It was not always like that like this but the internet has morphed into a feeding ground for spyware. What used to be a relatively clean network has turned into a minefield, figuratively speaking. Cyberspace is now happy it with a selection of viruses, Trojans, and ad ware programs. Those items attach themselves to your PC and perform functions you do not desire like undesired showing adverts, tracking where you go on the internet, and nicking your personal fiscal information like your credit card number. In this time it is very important to shield yourself by using security software and learning the way to read the web in a safe manner.
Many of us don't realize this but email has become a very common way to spread malware. Google's e-mail does the best job of filtering it there is however no email filter that gets all. You might have some that end up in your mailbox. If you get an email from somebody you don't know or have never heard about, please delete it. Actually I might go as far as saying it is best to remove anything that appears even remotely suspicious. It's way better to be safe than sorrowful. Do not open any attachment that you are not expecting. Downloading any file from a link that's not credible is like playing Russian roulette.
Although it may seem appealing out strongly suggest that you also not download links from torrent, P2P, warez, and other like sites that do not monitor what folks put up there. Put an emphasis on not downloading anything from torrents as many of these files are usually stuffed with things you don't warn your PC. If you need to download something go to an established and reputable site to do it. P2P sites like LimeWire could be appealing because they offer free music but show your computers to many viruses and other security threats. Again, when you want to download music only use highly credible sites.
Do not just click on any link you see. The web is flooded with many websites and these websites have diverse links on them. Be cautious of what you click on and use common sense when you are navigating from a website to another website.
A recent browser is a great first defensive line for any security threats you may experience. The top browsers released updates on a constant basis when you see they're available you want to download them. Firefox is the best browser out there and releases updates at least once each two to three months.
By this time you should know you want some form of antivirus software. Being on the web without some security programme installed is very hazardous. Keep in mind that no software, irrespective of how costly it is, is infallible and you still need to use common-sense and whatever you do. Do not become too relaxed and think your browser anti-spyware software will block everything. Hackers and virus makers are getting more classy and safety devices sometimes have not caught up as quick as one would hope.
Good skimming habits need to be learned by all because the net has turned into a handy but perilous place. There have been countless stories of folks having their whole identity stolen or going to their checking account only to see nothing in it. You have full districts operating out of Nigeria and Russia where folk do nothing but set up web cafs and still identities all around the planet. Protect yourself and be highly proactive. Whether you live in Vancouver WA or anywhere else you need to be sceptical of anything you haven't seen until now.
Folks get into a smug mode where they believe varied ID theft situations will not happen to them. When it is doing occur they're surprised and in denial.
PC Maintenance Avoided by Proper Browsing Habits
By: Kathy C Johnson
