Internet Security, safety and computer protection

Internet security is the most important thing to anyone who values their computer, internet use, or cares about having control over their own computer (and all that's in it). 
* Year 2007 updates:
This page is also old but my new comments are ... 
Avoid installing N o r t o n antivirus or any norton products. Also avoid Mcaffee... Look for free security from AVG, or buy Nod 32, and other free security software you can search for in google. Some of this info is still very helpful but fairly old.
Disable windows update and You'll be safer. There are so many different thing you can do for security now but I just can't type all that now. Just install an Internet Browser called "FireFox" and use that instead of Internet Explorer.

You can add comments/ opinions on Our New Message Board Here or just see what other people say.

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Your PC might smell funny if you don't clean it, wash it often (get rid of cookies & other internet "gifts"), take care of it (be precautious) and Protect it with security software. Not having internet security software is like leaving your computer in a crowded mall for everyone to use.

Did you know that you can actually be on vacation anywhere in the world and access your computer (through a different computer). Even though you're in a far away country you can use everything in your computer (files, programs, setting and all the rest) and even use the internet through it! And Hackers can do  it too. You can actually go to your local computer store and ask about cheap software that can help you do that. This means that any semi-literate computer hacker can do the same with your computer if You don't have appropriate computer software or your computer isn't set up to block out these intruders.

Firewalls, virus protection and Trojans

The 3 major things computers need to stay safe from hackers, breakdowns or trouble:

• A Firewall - A firewall closes ports and other entrances that hackers or nosy companies use to look into your computer (not just your internet activities.

• Virus protection - Up to date Virus protection is also essential to keep your computer safe from virus designed to steal from you

• Anti-Trojan software - Trojans are tools used by hackers or companies to look into your computer and computer files to find out more about you. They can also be used to steal, destroy or manipulate your computer.

Securing your computer is a necessary

Everyone should put a security lock on their computer (there are locks on everything else you value... why not your computer) especially if they have an internet connection.

As you can see, you have been communicating with people and business on line. Internet communication is a 2 way street. They can also communicate with you. In the same way you can send stuff to them (email, pictures, files, etc) they can send many different things to your computer. Something's are not as innocent as others. Many people can easily send you virus, Trojans, bad scripts (I'm not talking about movies either), and other internet tricks that could mess up your computer or steal information from you.

Computer Security tips & actions to take!

There are Thousands of ways that bad hackers can take control over your computer or use it as if it was theirs. This is very possible & common....
If you don't have effective security software.

These are a few dangerous computer thingies that can damage, destroy or give full control of everything in your computer to hackers somewhere in the internet: ActiveX, Java, Java Script and VB Scripts.

Things to Do or Not do:

1. Beware of downloading anything!
Be extremely careful when you download computer games, programs or files. Make sure that they site you download stuff from is reliable and not just something you found. Do a little research on the website or company.

2. Do Not save passwords on your computer
If you don't have solid and completely reliable security software your just begging to have your passwords and valuable information shared or stolen with others. Put  them in a little booklet or somewhere safe.

3. Clear cookies & History folders
Go to your browser and click on "Tools". This will open a little window and take you to the "General" section of Internet tools. Then go down to "Temporary Internet files" and click on
"Delete Files" to get rid of all the cookies that are sending information about you and your computer to tons of different Websites. Then go to the "Security" section on the same window and click on the "Internet image" then choose custom settings and check "Do not allow downloads". Do the same for "trusted sites". Remember to un-click those whenever you decide to download something. That will stop some downloads that your computer will get even if you don't click on anything.

4. Get effective security software
Get a Firewall, updated virus protection and software that will keep your computer working efficiently and safely.

Remember: most virus protection do not come with a Firewall, some do not protect hacker tools and just know that virus protection is not your salvation against internet threats.

Solutions and Problem Solvers

Free Firewalls

Zone Labs - Effective & FREE Firewall
(for beginners and non-techies)
Zone Labs has a very easy to use firewall that protects from your PC from most intruders. It blocks all ports and many other holes on your computer that hackers use to get into your computer (as if it was theirs). I love it. It gives you the option of learning what just happened and also teaches users about internet security.
This is a complete products Not a 30 day trial. It is your to keep forever.
Here's the Link to this Free Firewall

Basic Tips on setting up a firewall:
Be very careful when setting up your firewall because if you don't... it might lock you out of the internet or accidentally leave holes open.

Virus Protection & a little more

You can choose PC-Cillin, McAfee, Norton or others.
McAfee and Norton are the most popular but they will slow down your computer (and if you have an older one it will be way slow down your computer too much).

Just because McAfee and Norton are the most popular, doesn't mean their the best. If you have a really fast computer you can do good with them but if you have a slower computer I recommend others. You can ask a friend to help you install it (sometimes it can be trouble).

Learn about Trojans & hacker codes
Trojans are tools hackers & thieves use to get "into" your computer (and use it as it was theirs).

Samples of different Trojan types:

Keyloggers: They record every key you press on your keyboard (it's very possible) to collect passwords and anything else you type.
Droppers: These are like Alien Mother ships that drop little Trojans into your computer for a variety of evil purposes.
Destructives: They are simply designed to destroy files and your system in different ways.
IRC's (internet relay chat): They are used in chat rooms to reach users in the room.
There are many other types of trojans.

More info: www.moosoft.com
(I'm not sure if it prevents infections... but it removes it)

If you are serious about keeping all your files safe... it's best to always have a copy of them in a floppy disk, CD, zip drive, or other locations away from your computer (specially if it has a internet connection). You never know when it might crash, either. For maximum security it's wise to have your extremely important or valued files on an extra computer that does not have a internet connection. Seems paranoid and expensive but worth it if you are hacked or other problems arise. Just think of it as having the extra plans. You know, It's always best to have a plan A, B, and C. Safety and security is not for cheap skates or lazy people.