KNCO (Sat. & Sun) is worth listening to. Please visit her website and sign up for her:
• Newsletter
• Tip of the Day
• Kool Site of the Day
These three e-mails will keep you informed about current issues
and she provides the knowledge, at our level, and the software to keep
our computers safe.
- free
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We MUST constantly download and install the Windows updates
that Microsoft prepares for our machines. Without these updates
your Anti-Virus program will not be as effective because it depends
on your operating system to be up-to-date. Don't wait one more
day to get your updates!
• Microsoft.com - free
- You must use the Internet Explorer browser at this site. They will check your machine and show you the updates.
If you have pirated Microsoft software on your computer, Microsoft will find it and give you three options.
• Tell Microsoft the name of the person or business that gave you the software, and continue getting your updates.
• Do not tell them the person's name and buy the software from Microsoft at a reduced price, and continue getting the updates.
• Do not tell them the person's name and do not purchase the software, and do not get any further updates.
You probably don't have pirated software, but if you do, give serious thought about which choice you'll make because all of your proctection software depends on your computer's operating system having the most recent MS updates. 
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We have all heard about virus infections and we know about
SPAM. The people that make these horrible things have outdone
themselves with more horrible things.
• AdAware by Lavasoft - free.
AdAware removes displays ads on your computer.
•
SpyBot Search & Destroy
by PepiMK Software - free
SpyBot S&D removes spyware from your computer.
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SpySweeper by WebRoot - $30.00
SpySweeper is one more protection for your PC. It will find things that the other software doesn't. Nothing's perfect, remember! *hehehe*
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Buying and installing an anti-virus program is the first step, and
sometimes that's the only step people take. You MUST update
the virus definitions at least weekly, but daily is better. Most anti-virus software has an "automatic update" feature. If yours doesn't automatically update
then you must remember to update the virus definitions. If the
software doesn't know about a new virus it cannot protect you from
its damage.
• Avast Anti-Virus - free
• Bit Defender Anti-Virus only
$29.95 for 1 yr for 1 PC, or
$39.95 2 yr for 2 PCs.
Note: Norton and McAfee have grown to be huge computer resource hogs. Their products are overpriced when compared to their competition. We no longer recommend them.
• Anti-Virus Software Review
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If you don't have a firewall on your computer, you should install
one. A firewall will prevent your computer from being "seen" on the
Internet while giving you full Internet performance. Even if you use
a dial-up connection, you need a firewall. Go get ZONE ALARM,
the free version and install it.
• Zone Alarm - free
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Pop-ups and pop-unders. Mostly a nuisance, but now they are
laced with Active-X files. Clicking on some of these pop-ups to turn
them off (the X at the top right corner) can actually launch and
install the compromising software. It's amazing! Prevent the pop-ups by installing Google's tool bar.
• Google's Toolbar - free
When it comes to Internet security, Internet Explorer is lousy. Get the safe browser: FireFox from Mozilla. Download and install:
Sometime you will receive an e-mail from a friend or family that is loaded with spyware, malware, adware, trojans, etc. You believe they sent it to you. They probably didn't if they're using Outlook or Outlook Express. The address book in those two e-mail applications are exposed and if their computer has been infected or compromised their e-mail account will be used to send the bad stuff to others. They won't know that it is happening. Don't let this happen to you. Sign up for a free, safe, virus-scanned, Internet e-mail account at:
• Yahoo - free
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Symantic, the maker of Norton's Anti-Virus offers to check the security on PC's. Their site is reliable and safe. Click the link shown below and let their system analyze your PC to see if you have any problems.
• Norton's Security Check - free
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Visit • HowStuffWorks.comIf you're like me, you will be able to spend hours at this website. The link provided above takes you to their "Computer" area, they explain
How a Landfill Works, How to Carve a Pumpkin, How Social Security Numbers Work... and MORE! |
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