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Combating Viruses
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Two simple precautions can help keep your computer virus free - install and use software from reliable vendors and avoid opening unexpected e-mail attachments.Almost all e-mail attachments are potential virus carriers. Some of the most famous viruses were distributed by accessing address books of infected computers and sending e-mail (with attachments) to everyone in the address book.Even those from known senders should be regarded with suspicion - e-mail addresses can easily be faked to appear to be from someone you know.The 'Melissa' virus that appeared in 1999, originally posted on an Internet newsgroup, was distributed in a Microsoft Word document. When downloaded and opened the virus accessed the user's address book and sent copies of the document (along with the virus) to the first 50 people in the user's address book.Every computer that received the virus sent out an additional 50 copies, creating a worldwide slowdown in Internet networks. The effect took only a few hours.Another widespread virus distributed by e-mail was the 'ILOVEYOU' virus of 2000. When double clicked it sent copies of itself to every e-mail address in the infected computers address book. But far from a problem of the past, viruses are still very much with us.What to do?ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE Antivirus software is available in both commercial and freeware versions with a variety of features and prices, usually from free to less than $50.Most antivirus software works by examining files as they arrive at the computer and by scanning later at configurable pre-set times. The programs work by examining each e-mail attachment and downloaded file looking for virus 'signatures'.If a virus is found the user will be alerted and infected programs and attachments can be cleansed of the virus or, if not possible, infected files can be deleted or placed into 'quarantine' where they can't be run.UPDATESWhare are signatures? All programs have instructions in a pattern. Computer viruses - like their biological counterparts - come in known, though evolving, patterns. The fact of evolution is the reason virus-checking files need to be regularly updated. Updated files contain lists and the characteristics of new signatures.Most antivirus software can be configured to alert you when the virus checking files are out of date, and even to automatically refresh signature files with the latest versions.USER PARTICIPATIONUsers can become complacent after installing antivirus software, thinking they're totally protected and don't need to worry about becoming infected.Apart from the fact that antivirus software is written by humans, who can make errors, vendors can only react to viruses after they're created. By that time, much damage can already have been done. An e-mail attachment or program may be infected with a new type of virus that your software cannot (yet) detect.Some antivirus software can - to a limited extent - detect virus activity even without being able to identify a particular virus. This is an extra level of protection against the latest viruses, but still shouldn't allow users to become overconfident. Always use trusted sources for downloading software and treat every e-mail attachment with caution.OTHER INFECTION ROUTESLastly, a special note about CDs and DVDs. While they can't be written to (those that can are called CD-R's, DVD-R/W or some variation), they can still contain viruses. Users who burn their own CDs or DVDs - inexpensive and easy these days - can accidentally copy infected programs onto the disc. Since CDs can contain files that automatically act when the disc is inserted, it's possible - though rare - for viruses to be spread without additional user action.Once again, the lesson is clear. Only accept material from those you know and trust, and who practice 'safe file sharing'.Be safe out there, now. New! Ezy-Internet Safety Guide is the perfect blueprint to the truth about Internet safety. Learn everything you need to know about making your computer safer, safety software that works and how to avoid all the nasty spyware, malware, viruses, worms and trojans.
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Monday, September 7, 2009
Worm Viruses, Deadliest Of All
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Worm Viruses, Deadliest Of All
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Of the three most common types of malware (malware is short for malicious software, i.e. designed to harm) - viruses, Trojans and worms - the latter is the most harmful because only worms can function without human intervention. Worms, like viruses, replicate themselves but unlike viruses are completely self-contained. Viruses need a 'host program' to spread, but worms propagate independently.Though they can be designed to do the same kind of harm (file deletion, program corruption, etc), worms usually affect networks. Networks operate by means of servers and routers. The Internet is just a large set of mutually cooperating public computer networks.Servers are similar to PC's, though usually faster and with more storage and other resources. They 'serve' other systems by making those resources available to multiple users. Routers are just specialized servers, typically of different hardware and operating systems, used to route network traffic. Hence the name.Worms can be released into a network and their self-replication behavior causes damage. Since routers use memory, processor time, etc worms - like viruses - can overwhelm them, causing them to slow down and become unstable. Viruses don't have to delete files to do harm, they can cause the CPU - central processing unit, used to run programs - to be constantly busy. That leaves no resources for other programs to run.Worms often carry 'payloads' - other types of malware such as spyware or backdoor installation programs. Spyware is used to monitor your computer activities and backdoors are hidden access points to your computer which can be exploited by hackers to send spam or steal data from your computer.The fastest spreading worm ever was 'MyDoom'. First released in January 2004, it was distributed by e-mail and contained the message "andy; I'm just doing my job, nothing personal, sorry."The author was never been discovered, but many believe it was designed to attack software company SCO (Santa Cruz Operation). Programmed to flood SCO's web site with Internet traffic, it quickly spread to the Internet at large causing a world-wide slowdown.For individual computer users, the worm's payload is the biggest threat. Payloads can be designed to work around computer security by turning off antivirus functions or opening up computer ports. Ports are used by network software to move data in and out. Once done, the computer is open to data theft or malicious acts such as deleting files.De-WormingFirewalls are moderately effective in protecting your computer against worms. They can be set up to restrict network traffic and can help to 'cloak' your computer. If your computer can't be 'seen' it can't be infected with worms which spread over networks.However, worms are also distributed in e-mail attachments so use caution when opening mail from unknown recipients or when someone known sends unexpected files.Despite your best precautions, your system may become infected. You may notice your computer acting sluggish or rebooting on its own. Internet access may become very slow.If you suspect your computer is infected with a worm, scan your system with antivirus software. If it fails to remove the worm, instructions for manual removal can be found on the Internet. New! Ezy-Internet Safety Guide is the perfect blueprint to the truth about Internet safety. Learn everything you need to know about making your computer safer, safety software that works and how to avoid all the nasty spyware, malware, viruses, worms and trojans.
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Worm Viruses, Deadliest Of All
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Of the three most common types of malware (malware is short for malicious software, i.e. designed to harm) - viruses, Trojans and worms - the latter is the most harmful because only worms can function without human intervention. Worms, like viruses, replicate themselves but unlike viruses are completely self-contained. Viruses need a 'host program' to spread, but worms propagate independently.Though they can be designed to do the same kind of harm (file deletion, program corruption, etc), worms usually affect networks. Networks operate by means of servers and routers. The Internet is just a large set of mutually cooperating public computer networks.Servers are similar to PC's, though usually faster and with more storage and other resources. They 'serve' other systems by making those resources available to multiple users. Routers are just specialized servers, typically of different hardware and operating systems, used to route network traffic. Hence the name.Worms can be released into a network and their self-replication behavior causes damage. Since routers use memory, processor time, etc worms - like viruses - can overwhelm them, causing them to slow down and become unstable. Viruses don't have to delete files to do harm, they can cause the CPU - central processing unit, used to run programs - to be constantly busy. That leaves no resources for other programs to run.Worms often carry 'payloads' - other types of malware such as spyware or backdoor installation programs. Spyware is used to monitor your computer activities and backdoors are hidden access points to your computer which can be exploited by hackers to send spam or steal data from your computer.The fastest spreading worm ever was 'MyDoom'. First released in January 2004, it was distributed by e-mail and contained the message "andy; I'm just doing my job, nothing personal, sorry."The author was never been discovered, but many believe it was designed to attack software company SCO (Santa Cruz Operation). Programmed to flood SCO's web site with Internet traffic, it quickly spread to the Internet at large causing a world-wide slowdown.For individual computer users, the worm's payload is the biggest threat. Payloads can be designed to work around computer security by turning off antivirus functions or opening up computer ports. Ports are used by network software to move data in and out. Once done, the computer is open to data theft or malicious acts such as deleting files.De-WormingFirewalls are moderately effective in protecting your computer against worms. They can be set up to restrict network traffic and can help to 'cloak' your computer. If your computer can't be 'seen' it can't be infected with worms which spread over networks.However, worms are also distributed in e-mail attachments so use caution when opening mail from unknown recipients or when someone known sends unexpected files.Despite your best precautions, your system may become infected. You may notice your computer acting sluggish or rebooting on its own. Internet access may become very slow.If you suspect your computer is infected with a worm, scan your system with antivirus software. If it fails to remove the worm, instructions for manual removal can be found on the Internet. New! Ezy-Internet Safety Guide is the perfect blueprint to the truth about Internet safety. Learn everything you need to know about making your computer safer, safety software that works and how to avoid all the nasty spyware, malware, viruses, worms and trojans.
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Combating Viruses, Beyond The PC
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Combating Viruses, Beyond The PC
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By now most users are aware of the need to implement antivirus software on individual systems. But a large percentage of the hardware and software used to provide something for those users to use resides outside them. What are they and what can be done to protect them from virus attacks?Computer viruses attack servers - web, file, ftp and e-mail, along with routers and other network gear - along with individual PC's.Servers are usually substantially the same as PC's only with more memory, disk space and processors. Web servers house web pages and programs for Internet users, e-mail servers store, send and receive e-mail, and file and ftp servers make possible storage and distribution of all manner of files for other systems. Routers are simply specialized computers, with proprietary operating systems, for routing network traffic.Most operate much like an individual's system and are subject to the same kinds of attacks. They can therefore be protected by many of the same means - regular use of reliable antivirus software and being firewall guarded to shut down vulnerable entry points on the Internet.What else can be done?Since servers and routers provide services to multiple, sometimes thousands, of user systems they're more frequently attacked. Users can help administrators of these systems by keeping their own systems clean and refraining from passing on viruses to others across them. Administrators can help themselves by forgoing the temptation to use them as personal computers with full e-mail clients, word processing software, and fully enabled browsers.Users can help administrators and themselves by being more careful in browser selection and configuration. Most could profit from better self-education in how to minimize the 'target area' for hackers by changing browser settings. Users and computer professionals have made strides in voicing concern over security vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer. Adopting other browsers in greater numbers will help to get the message across.Users and administrators should avoid using bootable CD's and DVD's that haven't been virus scanned after being burned with desired software and files. Sometimes the process that creates them propagates viruses, just as floppy disks did some years ago.FTP servers, used to store and provide sending and receiving of files over networks, should become a thing of the past. Vanilla ftp (File Transfer Protocol) can't be secured since passwords are passed in clear text (unencrypted) over the network where they can be picked up by sniffers. Sniffers are software and/or hardware used to spy on networks. Secure FTP versions should be used instead.Users should take an active role in encouraging administrators to lock down systems. Most admins do a very good job with limited time and resources, but security is usually well down their list of priorities. Users who show an interest can alter that in a constructive way by showing that they care. Very few servers have a thorough check by a skilled security expert at any time in their serviceable lifetimes. That would change if users didn't passively assume by default that everything is fine until things go sour.The FutureMicrosoft and other large vendors are making strides in designing hardware and software which is better protected 'out of the box'. Just as one example, one common virus exploit is called a 'buffer overrun'. Memory is used by all programs and it's divided into areas called buffers of a certain size.Hackers use a well-known technique for causing malicious program instructions to 'overflow' those buffers providing them with more access than the legitimate program intended. A large percentage of security fixes involves securing these buffers. Hardware and operating system designers are addressing this by making 'buffer overrun' a thing of the past, through fundamental design changes.Much more sophisticated ideas are on the drawing board. Once they become a reality, everyone will benefit. New! Ezy-Internet Safety Guide is the perfect blueprint to the truth about Internet safety. Learn everything you need to know about making your computer safer, safety software that works and how to avoid all the nasty spyware, malware, viruses, worms and trojans.
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Combating Viruses, Beyond The PC
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By now most users are aware of the need to implement antivirus software on individual systems. But a large percentage of the hardware and software used to provide something for those users to use resides outside them. What are they and what can be done to protect them from virus attacks?Computer viruses attack servers - web, file, ftp and e-mail, along with routers and other network gear - along with individual PC's.Servers are usually substantially the same as PC's only with more memory, disk space and processors. Web servers house web pages and programs for Internet users, e-mail servers store, send and receive e-mail, and file and ftp servers make possible storage and distribution of all manner of files for other systems. Routers are simply specialized computers, with proprietary operating systems, for routing network traffic.Most operate much like an individual's system and are subject to the same kinds of attacks. They can therefore be protected by many of the same means - regular use of reliable antivirus software and being firewall guarded to shut down vulnerable entry points on the Internet.What else can be done?Since servers and routers provide services to multiple, sometimes thousands, of user systems they're more frequently attacked. Users can help administrators of these systems by keeping their own systems clean and refraining from passing on viruses to others across them. Administrators can help themselves by forgoing the temptation to use them as personal computers with full e-mail clients, word processing software, and fully enabled browsers.Users can help administrators and themselves by being more careful in browser selection and configuration. Most could profit from better self-education in how to minimize the 'target area' for hackers by changing browser settings. Users and computer professionals have made strides in voicing concern over security vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer. Adopting other browsers in greater numbers will help to get the message across.Users and administrators should avoid using bootable CD's and DVD's that haven't been virus scanned after being burned with desired software and files. Sometimes the process that creates them propagates viruses, just as floppy disks did some years ago.FTP servers, used to store and provide sending and receiving of files over networks, should become a thing of the past. Vanilla ftp (File Transfer Protocol) can't be secured since passwords are passed in clear text (unencrypted) over the network where they can be picked up by sniffers. Sniffers are software and/or hardware used to spy on networks. Secure FTP versions should be used instead.Users should take an active role in encouraging administrators to lock down systems. Most admins do a very good job with limited time and resources, but security is usually well down their list of priorities. Users who show an interest can alter that in a constructive way by showing that they care. Very few servers have a thorough check by a skilled security expert at any time in their serviceable lifetimes. That would change if users didn't passively assume by default that everything is fine until things go sour.The FutureMicrosoft and other large vendors are making strides in designing hardware and software which is better protected 'out of the box'. Just as one example, one common virus exploit is called a 'buffer overrun'. Memory is used by all programs and it's divided into areas called buffers of a certain size.Hackers use a well-known technique for causing malicious program instructions to 'overflow' those buffers providing them with more access than the legitimate program intended. A large percentage of security fixes involves securing these buffers. Hardware and operating system designers are addressing this by making 'buffer overrun' a thing of the past, through fundamental design changes.Much more sophisticated ideas are on the drawing board. Once they become a reality, everyone will benefit. New! Ezy-Internet Safety Guide is the perfect blueprint to the truth about Internet safety. Learn everything you need to know about making your computer safer, safety software that works and how to avoid all the nasty spyware, malware, viruses, worms and trojans.
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Virus Hoaxes, As Bad As The Real Thing?
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Virus Hoaxes, As Bad As The Real Thing?
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Computer viruses cause real damage to systems or lead to data theft. The consequences are lost time, broken programs and sometimes real money stolen.A hoax can have these same consequences.A virus hoax is typically distributed by e-mail to 'warn' recipients of a new threat to computer systems security. After detailing how this new virus is a serious threat, the e-mail advises you to forward the message to everyone you know. This 'chain letter' effect causes one kind of real harm.Virus hoaxes can circulate widely. Suppose a recipient distributes it to 10 people and each of those 10 people distribute it to 10 more people, and so on down the line. After only six generations, one million bogus e-mail messages will circulate throughout the Internet. By the seventh generation the number reaches 10 million, and by the eighth generation - 100 million e-mail messages that serve no purpose are clogging up networks worldwide.This effect can cause servers or routers (specialized computers that route Internet traffic) to slow down or even crash.Often such hoaxes are forwarded with good intentions. A classic example is the e-mail warning about a virus called 'Deeyenda', circulating since 1995. It claims a virus called Deeyenda is circulating via e-mail. The e-mail explains the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has issued warnings about this virus, and advises the recipient to pass the message on.Everything about the warning is false. Viruses can't be activated by reading a text e-mail and the FCC doesn't issue warnings about viruses. (Spyware, yes. But then it's not usually a warning, but the annoucement of a criminal indictment.) Furthermore, there has never been a virus called Deeyenda.Even a hoax can do real system damage. Some warn the user to delete certain files allegedly containing the virus. Such files are typically (unknown to the average user, of course) critical to proper computer operation. Deleting them may have no immediate effect - until the system is re-booted and fails to start.How to Combat Virus HoaxesFighting a hoax starts with 'recognizing the enemy'.One clue that a warning is bogus is the use of technical jargon. The 'Good Times' virus hoax contained this warning: 'If the program is not stopped, the computer's processor will be placed in an nth-complexity infinite binary loop which can severely damage the processor.' This sounds very impressive, but in fact there is no such thing as an nth-complexity infinite binary loop. Also, no processor can be harmed by excessive use. Your system may be too busy to process desired commands, but no actual harm is done to the hardware.Virus hoaxes often contain references to real organizations such as the FCC or a company specializing in antivirus software. If the warning is real, it'll be easy to verify on these organizations' web sites. If the virus warning is real, you can expect to find references to it in print, on television, as well as all over the Internet.It should go without saying, though some have fallen prey, one should never 'buy' from someone unknown proposing to 'cure' your virus infection. There are many legitimate antivirus vendors - some offer downloadable products, others provide a service over the Internet. But all can be verified by reviews in trade publications and valid testimonials from trusted sources.New! Ezy-Internet Safety Guide is the perfect blueprint to the truth about Internet safety. Learn everything you need to know about making your computer safer, safety software that works and how to avoid all the nasty spyware, malware, viruses, worms and trojans.
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Virus Hoaxes, As Bad As The Real Thing?
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Computer viruses cause real damage to systems or lead to data theft. The consequences are lost time, broken programs and sometimes real money stolen.A hoax can have these same consequences.A virus hoax is typically distributed by e-mail to 'warn' recipients of a new threat to computer systems security. After detailing how this new virus is a serious threat, the e-mail advises you to forward the message to everyone you know. This 'chain letter' effect causes one kind of real harm.Virus hoaxes can circulate widely. Suppose a recipient distributes it to 10 people and each of those 10 people distribute it to 10 more people, and so on down the line. After only six generations, one million bogus e-mail messages will circulate throughout the Internet. By the seventh generation the number reaches 10 million, and by the eighth generation - 100 million e-mail messages that serve no purpose are clogging up networks worldwide.This effect can cause servers or routers (specialized computers that route Internet traffic) to slow down or even crash.Often such hoaxes are forwarded with good intentions. A classic example is the e-mail warning about a virus called 'Deeyenda', circulating since 1995. It claims a virus called Deeyenda is circulating via e-mail. The e-mail explains the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has issued warnings about this virus, and advises the recipient to pass the message on.Everything about the warning is false. Viruses can't be activated by reading a text e-mail and the FCC doesn't issue warnings about viruses. (Spyware, yes. But then it's not usually a warning, but the annoucement of a criminal indictment.) Furthermore, there has never been a virus called Deeyenda.Even a hoax can do real system damage. Some warn the user to delete certain files allegedly containing the virus. Such files are typically (unknown to the average user, of course) critical to proper computer operation. Deleting them may have no immediate effect - until the system is re-booted and fails to start.How to Combat Virus HoaxesFighting a hoax starts with 'recognizing the enemy'.One clue that a warning is bogus is the use of technical jargon. The 'Good Times' virus hoax contained this warning: 'If the program is not stopped, the computer's processor will be placed in an nth-complexity infinite binary loop which can severely damage the processor.' This sounds very impressive, but in fact there is no such thing as an nth-complexity infinite binary loop. Also, no processor can be harmed by excessive use. Your system may be too busy to process desired commands, but no actual harm is done to the hardware.Virus hoaxes often contain references to real organizations such as the FCC or a company specializing in antivirus software. If the warning is real, it'll be easy to verify on these organizations' web sites. If the virus warning is real, you can expect to find references to it in print, on television, as well as all over the Internet.It should go without saying, though some have fallen prey, one should never 'buy' from someone unknown proposing to 'cure' your virus infection. There are many legitimate antivirus vendors - some offer downloadable products, others provide a service over the Internet. But all can be verified by reviews in trade publications and valid testimonials from trusted sources.New! Ezy-Internet Safety Guide is the perfect blueprint to the truth about Internet safety. Learn everything you need to know about making your computer safer, safety software that works and how to avoid all the nasty spyware, malware, viruses, worms and trojans.
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Parental Control Software
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Parental Control Software
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The Internet gives us the world at our fingertips. Unfortunately, sometimes those fingers belong to a child. While innocently surfing 'the net', children can be exposed to inappropriate material. They may accidentally reveal personal information, their own or their parents' credit card data, for example.The first line of defense is to teach your child how to use the Internet safely. Children are interested in computers and the Internet as early as age two, and young children can be easily guided to appropriate web sites that provide entertainment and education.As children get older, however, it becomes more difficult to supervise all their online activities. By adolescence, they may engage in viewing pornography or chatting online with potential predators. Sometimes they'll post photos of themselves and provide information that could allow pedophiles to approach them.Being involved with your child's online activities helps limit some of these risks. Keeping the computer in the living room or just being interested in what they view may be enough to help children resist the temptation of 'forbidden' sites.It's usually not possible, though, to supervise all their online activities. Scary thought, but when you're at work or shopping you can't know what your child is being exposed to.Or can you?In fact, there are a variety of software and hardware tools that can limit your child's Internet access or monitor his or her computer activities. Most cost very little, some are even free, others are simply helpful tips for how to restrict access.FILTERSFiltering software works by blocking certain web sites or specific keywords. Parents can specify them or use a pre-built list. For example, a list of pornographic or otherwise inappropriate sites is provided by the software vendor and can be updated from their web site. Any time your child tries to access one of these web sites he or she will get a 'HTTP 404 Page Not Found' or similar message.Filters can also be set up to block access to certain types of Internet traffic such as instant messaging, newsgroups, e-mail, or peer-to-peer (P2P) hosting. The latter is often used for file exchanges.These filters aren't perfect and it's next to impossible for a database to be completely up-to-date because new web sites come onto the Internet all the time, but they help.Another type of software records all your child's computer activity - sites visited, e-mails sent or received, programs run, even individual keystrokes in some cases.Another option is to install software which restricts computer use to certain times during the day. The computer shuts off at scheduled times or when a certain amount of data has been downloaded from the Internet. Actually Windows has built-in facilities for doing this, but configuring it requires a level of expertise beyond the average user.Software exists which can block your child's name, address or other personal details as specified by the parent from being sent.BROWSERSSome browsers are specifically designed for children that incorporate many of the filters discussed above. They're easier for children to use than Internet Explorer or Firefox but don't rely solely on this type of browser, however. Internet Explorer can't be un-installed from the Windows operating system and any net savvy kid will probably find out how to gain access to it.New! Ezy-Internet Safety Guide is the perfect blueprint to the truth about Internet safety. Learn everything you need to know about making your computer safer, safety software that works and how to avoid all the nasty spyware, malware, viruses, worms and trojans.
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Parental Control Software
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The Internet gives us the world at our fingertips. Unfortunately, sometimes those fingers belong to a child. While innocently surfing 'the net', children can be exposed to inappropriate material. They may accidentally reveal personal information, their own or their parents' credit card data, for example.The first line of defense is to teach your child how to use the Internet safely. Children are interested in computers and the Internet as early as age two, and young children can be easily guided to appropriate web sites that provide entertainment and education.As children get older, however, it becomes more difficult to supervise all their online activities. By adolescence, they may engage in viewing pornography or chatting online with potential predators. Sometimes they'll post photos of themselves and provide information that could allow pedophiles to approach them.Being involved with your child's online activities helps limit some of these risks. Keeping the computer in the living room or just being interested in what they view may be enough to help children resist the temptation of 'forbidden' sites.It's usually not possible, though, to supervise all their online activities. Scary thought, but when you're at work or shopping you can't know what your child is being exposed to.Or can you?In fact, there are a variety of software and hardware tools that can limit your child's Internet access or monitor his or her computer activities. Most cost very little, some are even free, others are simply helpful tips for how to restrict access.FILTERSFiltering software works by blocking certain web sites or specific keywords. Parents can specify them or use a pre-built list. For example, a list of pornographic or otherwise inappropriate sites is provided by the software vendor and can be updated from their web site. Any time your child tries to access one of these web sites he or she will get a 'HTTP 404 Page Not Found' or similar message.Filters can also be set up to block access to certain types of Internet traffic such as instant messaging, newsgroups, e-mail, or peer-to-peer (P2P) hosting. The latter is often used for file exchanges.These filters aren't perfect and it's next to impossible for a database to be completely up-to-date because new web sites come onto the Internet all the time, but they help.Another type of software records all your child's computer activity - sites visited, e-mails sent or received, programs run, even individual keystrokes in some cases.Another option is to install software which restricts computer use to certain times during the day. The computer shuts off at scheduled times or when a certain amount of data has been downloaded from the Internet. Actually Windows has built-in facilities for doing this, but configuring it requires a level of expertise beyond the average user.Software exists which can block your child's name, address or other personal details as specified by the parent from being sent.BROWSERSSome browsers are specifically designed for children that incorporate many of the filters discussed above. They're easier for children to use than Internet Explorer or Firefox but don't rely solely on this type of browser, however. Internet Explorer can't be un-installed from the Windows operating system and any net savvy kid will probably find out how to gain access to it.New! Ezy-Internet Safety Guide is the perfect blueprint to the truth about Internet safety. Learn everything you need to know about making your computer safer, safety software that works and how to avoid all the nasty spyware, malware, viruses, worms and trojans.
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How To Keep Your PC Healthy By Avoiding Viruses
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How To Keep Your PC Healthy By Avoiding Viruses
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The toughest to fight in any computer is a virus that has already gotten into your system, snooped into your files and multiplied to the point that it hogs your hard disk space and slowly eats at your system. Let's admit it, we're scared of these viruses and we want to get rid of them. Here are very useful tips for protecting your PC:Making Use Of The FirewallWindows operating system has the firewall for a reason. For those who are connected to the Internet 24/7, the firewall is the basic way to protect your PC. Check if your firewall is on by going to the control panel of your Windows PC. Firewalls keeps your computer away from malicious software (malware), worms, and Trojan viruses. Also, it prevents other people from snooping in your files and applications. You can also download firewall software off the net if you want more protection for your system, but the basic firewalls work.Download A Trusty Antivirus SoftwareThese days, when you have no antivirus software, your PC is vulnerable to virus attacks, especially when inserting your friends flash disks in your USB ports. There are already a variety of viruses sticking themselves to flash disks then automatically transferring it to the PC. It would be really helpful to have an antivirus which is regularly updated off the internet. It's also good to always have it active all the time to detect virus in real time. Check If Your Windows Operating System Is Getting UpdatesNever ignore the Windows update bubble popping out of the lower right part of your screen. Your Windows operating system will be fully protected by downloading updates. These updates often include anti-malware updates or improvement for different Windows utilities to avoid vulnerabilities in the system. Though most of the time, Windows automatically downloads updates and let you install them manually or automatically when you shut down your system.Being Wary Of Suspicious E-Mails And Various Zipped FilesDon't open everything in your inbox. This is almost common knowledge, however, sometimes; curiosity gets the better of us. Inspect the sender and the subject before opening an e-mail and downloading anything off the attachments. Some of the most deadly virus hides in e-mails. Lastly, if you download files from limewire, for example, be very careful on downloading zipped files. Check if the file is described in the right size and it looks trustworthy enough before downloading it.The Bottom LineBeing careful and doing the right things will help your PC avoid getting viruses. In the end, it's not up to the PC to do the work, but it's up to the user to configure and protect the PC himself; which is the best way.
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How To Keep Your PC Healthy By Avoiding Viruses
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The toughest to fight in any computer is a virus that has already gotten into your system, snooped into your files and multiplied to the point that it hogs your hard disk space and slowly eats at your system. Let's admit it, we're scared of these viruses and we want to get rid of them. Here are very useful tips for protecting your PC:Making Use Of The FirewallWindows operating system has the firewall for a reason. For those who are connected to the Internet 24/7, the firewall is the basic way to protect your PC. Check if your firewall is on by going to the control panel of your Windows PC. Firewalls keeps your computer away from malicious software (malware), worms, and Trojan viruses. Also, it prevents other people from snooping in your files and applications. You can also download firewall software off the net if you want more protection for your system, but the basic firewalls work.Download A Trusty Antivirus SoftwareThese days, when you have no antivirus software, your PC is vulnerable to virus attacks, especially when inserting your friends flash disks in your USB ports. There are already a variety of viruses sticking themselves to flash disks then automatically transferring it to the PC. It would be really helpful to have an antivirus which is regularly updated off the internet. It's also good to always have it active all the time to detect virus in real time. Check If Your Windows Operating System Is Getting UpdatesNever ignore the Windows update bubble popping out of the lower right part of your screen. Your Windows operating system will be fully protected by downloading updates. These updates often include anti-malware updates or improvement for different Windows utilities to avoid vulnerabilities in the system. Though most of the time, Windows automatically downloads updates and let you install them manually or automatically when you shut down your system.Being Wary Of Suspicious E-Mails And Various Zipped FilesDon't open everything in your inbox. This is almost common knowledge, however, sometimes; curiosity gets the better of us. Inspect the sender and the subject before opening an e-mail and downloading anything off the attachments. Some of the most deadly virus hides in e-mails. Lastly, if you download files from limewire, for example, be very careful on downloading zipped files. Check if the file is described in the right size and it looks trustworthy enough before downloading it.The Bottom LineBeing careful and doing the right things will help your PC avoid getting viruses. In the end, it's not up to the PC to do the work, but it's up to the user to configure and protect the PC himself; which is the best way.
This free article is provided by the FreeArticles.com Free Articles Directory for educational purposes ONLY! It cannot be reprinted or redistributed under any circumstances.
Article Copyright By Author. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
How To Block Pop-Up Ads In Your PC
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How To Block Pop-Up Ads In Your PC
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Numerous online marketers and companies are aiming to maximize the use of the Internet. Because most consumers are getting online nowadays, various businesses are targeting catching the attention of prospective clients. Thus, as a sign of desperation, those marketers are launching pop-up advertisements.Pop-up ads are very rampant and common. There are always pop-up ads appearing on your computer screen. Often, those unimportant and insignificant ads are annoying because they are hampering and blocking your computer usage. Here are some measures that will help you prevent or block pop-up ads.- There are numerous pop-up ads blockers that can easily and conveniently be downloaded online. Basically, you should install any one of those blocking programs and run them so that on your next Internet log on, you will be spared form the hassles of pop-up ads. Most pop-up ads blockers are offered to the market for free from giant search engines like Google and Yahoo.- If you are using Microsoft Corporation's popular Windows XP and Windows 2000, you can effectively block pop-up ads by installing on your personal computer Windows XP's Firewall or by updating into Windows XP SP2. Doing so will automatically block messenger service and messenger spam, which almost always constitutes pop-up ads.- Download an anti-virus software that will at the same time function to detect and block different forms of pop-up ads arising from Spyware and Ad-ware. Such anti-virus programs aren't just helpful in keeping you protected from software virus. They are also effective in blocking pop-up ads that are most likely coming up with embedded viruses.- Refrain from connecting to the online media without first running your firewall and your reliable anti-virus software. If you have installed a pop-up blocker, it will automatically function upon logging in to the Internet.- Don't frequent websites that are known to spread and disseminate unnecessary pop-up ads. Usually, porn sites facilitate wide circulation of such ads. Overall, pop-up ads can be prevented by being vigilant and by being cautious when checking out different Websites. If you can help it, try to block and prevent such online ads from appearing on your PC screen. Pop-up ads not only disturb you from your online task; they also pose security and virus threats to your PC.
This free article is provided by the FreeArticles.com Free Articles Directory for educational purposes ONLY! It cannot be reprinted or redistributed under any circumstances.
Article Copyright By Author. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
How To Block Pop-Up Ads In Your PC
google_protectAndRun("render_ads.js::google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad);
Numerous online marketers and companies are aiming to maximize the use of the Internet. Because most consumers are getting online nowadays, various businesses are targeting catching the attention of prospective clients. Thus, as a sign of desperation, those marketers are launching pop-up advertisements.Pop-up ads are very rampant and common. There are always pop-up ads appearing on your computer screen. Often, those unimportant and insignificant ads are annoying because they are hampering and blocking your computer usage. Here are some measures that will help you prevent or block pop-up ads.- There are numerous pop-up ads blockers that can easily and conveniently be downloaded online. Basically, you should install any one of those blocking programs and run them so that on your next Internet log on, you will be spared form the hassles of pop-up ads. Most pop-up ads blockers are offered to the market for free from giant search engines like Google and Yahoo.- If you are using Microsoft Corporation's popular Windows XP and Windows 2000, you can effectively block pop-up ads by installing on your personal computer Windows XP's Firewall or by updating into Windows XP SP2. Doing so will automatically block messenger service and messenger spam, which almost always constitutes pop-up ads.- Download an anti-virus software that will at the same time function to detect and block different forms of pop-up ads arising from Spyware and Ad-ware. Such anti-virus programs aren't just helpful in keeping you protected from software virus. They are also effective in blocking pop-up ads that are most likely coming up with embedded viruses.- Refrain from connecting to the online media without first running your firewall and your reliable anti-virus software. If you have installed a pop-up blocker, it will automatically function upon logging in to the Internet.- Don't frequent websites that are known to spread and disseminate unnecessary pop-up ads. Usually, porn sites facilitate wide circulation of such ads. Overall, pop-up ads can be prevented by being vigilant and by being cautious when checking out different Websites. If you can help it, try to block and prevent such online ads from appearing on your PC screen. Pop-up ads not only disturb you from your online task; they also pose security and virus threats to your PC.
This free article is provided by the FreeArticles.com Free Articles Directory for educational purposes ONLY! It cannot be reprinted or redistributed under any circumstances.
Article Copyright By Author. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
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