The internet is as safe and as risky as any other market
...and in any market money changes hands...and where money changes hands there will always be someone wanting to steal some, ...but with a few simple precautions we can make it very difficult for them.
Protect your Email Address...and use different addresses for different purposes.
There are several sources of free email, Yahoo, Hotmail and Google are perhaps the best known but there are many more.
Have separate addresses for different purposes, family and friends, shopping on line, social networking, chat-rooms etc. Only give any of your email addresses to people you know and trust.
Open with Care Only open appropriate emails in each category - ie if someone you don't know emails you about a special deal on your family and friends address you know it's not for real.
Only open attachments from known and trusted sources,
Be on the Lookout Spelling mistakes and identical emails from different sources always suggest a scam: be very wary.
Check the name of the website at the head of your browser page - scammers often use names very similar to that of reputable websites.
Web Protection Programmes Purchase and use a reliable and reputable web protection program like McAfee Internet Security or Norton Antivirus. Most eMail handling programmes such as Windows Mail have built in Spam protectors. Read up on how to use them.
Watch out for Phishing
Remember most fraudsters are after
* Your email address (as mentioned above)
* your bank account or credit card details
* your passwords and other security details
Your bank will never ask you for these details - they know them already - reject and report any request to 'update your details', get their phone number from your latest statement and check it up with a representative you know to be genuine.
Secure Sites - Reputable sites handling on-line payments all employ Secure Sites. A secure site's title as seen in the link bar at the top of your screen starts https:// rather than http://. That little 's' makes all the difference when it comes to protecting your money.
Honest sites also encrypt your details so that no one can intercept your account number or password in transit. When they do that a small brass padlock appears either in the top bar or the bottom of the screen. Unless you see both the 's' and the padlock do not give over any financial data - look for another supplier.
Your best defense - the one that works in real as well as virtual markets - is to ask yourself if you would buy a used car from this person.
Common sense is the best defense
Roger Webb has been instrumental in turning round a few ailing companies from executive positions and retired in 2008
He is now building up a wiki website for new-starters on the internet - http://www.computer-virgin.net
Sunday, February 18, 2001
Thursday, February 15, 2001
Best 4 Computer Protection Guidelines
Discovering that there's a virus in your computer can be a very annoying experience. However, it seems to be unavoidable at times. Computer viruses are threatening and may cause harm to your computer that is why you must not ignore their notorious existence all over the net. Here are several useful tips which can aid you in keeping your computer secure from destructive viruses:
1) Install an Anti-Virus or Anti-Spyware Software in your computer. - Your computer is prone to various viruses once you start browsing the web and downloading files. Consequently, using an anti-virus or anti-spyware can help detect these threats. Your computer will be scanned by these programs for viruses and spyware and these will be removed or disabled. Be sure to pick programs that make automatic scans and updates. Viruses can damage your computer's programs and applications while spywares can get your personal information which may be used by their creators for detrimental purposes.
2) Use a Firewall software. - In addition to an anti-virus and anti-spyware, you must also have a firewall software in your computer for full protection. Once you browse the net, your computer receives and sends data which makes it vulnerable to virus threats. Several operating systems, such as Windows, have built-in firewall. If you're using an operating system with no built-in firewall, search for third-party applications.
3) Be careful when browsing the Internet and maneuvering through websites. - Do not view websites which you think may have malware or viruses. Always make passwords which are at least six characters long and try to combine numbers and letters. If possible, create an unique password which cannot be found in dictionaries. When signing up forms online, make positive that the firm or site asking for that information is dependable and secure. Also, avoid giving your personal information such as credit card number and bank account information unless it is really required.
4) Attachments in Emails and IM links - Do not open attachments which are suspicious. Lots of viruses and malware disguise their existence so that you cannot detect and identify them. Moreover, do not click links sent to you by Instant Messaging.
The aforementioned tips may help you avoid threats such as computer viruses and malware.
1) Install an Anti-Virus or Anti-Spyware Software in your computer. - Your computer is prone to various viruses once you start browsing the web and downloading files. Consequently, using an anti-virus or anti-spyware can help detect these threats. Your computer will be scanned by these programs for viruses and spyware and these will be removed or disabled. Be sure to pick programs that make automatic scans and updates. Viruses can damage your computer's programs and applications while spywares can get your personal information which may be used by their creators for detrimental purposes.
2) Use a Firewall software. - In addition to an anti-virus and anti-spyware, you must also have a firewall software in your computer for full protection. Once you browse the net, your computer receives and sends data which makes it vulnerable to virus threats. Several operating systems, such as Windows, have built-in firewall. If you're using an operating system with no built-in firewall, search for third-party applications.
3) Be careful when browsing the Internet and maneuvering through websites. - Do not view websites which you think may have malware or viruses. Always make passwords which are at least six characters long and try to combine numbers and letters. If possible, create an unique password which cannot be found in dictionaries. When signing up forms online, make positive that the firm or site asking for that information is dependable and secure. Also, avoid giving your personal information such as credit card number and bank account information unless it is really required.
4) Attachments in Emails and IM links - Do not open attachments which are suspicious. Lots of viruses and malware disguise their existence so that you cannot detect and identify them. Moreover, do not click links sent to you by Instant Messaging.
The aforementioned tips may help you avoid threats such as computer viruses and malware.
Friday, January 26, 2001
Getting Driving Directions With New Technology
For many people a pleasant drive on a warm afternoon is an enjoyable experience. However, when time is an issue and you are unfamiliar with the location or terrain, driving can become a stressful and tiresome experience that leaves you worn out before you ever reach your destination. Therefore, finding the best source for acquiring driving directions is important.
When asking people for directions to an unknown location, they often draw on things they are familiar with. It's not uncommon to hear someone tell you to "turn left as the second tree", or "turn right at McDonald's", or even "it's just past the third rock". The problem with utilizing landmarks is the fact that there are many trees, McDonald's, and rocks in the world and just because an individual familiar with the area knows where they are, doesn't mean these types of directions will translate well to a person unfamiliar with the area.
Fortunately, today technology in this field has come far and resources can be found through a variety of sources. If you have an address, in-putting it into one of the new types of direction finders on the computer can make any trip fast and easy. No longer are individuals dependent on printed maps or the directions of others to find their way. This has served as a time-saving and stress-free alternative to sources available in the past such as unruly maps.
Many Internet resources are available today for those who have the opportunity to prepare in advance. These sites generally attempt to find the fastest route. However, sometimes budget constraints and other concerns or desires require more options. Alternatives, such as "avoid toll roads" or "add a second stop", can be input when directions are requested in order to find the cheapest or most desirable route. Once the best route is found, they can simply be printed out.
With newer technological developments for those on the go, many cell phone companies now offer direction finders which can be accessed from anywhere, even while on the road. Some will even include detours and inform drivers of slower traffic which could be avoided through an options feature. Many of these cell phones are equipped with audio programs in order to ensure drivers do not have to take their eyes from the road in order to determine where they need to turn or the remaining distance to the destination.
Another new device that is now being included in many vehicles are GPS systems. These are devices that retrieve directions for the address given and have many options as to specifics of the routes preferred. For those with older cars drivers can still have access to this technology through devices which are charged directly through a cigarette lighter.
By utilizing new technology, customizing routes in order to navigate new territories and back roads as well as to avoid detours and heavy congestion is easier than ever. Whether one prefers to go the fastest route, shortest distance, or make multiple stops, the needs of the driver can be satisfied while on the road.
One of the best advantages of new technology when it comes to finding driving directions is that voice navigation now allows for hands-free driving just as cell phones have devices allow conversations to be held without requiring phones to be held. By keeping your eyes on the road, dangerous situations can be avoided making driving much safer and enjoyable while finding your destination with ease.
When asking people for directions to an unknown location, they often draw on things they are familiar with. It's not uncommon to hear someone tell you to "turn left as the second tree", or "turn right at McDonald's", or even "it's just past the third rock". The problem with utilizing landmarks is the fact that there are many trees, McDonald's, and rocks in the world and just because an individual familiar with the area knows where they are, doesn't mean these types of directions will translate well to a person unfamiliar with the area.
Fortunately, today technology in this field has come far and resources can be found through a variety of sources. If you have an address, in-putting it into one of the new types of direction finders on the computer can make any trip fast and easy. No longer are individuals dependent on printed maps or the directions of others to find their way. This has served as a time-saving and stress-free alternative to sources available in the past such as unruly maps.
Many Internet resources are available today for those who have the opportunity to prepare in advance. These sites generally attempt to find the fastest route. However, sometimes budget constraints and other concerns or desires require more options. Alternatives, such as "avoid toll roads" or "add a second stop", can be input when directions are requested in order to find the cheapest or most desirable route. Once the best route is found, they can simply be printed out.
With newer technological developments for those on the go, many cell phone companies now offer direction finders which can be accessed from anywhere, even while on the road. Some will even include detours and inform drivers of slower traffic which could be avoided through an options feature. Many of these cell phones are equipped with audio programs in order to ensure drivers do not have to take their eyes from the road in order to determine where they need to turn or the remaining distance to the destination.
Another new device that is now being included in many vehicles are GPS systems. These are devices that retrieve directions for the address given and have many options as to specifics of the routes preferred. For those with older cars drivers can still have access to this technology through devices which are charged directly through a cigarette lighter.
By utilizing new technology, customizing routes in order to navigate new territories and back roads as well as to avoid detours and heavy congestion is easier than ever. Whether one prefers to go the fastest route, shortest distance, or make multiple stops, the needs of the driver can be satisfied while on the road.
One of the best advantages of new technology when it comes to finding driving directions is that voice navigation now allows for hands-free driving just as cell phones have devices allow conversations to be held without requiring phones to be held. By keeping your eyes on the road, dangerous situations can be avoided making driving much safer and enjoyable while finding your destination with ease.
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