- Never log onto the internet without an Internet Securities program with real-mode protection. Accessing web pages and e-mail without this protection could best be described as running through a field of bees naked! YOU WILL GET STUNG! (AVG is only a thong!) For best protection, I recommend Computer Associates. Statistically, there are 261 new viruses introduced to the internet every day.
- Never install an anti-virus or anti-spyware
(anti-adware) program from the internet. Especially if it
appears as a pop-up warning. These ARE spywares and viruses disguising
themselves. This virus is known as W32.FAKEALERT. Also stay away
from search bars and internet optimizers. All legitimate software should
be loaded onto your computer from a CD. Nothing in life is FREE.
One of the latest threats out there is ANTI-VIRUS PRO 2009. If you receive a "Windows Security" message saying your computer is at risk and it doesn't show the name of your securities program in the title bar, DO NOT click ANYWHERE on the screen! Clicking "cancel" or "close" is the same as clicking "YES" and your machine will be infected. Instead, press CTRL+ALT+DEL and close the program using the Task Manager.
Here are some other examples of software that should NEVER be loaded on your system:
a. WinFixer2006
b. WinAntivirus2006
c. Spybot Search and Destroy
d. SpyHunter
e. SpySheriff
f. WebSearch
e. 180 Search Assistant
f. Elite Sidebar
These are all spyware programs disguising themselves as something you need. Avoid any programs with the words "search", "web", "Toolbar" or "bar", "optimize", "bargain", "sale", and "free" in the name of the program. - Never respond to an
e-mail message requesting that you confirm your user name and password.
This is known as "pfishing". It
is especially common with "ebay" accounts. They use ebay logos and
graphics to make it look like it came from ebay and they use the word "ebay"
in the email address to appear legitimate, but ebay messages will all say
*@ebay.com not *@*.ebay.com or *@ebay.*.com (ie. support.ebay.com, "*"
representing wild card)
EBAY HELP PAGE REGUARDING STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF - Never give out your user name and/or password in a standard email or instant message. These forums are not secure and can be read by other individuals.
- Never give out personal information such as bank, credit card or Social Security numbers in an unsecured webpage. Even if the page is secure, never give out this information unless you know that you are doing business with a legitimate retailer. I recommend using an internet banking company such as PayPal where you can transfer funds into the account to cover the purchase and only that amount.
- Never unplug your computer while it is running. There are instances when the computer may lock up and you have no choice, but as long as you see hard drive activity (the hard drive light) or the system is running correctly, do not unplug it.
- Never drop or strike your computer. The hard drive in your computer is like a "champagne glass". All it takes is 300g of force to destroy it. That is equivalent to dropping a half pound item only 6 inches onto a hard surface.
- Never touch the components inside your computer without insuring you are properly grounded. Keep one hand on the case or use a grounding strap when servicing the inside of your system.
- Never block the vents to your computer. The system needs to breath or else it will overheat and may become damaged. As a rule, make sure you have room to make a fist on all sides of your system and keep all vents free of dust. It is recommended that you bring your system in for servicing once a year for proper cleaning inside as well.
- Never plug your
computer directly into a wall outlet.
Power surges are the most common cause of
damage to a system. Power "strips" do not offer the protection needed
either. A proper surge protector will have these features:
a. A "JOULE" rating of 1000 or higher. The higher the joules, the faster the reaction time to a surge.
b. Protection Insurance. Most start at $25,000.
c. Protection for your telephone modem, cable modem and ethernet devices.
