A Safer Internet Experience

Computers and the Internet have both become part of our daily life, and because of this, our computers are very valuable to us. Unfortunately, Internet use in 2005 is fraught with danger. Spyware, adware, viruses and hackers all threaten the safety of our computers, and our peace of mind. By taking these few simple steps, you can help secure your computer for internet use and save yourself a lot of bother.

Remember that all these tips apply to users of Microsoft Windows only.

1. Get Firefox
Internet Explorer, while dominating the browser world for many years, is now likely to be the most dangerous piece of software on your computer. The more popular it became, the more reason hackers had to target it. Why would ‘net criminals try and kill something that barely anyone used? They wouldn’t, and that’s why Internet Explorer is a problem. Because of the way that Microsoft builds it into Windows, you can’t get rid of it, either.

Years ago, you had no real choices in alternative browsers, but today we have Mozilla Firefox. Firefox is a phenomenon and is taking the computing world by storm. It is most definitely the best browser around, with great features, and amazing security. It is available at getfirefox.com for free! Because it is not as popular and old as Internet Explorer, ‘net crims haven’t attacked it yet

Firefox has an inbuilt pop-up blocker, tabbed browsing (being able to see more than one site in a single window), good looks, inbuilt search, download manager, a partnering email client (if you choose to download Thunderbird) and ease of use, and is by far the best thing that happened to my computing and Internet experience. It is very customizable, and you will love it. Your computer will love you for it, too, because you are now a lot safer from adware, spyware, hackers, viruses and other ‘net nasties!

Firefox’s 25 million user base proves that Firefox works!

2. Get Virus Protection
Most people have already thought of this one! Virus protection is a billion dollar business these days, and it is important that you have some form of it. To find out if you do have it (if you’re unsure) then go to your start menu, and the programs folder, and look for one of the following names; Norton Antivirus, VET Antivirus, Trend Micro Securities Antivirus, McAfee Antivirus. Free virus checkers don’t work, so you need to check out your computer store and purchase one if you don’t own one already. (You can purchase it in a package with a firewall, see number 3).

Now that you have virus protection, we need to make sure that it is up to date. Make sure you set an automatic daily update in the settings, so as you can have peace of mind. Thousands of new viruses are created every day, and you need protection.

Now that we know your virus definitions are up to date, we need to make sure you have an automatic scan set up. Look into the antivirus software’s settings and make sure you have a scan at least once a week.

3. Get a Firewall
Firewalls are important for protection against hackers. They help prevent unwanted access from a 3rd party through the internet. They are essential with an always on and fast internet connection, and can still be useful with dial-up. If you do get infected with a virus, they can also stop it from spreading without your consent.

Just like virus protection, free firewalls are no good (except perhaps ZoneAlarm), and you can purchase them in a package with virus software. They really are important.

It is also extremely crucial that when you purchase your firewall and have it installed, that it is also kept up to date, and that you don’t just click allow to every little box that comes up asking you whether or not to allow access. This is very, very important!

4. Get a Spyware and Adware scanner.
Spyware and adware can very easily take over your whole computer, cost you money, and destroy your files. They can also invade your privacy, and assist in identity theft. It is crucial that you download something like Adaware or Spybot, and scan your computer at least once a month. They will scan and remove spyware. Unlike virus and firewall protection software, the free versions of these are good. These also have to be updated, so click update each time you go to scan. These days, you can also buy spyware and adware protection in firewall and virus protection packages.

It is important not to install spyware or adware protection software that you see advertised in ‘net ads, as they can be spyware or adware in sheeps clothing.

That’s about it for now! Do all these things and your computer will be much safer, and you may just save money and time on repairs. Having to reinstall your Windows is not fun, so take these steps to save yourself the trouble.

If i've made any mistakes I will fix them, and PM me if you think I should add anything.

Happy Surfing and Good Luck,
Brendan
(funkdude)

So long as it's for personal use and not business use, you can go to Grisoft.com and get AVG Virus Protection for free. They have updates periodically to keep it up to date, like the ones that cost do. I haven't had any problems, so I assume it works.

Thanks Munkstein. I've never tried AVG Free, but I run on the philosophy that you get what you pay for on Antivirus software!

By the way, Mods, feel free to stickify this if you find it appropriate, it could help people solve their problems or prevent them.

Because it is not as popular and old as Internet Explorer, ‘net crims haven’t attacked it yet.

While this is true, its slightly misleading. Firefox is more secure not only because it is less widly used, but because of the fundamental structure of the program. I wouldn't wan't people to assume that FF will start to become less safe as it grows in popularity. Good thread though.

I'd also like to urge caution when using filesharing programs like Kazaa and Limewire. While there are certainly millions of files available that are exactly what they say they are, some are various viruses and bugs that you don't want to be downloading. Make sure to check the extention of any file you click and be sure that it corresponds to what you think you are getting.

Ok specter, yes I agree. The fact that FF isnt built into the OS changes things a bit too.

Avant Browser also works realy well. It blocks ALL pop ups. That is what I use.

I just purchased Norton's Internet 2005. It worked so well, it took me a week to learn how to get on line! Talk about shutting the door! Really, now that I know the kinks of the Norton's system - I feel better. Much more protected than I've ever been. It not only protects against internet intruders, but virus's as well.

I'm getting ready to download Mozilla Firefox today. Appreciate the info....

"Been hacked, had my virus shoots, been spammed, looking for higher ground"

WOW! I love the tabs!

Free virus checkers don’t work, so you need to check out your computer store and purchase one if you don’t own one already.

For me it's usually the other way around. I've used both McAfee and Norton, and they're crap. However, I have used Avast! Antivirus Free Edition and I currently have AVG Free Edition, and both are amazing.

In addition, make sure to download several extensions for Firefox, i.e. AdBlock, NoScript, etc. This will make Firefox even safer.

Be sure to keep Internet Explorer, because there are several websites (i.e. Windows Update) that you have to use IE to access. Just be sure to use Mozilla for all of your regular browsing.

thanks for letting more people know about FireFox! even at this time, many people don't know that almost all computer problems are started because a virus or some other form of malware gets into your computer through email or file downloads. I used to use Norton AntiVirus 2005 on my computer, but seeing that my version was causing a wreck inside my computer, so i switched to AVG Antivirus.

There are a few things misleading on this thread.

--All computers, PC AND Mac should have antivirus, spyware and firewall. Dispite much contrary notion, MACs are NOT 100% safe from viruses or spyware. They may not happen as much, but they DO happen.

--AVG free anti-virus is a superb program. Small, clean, fierce anti virus control.

--Internet Explorer is not built in to any Windows Operating system. It is a program that comes bundled with Windows. It can be uninstalled if need be.

--as Firefox ages, it WILL become more open to viruses and junk. There have already been security holes and pop ups now appear also. Same is true with Opera. It is also an awesome free browser, but as it ages, it will become a target also.

I LOVE firefox! If I even glance at IE, I just hate it. The format is so ugly, and I love how firefox looks!!

I had a very interesting experience regarding AVG. I had downloaded the software, and then had installed it, and the computer was supposed to restart. It didn't. So, I helped it, by going to "restart." The machine restarted, started to load the applications, and got hung up on "loading network connections." I had to reboot the thing three times, with no success. Finally, I just shut it down and left it for about a half an hour. Then, I was successful in starting up the computer. I must admit, the first thing I did was trash the AVG program.

Has anybody else been hit by this bug? Is this a standard with this program? Does it just take a while for it to restart the computer?

Thanks.

Shadow.

the_dancing_fool wrote:

There are a few things misleading on this thread.

--All computers, PC AND Mac should have antivirus, spyware and firewall. Dispite much contrary notion, MACs are NOT 100% safe from viruses or spyware. They may not happen as much, but they DO happen.

--Internet Explorer is not built in to any Windows Operating system. It is a program that comes bundled with Windows. It can be uninstalled if need be.

I have a Mac and have never had a virus problem *knock on wood*. I wouldn't waste the money on buying anti-virus for a mac, but if you want to go ahead; it won't hurt.

Also, I want people to realize that IE is built into the Vista OS and if you delete it it will completely mess up your computer because IE is used to search within your computer, etc. DO NOT delete it.

-Alaina