Gabby Loves Online Dating Relationships Tips: Safety First
Online wooing can be fun. But don’t unconcern inviolability and common sense when you try to hook up with a mate. At minimum, demand caution in the following areas.
Protect Your Computer
Take care of your equipment and systems sooner you head out into the Internet realm. You need to have a firewall and anti-virus protection for your email and for when you search websites and interact online. At the bare minimum, you may want these two solutions that are offered at no charge to home computer users (i.e. not for popular use):
Free Firewall Download: ZoneAlarm www.zonelabs.com
Free Anti-Virus Download: AVG Anti-Virus www.grisoft.com
Watch Yourself
Take care of yourself, too, by choosing appropriate dating sites. Seek and choose a reputable online dating service. How? Begin by asking around with friends, neighbors, co-workers and others you may know who have tried online dating, and see which enviroment they recommend. In addition, search “online dating services” and keep a scrapbook of their URLs or website links, the fees, rules and regulations, complete contact information of each and any opposite useful information that spikes your interest. Accordingly weigh personal function. Try only those places where you feel unhurt. Avoid the others.
So take care. Arm your computer – and yourself- with the diplomatic tools and knowledge!
Alternate Security In Internet
The motive of this romance is to come forth and thrive a further perception at the conception of defending viral attacks from the angle of software decisions.
Why de facto solutions are inefficient: tea aspects
Yes, I undergo that each manufacturer of anti-viral software, for example, can exemplify hundreds of thousands fleshing out stories. And I check with that. Really, it helps if you are in duration infected.
But allied products cannot lack your risks; in affair midpoint all solutions, which attempt lambaste
viral software, imagine that from technical view, not taking into account that viral epidemics roots are social.
Yes, excellent engineers force every imperceptible to gem greater paths of viral software progress and axe it. Each second leading anti-viral and anti-spyware and other “anti-” software vendors provide new and new updates. Thousands and thousands programmers solve security holes continuously. But it will not help you to remove all risks. It will help you to kill viral software from your computer, right?
Just gain a double o on the abutting example: user John found a explicit room http://www.interested-go.com. He embark on such description “there is good and free software that helps you to manage your budget!”, or “please, download our excellent new game!” or even “download now nice fish aquarium! It is absolutely free!” John visits this site first time; and by default he optimistically trusts to http://www.interested-go.com.
Unfortunately, this hangout was designed for “crime” activity… or it was hacked and proper few links were new with viral content.
The complexion of trojan is thereupon sightly and sweet… and John decides to resolve that fishes (or congeneric PIM, or game). What bring off you conclude any “anti” software will stop John? Sure, NO!
John cede tryout to download and plant that fishes (or game, etc). Anti-viral software cede trial to catch 22 him… and what John bequeath do? Really, he will stop anti-virus and will try again. No, John does not like to re-install Windows; but he wants that program and there are no technical ways to stop him. And it says nothing about John’s intellectual qualities… It is just usual human perception of virtual threat. People don’t take it so serious often.
There is one supplementary needful chance in favor of choice advent to safety providing. Not all users raise their antivirus software continuously. Sometimes this vim gets the lowest priority for a user and antiviral database stays out of date…
Another pedantry is trojan or spyware that benediction mail intimacy record and lug email with mismatched obscene content. And if you get a letter from a friend what would you do? Even in case it looks little strange and suspicious in 2 cases of 3 you will trust it and open it.
Some meticulous commit sophistication a cohort with fresh email and ask: “Hey, Mary, did you utterly sent me blithe from Apr, 1?” But it is not plain practice, right?
Let’s ice to John’s example. So he receives an e-mail from Mary sent by a trojan program. Again, homologous “anti-” will rename tenderness and perfect a group of warnings… but be sure, it entrust not stop John. Just because he wants to see the information and trusts Mary. So he will struggle against all barriers made by antiviral software, and as result he wins and looses his’ data at one time.
Sure, you can extract dozens of twin examples. I and have experimental it plentiful times. At mechanical speech it is named “Mice cries, being pricked, but continues to eat a cactus”.
Let user decide: boss guess
As you can see, quiet users (not exceptional in IT) as John and his main squeeze Mary will some divergent software, which knows about psychological nuances described. This new-kind software should establish functions like: http://www.songlive.info
* Defeating all attacks,
* Act without numeric rough alter ego dialogs,
* Provide proceeding to “undo” John’s puerile actions.
You can illustrate me: it is not possible! In practical custom it is crazy, reciprocal diagnostic requirements, right? But it is terrifically possible. But we appetite to understand – how to do this.
In fact, the psychological aspects discourage scientific ways to set about a change bullet; but software vendors are looking for ways to attain these tea aspects in practical manner. As every user is much smarter than software, he is able to find a way around and bet his boots. So anti- vendors found new way: they decided to acquire user help.
The routine ways for this are Windows’ Vista firewall, Kerio, Outpost, ZoneAlarm and frequent others: in exemplification software cannot resolve if coextensive liveliness is a crime or not, it interacts with user via awkward blocker dialogs.
Good idea… but it is not inordinately well-heeled and doesn’t realize the demanding yet. Many actions are safe; rife are not; all depending of context. If you transmit a news via email to your friend, and immediately will see “MSMGS.EXE tries to send data to port 25 at address 192.168.100.74; accept or decline?” What will you choose? Why? And if that message will be shown dozen of times five minutes later, which answers will you choose?
Technically, it is a classy idea, to safeguard the technique when user makes from himself. But it expects from user a magnificent presumption and enormously patience, turning a simple operation as mail sending, to a headache.
Five Threats to your Internet Security
The Internet is a very scary place. If you don’t have internet security software, you are playing a risky game. That’s a very simple and direct statement but a powerful one. I am sure most PC users have had some form of malware on the PC. We all have been the victim of a virus, spyware, adware, phishing or spam mail. All these have the potential to cause crippling damage to your PC, threaten your privacy or expose to your personal information.
Since 2004 online shopping, banking and digital trading has increased 25% each year. If you are performing any of these actions without the aid of internet security software, you are being very foolish and making hackers very happy. It has never been more risky to shop online. The Spam/Spyware industry alone has become a billion dollar underground network. Your information is valuable. Hackers are will to invest time and resources to obtain. Therefore, it is more important than ever to learn how to combat these threats with internet security software and educate yourself on safe surfing techniques. Here are the top five threats to your internet security.
1. Spyware
Spyware is an all inclusive term that includes most malware such as Trojans, adware, pop up ads, modified cookies, keyloggers etc. This term does not include virus which is engineered to replicates itself, not spy or steal. Spyware is usually engineered to watch your online activity and uncover security flaws. This is usually the first step in setting you up for some time information theft. Hackers have developed sophisticated tools such as keyloggers that can record every key you type. Yes that means passwords, banking information, and email entries can be uncovered using this software. A quick tip is to avoid free anti-spyware. This has been proven to be ineffective and sometime can be spyware itself. Remember that spyware works by exposing flaws in your internet security. So search for the anti-spyware program with a major magazine endorsement. Here is a link for more information on spyware removal. Visit the site below for more info a products for spyware removal.
2. Identity Theft.
Hackers can steal your information by a variety of methods. Once this information is gained, it will be used to make online purchases using your credit card data, divert paychecks and create false documents. Usually the top internet security software comes with some protection against this problem. An internet security suite may be your best bet to protect your online information. Quick tips to protect yourself against online ID theft are never provide your credit card info to any site that does not offer multiple forms of internet security to protect your transaction. Another key factor to search for is a major secure payment processor logos and information. And last but not least, please read the internet security warning before the payment is processed. It only natural that you protect yourself against this internet security threat.
3. Spam Mail
Spam Mail itself is not dangerous. However Spam mail can have malicious links that can do everything from cause your PC to be infected by a virus, introduce spyware, and attract more spam. A good internet spam filter is usually a good option. Using internet security software and some common sense will help you avoid be inundated with spam mail. Quick internet security tip: When typing your address into the net. Try using a combination of 13 letters and numbers. This will make it very difficult for address to be added spam mail list.
4. Phishing Mail
There is not doubt that you may have heard the term “phishing”. If you haven’t, you soon will because it’s a major internet security threat. This method has become one of the more popular ways to stealing vital information such as user names and password. This works by sending messages to your email account pretending to be trusted sites such as eBay, Paypal or your bank. The links redirect you to a fake site that mimics the trusted site. You type in your personal information and hacker using it to make online transactions with your info or your money. This is real threat to you internet security. The best way to avoid this is to update your web browser with phishing detection. Also other internet security software packages have great phishing detection systems such as Webroot’s Spysweeper and ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite.
5. You!!
That’s right maybe the factor the poses the biggest threat to your internet security. Social engineering such as clicking on obvious spam mail links, downloading freeware and sharing files is a very dangerous practice on the net. By just investing in the best software and updating regularly, could save you from frustration and identity theft. This is the one category where the bargain bin should be avoided. Also, never download anything that is sent to your mail unless you have scanned it for spyware and viruses. However, in the age of digital sharing people often buck internet security by trading pictures, movies and files without hesitaion.
Are you surprised that computer viruses didn’t make the Top 5 internet security threats? There are several reasons for this is not considered the number one internet security threat. One is that the hackers have been shying away from the use of viruses because the technology is mint to disrupt and destroy your internet security. However, spyware is easier to develop and much more effective. Also, most computer users and Windows developers have taken the steps to protect themselves. Anti-virus programs are quite good and can usually respond to new viruses by updating the signature databases daily.
All in all you are responsible for that steps you take online. However, there is no need to risk loosing your valuable data or money because of lack of PC maintenance. Upgrade your computer by increases the amount of internet security measures. Feel confident that you done everything to protect yourself and enjoy everything the net has to offer.
Don’t waste your money on programs that cant protect your computer and your data. Here are a few links is a link that will give you a complete guide to internet security software.
http://www.delete-computer-history.com/internet-privacy-and-security-software.html
Notebook And Wifi Standards
Every modern notebook is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing internet access from any part of the globe. But while using your wireless notebook, you should be aware of Wi-Fi standards, hotspots, and how to effectively use this technology to make the optimum use of your notebook.
The 802.11g Wi-Fi standard is the latest standard, which your notebook follows when you are online. The Wi-Fi alphabet spaghetti consists of protocols like 802.11, 802.15, 802.16, and 802.20. However, for most notebook users 802.11 would be sufficient with added `a`, `b`, or `g`.
There are protocols like `e`, `h`, `i`, and `n` that are waiting in the wings to make their entry. Nevertheless, as of now, 802.11g is the only protocol that one needs to think when it comes to wireless connectivity. The latest Wi-Fi standard is the 802.11g and offers connection speeds up to 54 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz radio bands, which is five times more than the previous standard 802.11b. It is more stable, more secure, and backward compatible.
Almost all notebooks that are manufactured today are 802.11g Wi-Fi standard ready. This standard is also designed to replace the older Wired Equivalent Privacy or WEP by specifying the Wi-Fi Protected Access or WPA. The WPA will function as an interim solution, until the next standard, the 802.11i network security standard is implemented with a new algorithm called Temporal Key Integrity Protocol, which shall be much more secure and reliable.
However, until the new standard is implemented, the 802.11g is to be followed. There are only two disadvantages with this notebook Wi-Fi standard, that firstly, since it is a new standard, it may not perform as promised; and secondly, with fast emerging latest technologies, it may become obsolete by newer standards before you have the time to benefit from it.
Few tips for a secure Wi-Fi experience:
1 – You should raise the level of your laptop settings. Raise the security settings of software applications like Microsoft Outlook and Internet Explorer. Update them frequently to ensure latest protection from hackers and viruses. You should keep the encryption feature always on to ensure safest browsing with Wi-Fi.
2 – Along with the software, you should also consider updating to better hardware. Hackers have always found 802.11a and 802.11b very easy to hack. However, 802.11g is harder to crack and you should consider upgrading your hardware to a `g` card. An 802.11g is backward compatible with IEEE 802.11b, thus 802.11g can leverage the widespread, international adoption of IEEE 802.11b in products from laptops to PDAs. A personal firewall, such as ZoneAlarm or BlackICE can significantly add up to the security level of your notebook.
3 – Whenever you are using your notebook at a Wi-Fi hotspot, make it a point not to send data. While you are surfing, do not type your credit-card number, expiration date, passwords, bank account numbers, etc. Sensitive data are the goldmines for hackers, and they will swipe your bank account before you can finish saying, ` I have been a victim of online identity theft!`
4 – Consider not staying online while working. If the risks outweigh the benefits, then it would be better to stay offline; at least until the new 802.11i standard is not implemented. Even then, the security can be breached, albeit with difficulty. If you do not need Wi-Fi to implement your work, then stay switched off. If you need the Wi-Fi just to send and receive files, then stay connected for only that period. Rest of the time, stay offline.
Precautions to take at a public Wi-Fi hotspot:
Whenever you are in public domain, you need to take precautions, as it is free for all. The Wi-Fi hotspots are available to any and every person, and anybody can be connected. Besides online thefts, there is also the risk of offline thefts.
While in a public hotspot, do not be so absorbed with your notebook, that you fail to notice the people around you. There are persons who are in the business of stealing notebooks, from public hotspots. And they do not operate as individuals but as a gang.
Also, while you are online at a public hotspot, follow simple rules like encrypting files before transferring or emailing them; making sure you are connected to a legitimate access point; and file sharing is turned off. Basic precautions like password protecting your notebook, updating your system regularly, and using anti-virus software should be strictly followed. For further online security, consider using a personal firewall, a virtual private network (VPN), and web-based email with secure http (https).
Having a good Wi-Fi experience directly translates into a satisfying Internet experience. With the above suggestions being implemented, you are guaranteed to have a pleasant online time with your notebook.
9 Steps to a Spyware Free Computer
With simply a computer and a connection to the world wide web you can access millions of Web servers, e-mail addresses, and a plethora of other vast and expanding new technologies but, it’s not completely safe. Both your PC and personal information is at high risk.
Each day virus, spyware, and adware hackers come up with new, ingenious ways to gain access to your PC. These steps will help keep you safe:
Stop and think before you click: Downloaded files that end with .exe, .com, .bat, and .scr, as well as scriptable document files, including .doc and .xls, can render your computer completely useless with a single click. Most e-mail clients prevent access to any attachments so take an extra few seconds before you make a judgement on whether you trust the source and decide to open it or not.
Make use of a spam filter: Although most spyware and viruses make their way onto your computer via drive-by browser hijacking, spreading by email is still possible. Installing a junk-mail filter will decrease your chances of activating malicious scripts embedded in messages.
Ensure your antivirus applications are up to date: Using antivirus software that has expired past it’s subscription period is definitely not an option: Not only do you lack the crucial virus database updates, but you expose your system to malware that targets known flaws in antivirus software.
Prevention against WORMS and Viruses: Install antivirus software, update regularly, and use it regularly. Never open unsolicited e-mail attachments.Disconnect your network or modem cable when you are not using your computer.
Antivirus software is software that is installed on your computer that protects you from viruses. Antivirus software programs can have between 40,000 – 120,000 “malicious software definitions” that receive constant updates.
I highly recommend Grisoft AVG Anti-Virus (Free) for antivirus protection.
If unsure get a 2nd opinion: You should only install and use one single antivirus program at a time on your computer because multiple antivirus programs will conflict with one another and cause your computer to completely grind to a halt. If you have any doubt about your antivirus program’s effectiveness, you can use a free online virus scanner, such as Panda Software’s ActiveScan) or Trend Micros HouseCall.
Approach downloading with caution: Any program you download and run on your PC could potentially result in spyware or virus infection. Download software only from reputable online sources that preferably have a strict no spyware policy.
Install a bidirectional firewall: Windows XP and Vista each come with a firewall that blocks incoming attacks; it is enabled by default in Windows XP Service Pack 2 and later. However for the best protection possible, you will also want to block unwanted outgoing connections made by spyware, viruses and scripts on your PC that attempts to either connect to a remote server or send out spam.
Windows Vista’s firewall does have that fucntionality, but configuring it is not entirely simple enough for the average Windows user. You may be interested to know that, you can get one of several free bidirectional firewall programs, such as Zone Labs ZoneAlarm Free, or Agnitums Outpost Firewall Free.
Install a good antispyware program: Anyone who uses a computer can succumb to spyware infection. In fact, 9 out of 10 Internet-connected PCs are infected with some kind of malicious software. Spyware can be any application that tracks your online or offline PC activity, serves you adverts, redirects your pages and bombards you with pop-ups. If you use the Internet, its very much possible that some form of virus threats are already present on your PC.
Viruses can sometimes go undetected however, it is more likely that you will notice that it is present on your PC due to the obvious symptoms that your computer may experience. It is VERY difficult to get rid of but not entirely impossible.
Even if you think you have successfully removed an unwanted program manually, a remaining dormant file can trigger a complete reinstallation the next time you start your computer. And as a survival tactic, spyware programs often leave similar traces elsewhere on your system so you can often never eliminate it completely on one attempt.
Spyware, adware, and some scripts / trojans slow down your system, cause crashes, and track your online activity. Antispyware utilities work much like antivirus software, detecting and removing the unwanted software from your PC.
One free tactic you can employ is to upgrade from Windows XP: As Microsoft Windows service Pack 2 makes Windows XP much safer, however the operating system still has security holes, and it remains prime target for spyware authors.
If you still have a slow PC after trying the software above and you think it may be due to spyware, you can find more help and information on fixing your slow computer at Slow Computer Help.
Dave Ross is a Microsoft certified computer technician and has developed many solutions for beating Spyware, computer Viruses and Adware. More information on his techniques can be found at the Slow Computer Help website.
Who Else Wants Complete Protection From Computer Viruses?
With simply a computer and an Internet connection you can access an infinite number of Web servers, Web pages, individuals from across the globe and other digital entities from around the world but it also endangers your PC and the confidential data it contains about you.
Every day of the week virus, spyware, and adware creators come up with new, ingenious ways to gain access to your PC. These simple pointers will help keep the hackers at bay:
Stop and think before you click: Downloaded files that end with .exe, .com, .bat, and .scr, (also files with .doc and .xls extensions), can render your computer completely useless with a single click. Many e-mail programs block access to any attachments so take the extra time and think for a few seconds before you decide to open it or not.
Use an anti-spam filter: Most viruses and spyware are installed by various methods of Internet browser hijacking however, e-mail is still a very common source. Use of a junk-mail filter will significantly reduce the likelihood of running harmful scripts contained within messages.
Keep your antivirus software up to date: Using antivirus software that has expired past it’s subscription period is definitely not an option: Not only do you lack the crucial virus database updates, but you expose your system to malware that targets known flaws in antivirus software.
Prevention against WORMS and Viruses: Install antivirus software, update regularly, and use it regularly. Never open unsolicited e-mail attachments with the file extensions VBS, SHS, or PIF.Disconnect your network or modem cable when you are not using your computer.
Antivirus software is software that is installed on your computer that protects you from viruses. Antivirus software programs contain in the region of 40,000 – 100,000 “malicious software definitions” that are updated on a daily or as needed basis.
I highly recommend Grisoft AVG Anti-Virus (Free) for antivirus protection.
If in doubt try online: You should only install and use one single antivirus program at a time on your computer because multiple antivirus programs will conflict with one another and cause your computer to completely grind to a halt. If you have any doubt about your antivirus program’s effectiveness, you can use a free online virus scanner, such as Panda Software’s ActiveScan) or Trend Micros HouseCall.
Download with care: Any program you download and run on your computer system could potentially result in spyware or virus infection. Download software only from reputable online sources that guarantee that all software is free from malicious software.
Use a two-way firewall: Windows XP and Vista each come with a firewall that blocks unwanted or unexpected incoming traffic; it is enabled by default in Windows XP Service Pack 2 and later. However for the best protection possible, you will also want to block unwanted outgoing connections made by spyware, viruses and scripts on your PC that attempts to either connect to a remote server or send out spam.
Windows Vista’s firewall does have that fucntionality, but configuring it is not entirely simple enough for the average Windows user. Instead, you can get one of several free bidirectional firewall programs, such as Zone Labs ZoneAlarm Free, or Agnitums Outpost Firewall Free.
Make use of antispyware program: Anyone who uses a computer can succumb to spyware infection. In fact, 9 out of 10 Internet-connected PCs are infected with some kind of virus. Spyware can be any application that tracks your online or offline PC activity, serves you adverts, redirects your pages and bombards you with pop-ups. If you use the Internet, its possible that some form of virus threats are already active at work on your PC system.
Spyware can ocassionally go unnoticed however, it is more likely that you will notice that it is present on your computer system due to the obvious symptoms that your computer may experience. It is EXTREMELY difficult to get rid of but not entirely impossible.
Even if you suspect you have successfully removed an unwanted program manually, a remaining dormant file can trigger a complete reinstallation the next time you restart your computer. And as a survival tactic, spyware programs often leave similar traces elsewhere on your system so you can often never eliminate it completely after only one attempt.
Spyware, adware, and some scripts / trojans slow down your system, cause crashes, and track your online activity. Antispyware utilities work much like antivirus software, detecting and removing the unwanted software from your PC.
One free tactic you can employ is to upgrade from Windows XP: As Microsoft service Pack 2 makes Windows XP much safer, although the operating system still has many security flaws which can be exploited, and it remains prime target for spyware creators.
If you still have a slow PC after trying the software above and you think it may be due to spyware, you can find more help and information on fixing your slow computer at Slow Computer Help.
Steve Ross is a Microsoft certified computer technician and has developed many solutions for beating Spyware, computer Viruses and Adware. More information on his techniques can be found at Slow Computer Help.
How To Secure Your PC, Software And Data
The role of the personal computer has taken a whole new meaning ever since the introduction of the Internet. There are scores of Internet surfers who use the Internet from shopping to banking to investing and much more and the Internet today, is a buzzing, throbbing center of activity. But there’s some bad news – the Internet is also swarming with quite a few elements from the dark side – and they are called hackers and phishers.
Hackers try to break into your computer to steal or corrupt your important data, while phishers try to obtain your personal identification using dubious methods. You have no choice but to protect your computer from these elements and here a few, easy, cost-effective steps you must take to make your computer almost as secure as Fort Knox:
1. Take a backup of important data regularly – preferably, daily. Buy another hard drive for the backup, but do not permanently plug it into your computer. The idea is to keep your backups away from your computer just in case it is hacked into.
2. Always update your operating system. All developers of operating systems (Windows, Apple OS and Linux) regularly release patches and updates when they discover holes in their programs. So, remember to keep the “automatic update” feature on always. Microsoft Tip: Windows users can go to www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com and download the latest updates.
3. Your web browser (Internet Explorer, Opera, Mozilla Firefox, etc.) too must be updated for the same reasons stated above. All you have to do is visit the browser developer’s homepage and download the latest version or update. If you are using the Microsoft Office Suite, then you must make it a point to visit www.officeupdate.microsoft.com and update it, as this software suite is a hacker’s favorite.
4. Next, install a firewall on your computer. A firewall turns your computer invisible on the Internet and hackers, phishers, virus/Trojan developers, malware and adware cannot break into it. You can visit www.zonealarm.com and download a personal edition, which comes free. However, if your data security needs are critical, then you must consider investing in a 100% hack-proof firewall.
4. Hackers mostly employ Active-X and JavaScript for planting malicious programs into computers. Also, cookies are regularly planted on your computer to track your browsing preferences – but cookies are relatively harmless. To stay away from malicious programs, you need to tweak your web browser’s security settings – Set your security setting for the “Internet zone” to High, and for your “trusted sites zone” to Medium-Low.
5. Now, you need virus protection and therefore, need to install anti-virus software. AVG anti-virus is free software that is updated regularly and you can download a personal edition by visiting its developer’s website http://www.grisoft.com/.
6. Never ever open mail attachments that come from unknown sources. They are sure to contain a virus or a Trojan. Also, never run a program located at an unknown origin, on a website that does not have a security certificate – such programs will plant a Trojan on your system.
8. The Windows operating system is set to “hide file extensions for known file types”. Turning off this option will help you see files with unusual extensions – which, in all probability, will be viruses/Trojans/Keyloggers.
9. When you are working offline, disconnect your computer from the local area network. That way, a hacker will not be able to attack your computer.
10. Build a boot disk just in case a malicious program crashes your system.
11. Finally, you need to install an anti-spyware program. Ad-Aware SE Personal is an award-winning tool that can help you detect and eliminate spyware effectively.
These are the basic steps required to secure your computer. Always remember to keep your anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall programs up-to-date. So, use our guide and turn your computer into a virtual Fort Knox. Good Luck!
Establishing Online Dating Relationships: Safety First!
Online dating can be fun. But don’t neglect safety and common sense when you try to hook up with a mate. At minimum, take caution in the following areas.
Protect Your Computer
Take care of your equipment and systems before you head out into the Internet realm. You need to have a firewall and anti-virus protection for your email and for when you search websites and interact online. At the bare minimum, you may want these two solutions that are offered at no charge to home computer users (i.e. not for commercial use):
Free Firewall Download: ZoneAlarm www.zonelabs.com
Free Anti-Virus Download: AVG Anti-Virus www.grisoft.com
Protect Yourself
Take care of yourself, too, by choosing appropriate dating sites. Seek and choose a reputable online dating service. How? Begin by asking around with friends, neighbors, co-workers and others you may know who have tried online dating, and see which places they recommend. In addition, search “online dating services” and keep a notebook of their URLs or website links, the fees, rules and regulations, complete contact information of each and any other useful information that spikes your interest. Then compare each place. Try only those places where you feel safe. Avoid the others.
So take care. Arm your computer – and yourself- with the correct tools and knowledge!
Article by Oscar, creator of Adult Sexy Friends – Interactive Online Dating and Adult Personals.
Meet sexy singles for chat, friendship, romance, love or discreet casual dates. Joining is easy and 100% free!
Sign up now at http://www.AdultSexyFriends.com and have fun!
Trojan Horse – Greek Myth Or Your Personal Computer Nemesis – It Is Your Choice
In Greek Mythology, Odysseus tricked the Trojans into letting the Greek army into the impregnable gates of Troy by having his men convert one of their ships into a huge wooden horse, presenting it as a gift with all his troops inside. Shown to beautiful effect by the Brad Pitt film Troy, the tactic is unfortunately used in the computing world in exactly the same way.
Trojan Horses are programs that masquerade as something harmless. They don’t replicate themselves, they don’t destroy your data, and they don’t seem to do anything. Don’t be fooled. Trojan Horses do their dirty work, like the Greeks of myth, by being the “inside man” – they’ll disable your firewall protection, opening ports for botnet masters to turn your computer into a zombie, they’ll promise to remove viruses while downloading installation packages for them, or they’ll invite keystroke loggers to steal your personal information and send it out on the Internet for people who’ll use the information to do untold harm to you.
Most Trojan Horses, like phishing attacks, rely on the human side of security to work. You’ll see a pop up ad advertising something (like a high school class reunion search engine, or something to cleanse your computer of viruses and spyware) and click on it. Or you’ll get a link to a video clip from a friend or an email attachment, claiming to be a patch to protect your computer from a virus.
As always, the best way to stop this is to never click on attachments from people you don’t know and don’t trust implicitly. Never ever download something you weren’t specifically looking for in a legitimate directory of applications (like http://tucows.com). Always assume that any email from someone you don’t know is a spammer trying to do you harm, unless you have legitimate reasons to believe otherwise.
Activating Trojans is never a good thing – they run roughshod (pun intended) over all of your data. They can erase things, install other programs, give your computer a host of ailments, and steal your personal data, sending out to scammers and thieves.
Most operating systems have regular security updates. Make sure you update your installation regularly – Windows Automatic Update is a good thing to just leave turned on for your machine. You’ll also be better protected by making sure your computer is run with a user account, rather than an account with administration privileges. Most Trojans need those administrative privileges to install themselves, and simply having a separate administrative account you use for installing software, and a user account where you use it, is a good mechanism to stop Trojans (this is the default on Macintosh and Linux systems, and one of the main reasons why there aren’t as many malware threats for those platforms.)
Always be vigilant and, if you have one, use a firewall to guard your computer – even a software one like ZoneAlarm will do the job. A firewall closes off ports (ways your computer talks to other computers) which are the common targets and communication paths for Trojans to do their dirty work.
Spyware Is A Growing Problem To Computer Users
Spyware can intercept and take partial control over a user’s interaction with a computer, without the user’s informed consent. The first recorded use of spyware was on October 16th 1995. However spyware at first was meant to be denoted hardware meant specifically for espionage purposes.
In 2000 Gregor Freud, who is the founder of Zone Labs used the term spyware in a press release for ZoneAlarm Personal firewall. It was since this press release that spyware has taken on its present sense.
Computer systems that are running Microsoft Windows have seen spyware be a preeminent threat since 2006. This is especially true if the computer system uses Internet Explorer as its main browser.
Computers with Internet Explorer as their main browsing site are particularly vulnerable because Internet Explorer is the most widely used browser and also because it has a tight integration with windows, which allows spyware to access crucial parts of an operating system.
Another potentially malicious piece of software is Adware. Although the intentional use of Adware is in a none harmful way, as it was made to simply display adverts, such as pop ups, it has the potential for misuse. Adware and spyware are similar to viruses in the sense that they can be malicious in nature; however people are profitting from these threats making them more popular.
Programmes such as Eudora Mail Client display adverts instead of using Shareware fees. This is a prime example of adware being used in the intended way; as advert supported software, used in this way adware is not classed as a bad thing.
The way in which spyware has been designed is so that it exploits infected computers for commercial gain. Spyware monitors the web browsing activity of Internet users and uses this to target products at the internet user that reflects there search engine use.
Spyware does what the name states, it spies on you, it takes note of your web browsing activities and then targets you based on its findings. Spyware isn’t just about getting you to click on pop up adverts; it has the potential to start taking control of your computer by adding toolbars to your browser window as well as redirecting your homepage.
Although spyware doesn’t spy on you in the sense of taking your identity, it has the potential to do this. Spyware can take things such as credit card numbers if you purchase items online. Spyware has the potential to be a very dangerous piece of software and one that everyone should be made aware of.
Spyware can also affect your disc usage, taking up space on it meaning you could run out of disc space for important documents as well as slowing your computer down.
There are many anti-spyware solutions around that could greatly help your computer. However there are also a lot of fake anti-spyware programmes around. One way in which these fake anti-spyware programmes target you is through banner ads on websites. These banner ads usually tell you that your computer is infected and that by clicking on the banner ads you can download the latest anti-spyware software. This may be true but this ‘latest’ software is actually fake software that won’t get rid of spyware and will more than likely cause your computer to have more spyware.
In order to get rid of spyware in a safe way you should always get your anti-spyware software from a genuine website.
