10 Good Tips About How To Use The Internet Safely part 3

10 Good Tips About How To Use The Internet Safely part 3

This article continues my list of 10 good tips about how to use the Internet safely.

In the previous article, I talked about the importance of having a good firewall installed, as well as the right antivirus program (and to make sure that it's "activated" and actually protecting your computer).

So let's go on to the next item in our list:


Tip #5) Don't install software at random, especially if it's advertised in a pop-up ad

This is an important one.

It's a pretty common experience for people to be browsing around when a window pops up out of nowhere inviting you to install a piece of software. You might also see a similar ad that appears as a banner on a webpage.

There are a lot of variations, but the general gist is that they try to entice you into downloading and installing some program that you really shouldn't be installing.

One very common way of doing this is by either immediately warning you that your computer is infected with something, or by asking you if you want a free scan, and then saying the computer is infected.

Either way, they try to dupe you into installing software. The software you install is usually some form of "malware" (a general term that includes malicious software like spyware and adware) designed to steal information off your computer, or to hijack your computer in some way.

In other cases it may not infect your computer per se, but it claims the computer is infected and says the only way to clean it up is by paying for the program.

This used to be something that was only a worry for Windows users, but as I was writing this I learned that people have just started seeing similar popup ads for a program called MacSweeper, which works just like the programs I just described.

This would make the very first program like this for the Mac, and unfortunately, I'm sure it won't be the last.

So generally distrust anything that tries to get you to install a program, especially if it's in a popup ad, or any ad on a "questionable" site such as adult sites, sites for downloading movies or music illegally, etc.

If you see something that seems like it might be legit, remember you can always type in the exact name into Google or another search engine and see what the results are. Chances are, if it's a shady program, you'll see lots of pages warning you about it!


Tip #6) Use a router, don't just connect directly to cable or DSL

This one's pretty simple. If you're on a "broadband" (fast) connection to the Internet, like DSL or cable, then you should avoid plugging your computer directly into the cable modem or DSL modem.

Instead, you want to get a router.

A router is a device that is designed to plug into your Internet connection and share it among one or more computers. A variety of companies make them, including Apple, Netgear, and Linksys.

If you're concerned about wireless security and one of your neighbors or someone parked on the street trying to get into your computer, you can always buy a non-wireless router.

The reason it's a good idea to get a router is because all routers contain a hardware firewall (as opposed to the software firewall I mentioned in the previous article in this series).

This adds an extra layer of protection between your computer and the Internet, which keeps it safer.

If you do get one of the wireless routers, which are more common these days, then do make sure you turn on the wireless security -- without it, anyone within range can use your Internet connection and often can even get into your files!

Most routers these days come with software that helps you turn on this security, but if you need to, get help from someone who knows what they're doing to set it up right.

If you're on the Big Island, feel free to contact me and set up an appointment for me to come out and set yours up for you and give your computer a checkup to make sure you're safe.
I'll continue with more of the 10 tips about how to use the Internet safely in a separate article.

until next time, enjoy,

Worth Godwin

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This bundle of CDs is absolutely the easiest and most affordable way to learn to make your computer safer and easier, and to help you feel more confident and natural using your Apple Mac or Windows PC.

Just go now to one of the following addresses, depending on whether you use a Apple Mac or a Windows PC.

Windows PC users (Dell, HP, Sony, etc.) go to:

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