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Keeping Your PC Out of Trouble
// TheWorldJournal.com
Today, computer users are mostly concerned about two things when working online: security and virus-protection. Here are some useful tips on how to keep your PC out of trouble without spending
a lot of money.
Let's start with virus protection. The most popular "I Love You" and "Anna Kournikova" bugs are well known all around the world - those bugs have created mass-trouble for e-businesses and ordinary users.
Ninety percent of all PC tech problems are caused by viruses sent to e-mail accounts.
Thirty-five percent of all Internet users delete 5 to 10 "strange" messages
each day without even opening them. Of course, there is a name for it - Spam. But it is important to
note that some of those messages contain invisible bugs that are getting in our systems. In spite of
the fact that some popular anti-virus programs cannot locate these viruses
quickly, many people still continue to open messages, totally forgetting about
the dangers they pose to their PCs. One of the major problems is that there are a lot of
novice computer users with little computer experience.
Until it is not possible to send Spam messages or even get a virus into any
PC system - protecting your PC will remain the number one concern for all computer users around the globe. Instead of waiting, here are some tips that
can help you protect your system today. These simple rules make a big difference
to every Internet user out there.
- The first advice that comes to mind - find a free e-mail service with an
anti-virus option built in it. Some services provide a free option - automatic virus scanning of every message and every file received and sent. Hotmail is one of them. Though this free e-mail service is
very popular among PC users, it is Heaven for Spammers and would-be
hackers.
- If you can differentiate between personal messages and advertising
e-mails, you stand a better chance of not becoming infected. Delete all the e-mails that
you don’t recognize as coming from a friend or associate without opening them. Most
computer bugs start working an e-mail attachment, so be careful.
- Do not open personalized e-mails, such as "Mike, remember me?" or "Kate, I miss you so much!!"
If you do not recognize the sender's e-mail address, don’t open the mail, simply delete it.
The majority of these messages are the usual telemarketing and advertising emails but can be disguised to fool even the savvy computer user.
- Do not open e-mails from celebrities (remember "Anna Kournikova" bug). Keep in mind that most celebrities don’t answer their own mail, so don't overjoyed when you see a love-letter from Salma Hayek or Mr. DiCaprio. Although it is a very attractive message, which everyone tends to open very quickly, it is also a great way to get a virus into your PC.
- We recommend you download ZoneAlarm software from the Internet (Windows XP users should not bother - XP has its own protection features. ZoneAlarm is a firewall software program that should not conflict with any other software firewall programs you already have.). Zone Alarm doesn’t protect you against viruses, but it certainly will protect your computer against unwanted intruders. Zone Alarm allows you to work safely online and you'll be able to customize ZoneAlarm for every single program that requires an Internet access; that way you can protect your system from other online hackers intent on getting into your computer through popular means. Oh, and ZoneAlarm is free for personal use.
So, go ahead, make these little changes and start taking care of your electronic buddy. Good luck.
Related web sites:
Hotmail
ZoneAlarm
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