Computer Security for n00bs: Don’t Get Pwnd!

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The Internet can sometimes be a scary and intimidating experience to the new computer user. The potential hazards that can come with personal information or falling prey to hackers and scammers can often times be overwhelming. Luckily, there are many things that new computer users can do to avoid falling victim to these computer security concerns. Here is a look at the very basic rules everybody should know and understand before using the Internet for the first time.

The Essential Firewall and Anti-Virus/Spyware Program

Many computer users believe that since they only use the computer occasionally there is no need for firewall or antivirus software. The fact is if your computer is hooked up to the Internet you run the risk of downloading viruses, malware or worms onto your computer. A firewall or antivirus/spyware program is the first step to protecting your computer’s security. These programs can prevent a number of potential computer problems from happening in the first place as they will detect any problem before it reaches your computer.

Guard Your Password with Your Life

Your computer password can be compared to your social security number in that you never give out to anyone. This goes for all passwords, whether they are for your e-mail, bank account or computer. Should someone gain access to your security password they could potentially gain personal information such as bank account or credit card numbers and addresses that can be used for identity theft.

Basic E-Mail Concerns

To the new computer user e-mail might appear as if it is an electronic version of the snail mail. The problem is that there are potential risks that exist with e-mail that are not present old fashioned post. E-mails can contain harmful viruses and malicious software that can steal personal information or render a computer useless. This is why you should only open e-mails that come from trusted sources. You should also make sure that you do not download any unknown attachments as an attachment on e-mails is the number one way that computer users download viruses and spyware.

The Proper Way to Handle Sensitive Personal Information

The Internet and the world wide web can be filled with multiple websites that offer contests and giveaways. It is important to remember that your personal information needs to be protected online just as you would in any real life situation. This means if a contest or giveaway is asking for your bank account information, social security number and address then it is most likely a scam, and your details could fall into the wrong hands.

Authorized Sites Only

To protect your computer security and your personal information it is essential you only visit authorized and trusted websites. Viruses, worms and spyware can all be downloaded onto your computer when you visit an unauthorized or unknown website.

Following these basic computer security guidelines will allow you to use your computer and the Internet in a safe, secure way. By following these steps you will reduce your risk of downloading viruses and malicious software that could put the personal information in your computer at risk.

Don’t get pwned. (Owned, for those of you that don’t speak Warcraft-error speak.)

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Heuristic Advantage: Anti-Virus

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Technology — you fear — is a limited thing. Boundaries define it. Specificity shapes it. There is no chance for wisdom. Instead it evolves as its makers intended, following strict rules and all too frustrating patterns. And anti-virus software is no different, you believe. It can only detect what it’s been programmed to. It can only seek out what it understands. And this makes it all too useless against ever changing malware and Trojan source codes. There can be no protection, just the pretense of it.

This is a common concern shared among users — they assume that programs are ultimately futile against viruses, can’t anticipate their variations. The truth is more hopeful, however: it involves Heuristics.

Simply defined, Heuristics is a form of analysis used in certain anti-spyware programs. This analysis learns to identify the root elements of viruses and then tracks any variations of them. All progress that a specific concern may make (passed from hacker to hacker, with new language shoved into the strands to trick systems) can be understood and deflected. The use of a genetic algorithm — which can decipher all forms of coding — enables this procedure to locate malware.

And this brands it invaluable for the modern user.

Anti-virus programs are necessary in today’s world. There can be no denying this. Too often, however, do individuals assume that such programs are weak. They’re not — and Heuristics proves this. It allows computers to understand all worries (pinpointing specific markers within codes and deeming them unsafe). This allows for systems to receive far more protection and helps to tame the number of virus invasions.

All are encouraged to seek out programs that feature this algorithm. It’s an advantage that shouldn’t be refused.

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The Virus Progression: Updating

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It’s a moment you never anticipated — a monitor is failing; a connection has stalled. Your computer is lost to the sudden purgatory of inefficiency, with all files exposed. And you watch, helpless, as every keystroke is undone. All information is tracked. All documents are stolen. Your screen becomes proof of a virus and there’s nothing you can do. Your virtual life is being taken from you: and you don’t understand how.

You purchased the necessary protections. You stuffed your hard-drive with software and Trojan detectors. No worries should have been able to invade your system. It should have been secured.

And it was — for a limited time.

The sad truth of technology is that it is forever progressing. All components evolve, matching the needs of the masses; and there is no hesitation for codes or programming. That immediacy isn’t defined to mere applications, however. It is instead offered to viruses — and these appear far more quickly than any defense against them.

All malware is developed by independent sources. It is not reliant upon manufacturer approval, doesn’t have to withstand months of scrutiny. Instead the markups can all be formed without delay, sent across the Internet to search for weak computers. And they often find them — simply because systems are protected by outdated anti-virus programs. With every new corruption that’s formed software can become futile. This can leave users without the necessary aids.

It is important therefore to be aware of all of the latest viruses. Research their methods (such as specific download links, attachments or web page embedding) to better prepare for them. Update your computer often to ward away as many attacks as you can. And never refuse to purchase new anti-virus applications. These are vital in keeping pace with concerns.

It is impossible to counter all viruses. With frequent updates and research, however, it is possible to combat many of them. The progression may be endless but it can also be predicated — and this is essential for all.

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Uses of Software on Your Computer

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ContentThe various programs that are used to help a computer operate are known as computer software. The most common types of computer software are the application software, and ones that are used to help the system and programming.

Everything that happens on a computer is run by some form of software. The required operation has to have some type of application that is allowing for the computer to run. If you want to play a game on the computer it is still considered to be a function by the computer. It does not matter if you need to run a business related software or educational you have to have software to make it run properly and perform what you need to do.

The performance of a business requires software for their operations on a daily basis. Tasks such as customer service, payroll, and many others can be performed straight from a computer software program. These tasks usually are performed with special software that is chosen by the company. Certain software may be purchased by the company in order to help the employee learn a special skill. For instance, it may be helpful for a company to have their employees learn another language to improve on their customer service skills.

Running monitoring equipment in a hospital requires use of software. When an experiment is run by a researcher they may use software to aid in their research. The software industry has grown over the years and will continue to keep growing. Programmers are working everyday to make this become a reality. This should be an important thing to keep in mind for those who are looking for a job or looking to start a new career. When continuing education for job skills remember to learn the software similar to the type of job that you are looking for because this will help you have a heads up in that field.

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Preventing Hacking When Downloading Software

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Computer hacking is something that almost every person has experienced at least once in their lives. If they haven’t experienced it, good for them because it is a hassle and an inconvenience to deal with. If they have experienced it, they know the frustration and angst that come when their computer system, hardware, and software are under potential threat because of the damaging actions of another party.

Through spam that takes you to a dangerous website and other methods, criminals can hack a person’s computer at any time without warning and can completely take over your system, rendering your computer useless to you. It’s not a good feeling, which is why many computer retailers and consultants will advise you to install software programs on your system to prevent hacking and unlawful entry of any kind into your computer. Many programs are free but others have a price tag. The value of investing in a program is a personal judgment call, but it’s definitely worth considering.

On many computer systems, when you are downloading software, you have to disable your firewall to allow the program to download to your hard drive. When you do this, your system is vulnerable and attempts to hack into your computer increase. To offset this, you can install other programs to protect your computer, or let a professional install your computer software programs.

Since many computer professionals have more software than the average person, they can install software on your computer system to prevent hacking, even under the worst of conditions. They will advise you on what works best, what does not work, and what you need to address your computer needs. Your concerns don’t always have to be at the forefront of your mind if you engage the services of knowledgeable people. Let them do their jobs so that you can do yours with your computer.

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Free Software! – Really?

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There are many resources available to get software. You buy it from the store, you download it from the internet, or you borrow it from a friend. But, even if you didn’t pay for it, is it really free?

Many programs will say that they are giving it to you for free. But, don’t forget to read the fine print. Do you see the words “trial” or “demo” anywhere? More often than not, the free programs are just that – a demo version or a trial version. Both of which lead the user to fall in love with the software (hopefully) and then buy the “full” version.  But if you look in the right places, you can find free open source software like vlc media player and FileZilla which is really free.

The creators of the software make the trial versions to hook users in. They want your evaluation of their program. They let you see the many features that the program does have and they turn off the other features until you become a paid member or user. If you love the software the way it is, imagine what you can do with the full version. They want you to be thinking that way.

Is there such thing as free software, though? In some cases, you can get older versions of a program for free if it was sent as a promotional product with something else you bought. You will see this on the case. Again, though, this is to entice you into loving the older version so that you will buy the newer version. With any “free” version, you are asked to register your name and information, which gives them permission to market to you in the future.

Marketing via the internet is quite magical for the good marketer. The user and potential buyer feels as if they are being shared information for free. But, after all is said and done, the chances of them becoming a paying customer is great. They have signed themselves up their system and they will now, until they ask not to, be marketed to for all of that company’s future product. You decide whether it’s really free or not.

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