Tips to Protect Your PC Files from External Attack

Essential to peace of mind is protecting the PC and your online privacy. When connected to the web, your work and data is open to attacks of various kinds including harmful downloads. A simple game, picture, or program may be the vehicle for malevolence. So, you need to check whether every file that you download, open, or save, is safe or whether there are irregularities of any kind.

Protect your PC by:
- Blocking hackers and viruses by installing the latest firewall and antivirus software. It is advisable to install a software firewall even if you have a hardware firewall in your system. A software firewall is designed to query whether or not it should permit "X," access. The user can specify which applications can access the port and which cannot. A bi-directional firewall such as ZoneAlarm3 and Personal Firewall 5 will monitor both inbound and outbound traffic preventing Trojans and backdoor programs from functioning.

- Block downloads that install unwanted programs by using the options in Internet explorer to block all software from source X specified by you.

- Install software programs that will constantly scan your PC for spyware, adware, dialers, and web bug traces which can create a nuisance and cause crashes, slow down systems, or steal financial information. By adding a schedule you can instruct NoAdware to automatically scan your PC at set times for in-filtrations.

- Immunize your PC and prevent malicious add ons to your system.

- Configure your PC browser to protect you when you are working online. Use a 'real time shield' and prevent intrusions. Be sure to click the "protect IE Favorites" box and ensure that no thief can add an URL without your permission to your browser's favorites list. This will block offensive and dangerous websites from entering your PC environs.

- Say "no" to any web address or site that instructs you to download specific software to view their pages. Such software can contain a virus, Trojan horse, or auto dialer.

- Create a regular back up schedule for your work. Once a week is ideal if you are a virtual worker or running a business. This will minimize any damage should problems arise.

- Be sure to update your software with the latest patches and bug fixes. Then use the updated or enhanced security settings provided by the updates. There are in built ways which you can operate to block damaging viruses, stamp out cookies, and keep unwanted visitors away from your computer system. The method is easy for example if you are using Internet Explorer just go to Tools-Internet Options-Privacy tab. Click the edit button to accept or reject a specific cookie. Go to the advanced settings and check block third party cookies.

- Scan all downloaded files before use. Never launch executable or scriptable files namely those that have dot.exe; .bat ;.doc; .vbs extensions. Do not access attachments of any kind before they are certified as safe.

- Remove file sharing and windows printer options these increase vulnerability of the PC.

- Encrypt your e-mail and embed an identifying key.

Better be sure than sorry. Preventing snoops is easier than trying to recover after an attack. Take informed steps to protect yourself and your PC.

Author: Paul Wilson @ ArticleGeek

Tips on Understanding the Dangers of Spyware and Adware

Money is the very crux of adware and spyware. These pose several problems and are a security risk.

Adware is a program that displays advertisements on the computer whether you want them or not. They are not just connected to particular websites or free software but are programmed to start up whenever your computer is switched on.

Programs like Eudora mail client display advertisements in lieu of charging registration fees for use of software. It helps developers recover program development costs. Kazaa the file sharing application comes bundled with at least three ad-ware programs. Two of them serve ads to the desktop while another redirects the user's browser to a search engine with advertiser sponsored web results. Well known ones are: BroadcastPC; Comet Cursor; GeoWhere; Network Essentials, 123 Messenger, Direct Revenue, and so on.

Unfortunately, other guises of adware are spyware and malware.

Spyware is a program code that relays information about you and your work without your permission or knowledge. Some just "spy" on you conveying your Internet habits to marketing companies, while others are "thieves" they access credit card information as well as other sensitive files. In plain terms, it is malicious software that can intercept or take control of a computer's operation without user knowledge or consent. Termed as "malware" the redefinition of spyware, the programs can:
- Steal personal information and the address book.
- Flood the browser with pop-ups.
- Spam the system.
- Slow down programs and connection.
- Hijack the browser and redirect the user to a "con" page.
- Uses the computer as a server to broadcast porn.
- Can cause a crash.

Spyware reaches a computer through innocent web pages, game demos, MP3 players, search tool bars, and other downloads like free software. It installs itself and leaves a mark on the windows registry. It can hog the computer resources such as memory and hard drive and cause a crash or lock up. Keystroke-logging spyware can steal passwords and credit card information for thieves.

To protect the files one has to:
- Use anti adware and spyware programs. Examples: Spybot, Search & destroy, Pest Patrol, and Lavasoft's Adware.
- Keep windows as well as Internet explorer up-to-date by applying the latest security patches.
- Maintain the security level of the Internet Explorer at medium. Users must not lower the security level.
- Use firewalls and web proxies to block access to web sites known to carry spyware.
- Install layered protection.
- Update the antivirus program. An up-to-date program will stop spyware as well as Trojans.
- Install a startup monitor to protect your system.
- Never accept "free" as being free---check out free software and downloads, there will be a hidden surprise or catch.
- Never download software from warez sites. Pirated software is always distributed along with adware and spyware.
- Use Spy checker to determine if the download has spyware. This can be accessed from the free computer securities pages.

An anti-spyware coalition has been instituted by Microsoft, Earthlink, McAfee, and Hewlett-Packard. They are working towards anti-spyware legislation and putting protection systems in place. A survey shows that 87 percent of users know what spyware is and of this 40 percent through firsthand experience. Protect yourself and your work; keep your system free of adware and spyware.

Author: Paul Wilson @ ArticleGeek

Simple Steps - Protect your Computer Online

So you've bought your computer and want to get online? It's not as simple as connect the wire and off you go these day's. The internet is a weird and wonderful place as long as you can control what you do.

That's why you need to protect yourself. These can be done in a number of very simple steps. This article will get you started but you should always try to be smart when your surfing the net!

Step 1: Anti-Virus Scanner

Whether you're connecting to the internet or not, you need an Anti-Virus scanner. Your computer can become infected with "viruses". These are little files or codes that have been written to ruin your computer! That's why they must be stopped!

There are many programs out there that can help, but it's best to trust only the mainstream programs as these are used widely and updated regularly.

Recommendations: AVG Anti-Virus Free, Avast antivirus

Step 2: Firewall

Ok so your thinking what is a "firewall" sounds scary right? Well it's not really. It is again another line of defence against the number of ways your computer can be attacked. In simple terms it blocks other computers and programs from connecting to you and playing with your stuff. Think of it as an internet wall of fire, where you allow what can pass through.

Software - Again there are many programs available to protect you, Recent Microsoft Windows machines come with Windows Firewall, which can be described as basic at best. We do recommend you go for mainstream again.

Hardware - A firewall can also be included as part of your hardware, like an internet router "that's the box that sits between your pc and the internet line". This is the best and recommended way to have a firewall. As it blocks intruders before it gets to your pc.

Recommendations: Zone Alarm

Step 3: Be AWARE!!

Simply put watch what you download and accept to save to your PC, sometimes people can send you files in e-mails. They look ok but when you run them they will install something onto your PC and leave you upset and distraught. Always scan something that has been downloaded before opening it and never open/run programs that have been sent in an e-mail from unknown sources.

Step 4: Go for it

That's pretty much it to get you going. If you think something doesn't look right, it probably isn't. Hopefully this will get you going to start with, wait till you find out about spy ware and Trojan's!! Good Luck and Safe Surfing

Author: Nam Sss @ ArticleGeek

Upgrading Old vs Buying New Computer

The world of IT and computing as come to a point where innovation,new developments,upgrades etc as become the trend. More often than not,most if not all gadgets or equipments only have a lifeline of few months,for them to become old or not good enough. 

This as made competition become the in-thing among vendors and this as also affected the pocket or purchasing power of consumers. It as become very common among the consumers of the following items in particular:Computers(Laptop.Desktop,servers and other components),Mobile and Fixed line phones,Motor Vehicles e.t.c 

You've come to a point where you need to upgrade to a higher spec of computer but you don't have enough cash to make the change. I have over time used a method to overcome this issue,thereby saving money and getting the higher grade that i want. I will for now limit this to Computers. 

The basic components of most systems are: OS,Screen size,Weight,Optical Drive,Memory,Hard disk & Processor. Among all this,the basic ones which determine prices are: Optical Drive,Memory,Hard Disk and Processor. 

The catch here is this: If i have a system of about $250 with obviously a lower spec and a new or a higher spec one which goes for $450. what i readily do is to buy (Optical drive,Memory & Hard drive) of a higher spec and install on the old/lower spec system. this normally cost me around $80 - $120,which comes to about $320 - $370,therefore,saving about $80 - $130 

This is a simple tactics which could save from hundreds to thousands of dollars on a budget. 

A check on the net will get you more than enough information on the above subject. 

One of the main considerations on the above mechanism is to know where this components are located and how to fixed them. 

If you'd like to send questions to me, please feel free to visit my Website and I'll be happy to answer your queries, or point you in the right direction. 

Good luck, and happy computing!

Author: Semilore David @ ArticleCity

Useful Tips To Treat Notebook or Laptop

Nowadays using laptop or notebook become popular. The growth of many hotspot areas in public facilities or in the cafe is one of the reason. Laptop even become a mandatory requirement if you want to socialize in such areas, only not many know how to treat a laptop to make laptop more durable and always ready to serve in a variety of purposes. In this time, we would share simple tips for caring the laptop based on personal experiences. 

1. Cleaning Laptops Laptops need to be cleaned regularly, or if not regularly, as much as possible during leisure time is used up to. Remember, a laptop that is used often carried out while socializing certainly will stick to the dirt on the monitor screen or the body of laptop. To cleaning a laptop screen it’s enough to use tissue and fluid which is dedicated to electronic equipment. Do not use chemicals liquid that are corrosive, such as propanol, just buy a special cleaning fluid in the electronic shops. 

Also do not forget the keyboard, this needs to be cleaned also. Use a small clean and soft brush to clean the dirt between the keyboard. 

2. Check the condition of Fan Note the laptop and see the position of the fan in the laptop. Fan is useful for removing the heat arising when all the components in the laptop processor work chiefly. Prevent the ventilation holes on the front of the fan stopped with dirt. Clean with a soft brush and small. Clean regularly and always make sure fans are working correctly. Note also the sound that arises when using a laptop, so if there can be a voice from the other components of the laptop is usually already started approaching the life-time or damaged. This often happens on your hard disk. 

3. Batterai laptop Laptops used to support mobility and not limited with cable. Therefore, make attention to the conditions the laptop batterai as a laptop power source. The more batterai cell is longer power is also saved. The use of laptops, which only stayed in 1 place, eg in place on the table and more than 2 hours its better to take batterai down. This will avoid batterai weakened, if it must be truly mobile batterai the need to reserve as backup batterai or find a cell that has so much power is able to save more. 

4. Handling Laptops Use a bag that is designed for the laptop. If you like using a laptop backpack or bag back, buy a backpack that is designed specifically for the laptop. There are already provide a lot of backpack like this bag even local brands also have a lot to make. Do not forget to adjust the size of the backpack with a laptop, not up to size 14 inch laptop bag to use laptop-sized 17 inch, because if there is still space for a laptop then move likely to be damaged when the laptop was brought will bigger. 

5. Placement Laptops Place laptop on a flat place. Do not place it in the mattress or in a soft sofa. As this will impede the flow of hot air issued by the laptop. If hot air does not come out well, then the heat air will turn back heating inside component in the laptop. If this happens then be prepared with funds to repair or buy a new one. 


6. Keep the Laptop from the Food and Drink Socializing in the cafe or a public space while accompanied by hotspot laptop is fun, but more fun if we have the laptop be dissociated from food and beverages. Laptops are vulnerable to liquid, so when eating or drinking its better to turn off the laptop and enter it to the bag. Eating just before using a laptop again. if it must use a laptop while eating and drinking, make sure the laptop does not contaminated with dirt or liquids during eating and drinking. That if the hot sauce meatball or hot coffee spilled on the laptop, just provide immediately many funds to repair or buy a new one. 

7. Service Laptops Laptops have been treated and used correctly, its not means that the laptop is free from damage. If this happens then take it to the laptop where the service is really qualified. Laptops do not like desktop PC that we may be able to repair in computer service along the street. Try to carry a laptop to service center even if the warranty still do not be trying to repair it your own. Take it to the service center laptop purchased. What if the service center is not there, search the information accurate anywhere in the nearest place your city that can repair your laptop. 

8. Data backup This is outside of tips for caring for a laptop, but the laptop sometimes save many important data and large, the back-up regularly is important. Do not be up to two times cause the damage the laptop and loss of data. Make back-up regularly to avoid loss of data. 

Thats all simple tips and hopefully useful to you all.

Author: Rusli Zainal Sang Visioner