Tips for Staying Safe Online
Your Top 10 Tips For Staying Safe Online
(Staying Virus Free and Spyware Free)
I guess you're here because you've heard tales of - or even experienced yourself - a computer going slow, redirecting to dodgy websites, showing dubious pop-ups or failing to go online at all!
Well, firstly - DON'T PANIC! - secondly keep to the following rules and, because we know what we're talking about, you'll stay safe...:
1. Ensure your anti-virus software (such as AVG or McAfee) and anti Spy-ware applications (e.g. Lavasoft Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition or PC Tools' Spyware Doctor ) are active and up-to-date. You can download a free version of both AVG and Ad-Aware, but if you use your PC for online banking, ebay or other account based things, then I'd recommend investing in a full paid-for version of whichever you choose.
2. When checking your e-mail, if possible, delete any e-mails the sender of which you don’t recognise. If someone you know is desperate to get hold of you, they'll find another way. Until you've added someones email address to your 'safe list' or 'contact list' it just isn't worth the risk!
3. On-line email can be good for protection from viruses – such as Hotmail or Yahoo Mail. They build in all sorts of virus checking, and always prompt you before opening any content that may harm your PC. If you do use Outlook or Outlook Express, make sure your anti-virus product has the e-mail filter turned on.
4. Run an extra virus check now and then – such as the web based Trend Micro’s Housecall It's a bit like having a second opinion, or an extra safety net. However, don't install more than one resident anti-virus product permanently - your PC will crawl, and you may get false detections as one program sees another as a threat!
5. Run an extra spyware checker sweep too – such as Ad-Aware, or Spybot. Make sure they are up-to-date first, and if they recommend you download the latest version, then do it (especially the free ones!).
6. If you are confident and have used 'Safe Mode' before, it can sometimes be worth running a virus and spyware check in Safe Mode (press F8 when booting your PC). Many of the newer, nastier trojans can stay undetected in Safe Mode, but a few can be found this way.
7. Have at least the XP firewall turned on (Control Panel > Windows Firewall), in addition to ensuring that your router’s firewall is enabled (you are using a router? No modems please!!!).
8. Use a third party firewall on your PC – such as the awesome ZoneAlarm (Ignore the left hand side of the page, the download link for the free version is on the right). Again, make sure you keep this up-to-date by checking for new version every now and then.
9. Keep Windows 2000, XP, and Vista bang up to date, by regularly using the Windows Update option or using Automatic Updates. Sometimes the PC will go slow while installing these, and need a reboot, but believe me, it's worth it. If there is only one thing you do to stay safe, then this MUST be it.
10. Don’t visit dodgy web sites – however tempting that offer of a free weekend with Angelina Jolie / Brad Pitt and her / his entourage of playgirls / playboys on a remote island may be….believe me, it’s a scam! I know your thinking "But how do I know whats a safe site?"...and you don't / can't always know. But a rule of would be if you've heard of a site, or i's linked from a trusted site like the BBC then you should be okay!
Also, many of the safety products, such as AVG, will add an icon next to Google's search results to show what it considers to be safe sites. Always install this option if offered.
As Jerry Springer would say, "take care of yourself, and each other..."
Toby.
All information including prices and product specifications is obtained from third parties and presented as a guide only to help you find and research products you're looking to buy. We cannot be held responsible in the event that incorrect prices or descriptions are displayed. Please direct any questions about products to the merchant that sells them, thank you.
OffSight - Company No. 5294437 - The Winding House, Walkers
Rise, Cannock WS120QU.