These links to authoritative and reliable information
will help you become more knowledgeable and self-sufficient.
They might even help you get out of a jam! From the millions
of Internet sources we have chosen just a few and the list is constantly
changing. If a link is "dead" please let us know so
we can fix it. If you know of a useful site that might help
others please send it to us to be considered
for inclusion on this page.
Security
Whether you are a novice or expert user, connected
to the Internet a few minutes daily with dial-up connection or constantly
on line with broadband DSL or cable, you need to be security conscious!
A terrific source for plain-language security-related information
and software is Gibson Research Corporation
where you will quickly learn if you are unknowingly sharing information
on your hard drive with the rest of the world and -- most important
-- you will learn how to deny the outside world access to your personal
and precious information.
Do you really need a firewall? A firewall
protects you from outside intrusion and helps keep your private information
away from people who might use it to steal financial information or
even steal your identity. Firewalls can be software or hardware
based and are a basic requirement for all Internet users, particularly
if you are exposed for long periods of time with DSL or cable Internet
connections. A software firewall is a must!
ZoneAlarm from Zone Labs is an excellent software
firewall that is both easy to use and highly effective. There's a
free version for non-commercial personal and a modestly priced "Pro"
version with expanded features and functions. There are additional
free and commercial software alternatives. Their suitability
depends on individual needs, degree and type of exposure, and technical
expertise. Here
is a link to free (don't you love that word?) personal firewalls
and other security software.
A software firewall is not enough protection.
Everyone should also use a hardware firewall. Almost all routers
have a degree of firewall functionality built into them and cost as
little as $50 - a small price for the amount and type of protection.
This
link provides an excellent overview of how a hardware firewall
works and convincing arguments for using one!
Spyware
If you are not taking precautions you are probably
-- and unknowingly -- sending personal and potentially sensitive information
back to marketers and "big brother" while you are on line.
This isn't paranoia, it's the truth! Some defenses:
- AdAware
by Lavasoft is a free utility that detects and removes spyware from
memory, the system registry, and hard drives -- even the stuff put
in there intentionally by Microsoft.
- SpyBot
Search & Destroy is another extremely useful program for
finding and removing spyware. SpyBot is "donation ware"
and certainly worth an optional few bucks to anyone concerned about
privacy.
- a-squared
offers an innovative approach with both free and subscription services.
- Pest
Patrol by Computer Associates is another useful detection
and removal tool.
The above products are highly regarded but certainly
not the only legitimate ones capable of detecting and removing spyware
Try a Google search using the words, "spyware remover"
and you will see over 900,000 results. Hint: Many scanner
makers offer a free on line scan that will tell you of problems but
few will clean them up. These can be useful as second
opinions.
As a note of caution, most people have encountered
the ubiquitous pop-up window alerting you your system is infected
with spyware. Close the window and go on with life because it
is a ruse. Only rely on trusted and proven sources. The
vast majority of anti-spyware products sold via pop-ups accomplish
little more than separate gullible people from their money.
What's worse, some have even "planted" malware on the users'
machines. Never fall for this gimmick!
Antivirus
Don't even think about surfing the Internet or receiving
email without antivirus protection. There are some excellent
free and low-cost antivirus solutions readily available, yet some
people opt to take their chances and invariably they get burned!
Like anything else, some antivirus software products
are less effective than others and some adversely affect a computer's
performance (especially those that come pre-loaded on new computers).
Current products, besides being incredibly user-friendly, typically
acquire and install periodic updates without user intervention (or
divine intervention for that matter!).
Here's a list of products SCS has taken a liking
to:
AVG - free solution available from www.grisoft.com
eTrust Antivirus - Subscription product that is updated often from
www.my-etrust.com
And now a few words about virus hoaxes: . If you
really want to impress your friends with your gullibility and bozofulness,
just pass along one of the many virus hoaxes that come along via email.
We have received these from so-called computer professionals
who charge well over $100 an hour for their services. So much
for their credibility. Most often, hoaxes are
innocently passed from person to person in a spirit of helpfulness.
You can can quickly determine spot a hoax by visiting the Symantec
Virus Hoax page, Hoaxbusters, McAfee Virus Hoaxes, or doing a quick
check using your favorite search engine. Hoaxes themselves are damaging
because they too often lead people to delete required system files
and/or simply mess up their systems, waste time and attention, and
waste bandwidth. Don't be a bozo.
Now, a word (or two) about real virus threats. Known
viruses (if you are questioning the plural of "virus" please
check this link) number in the tens of thousands and new ones are
found daily. In our opinion, good antivirus software must meet several
criteria: (1) provide easy access to updated "signature files",
(2) provide frequent signature file updates to keep up with the constantly
growing virus list, (3) be able to detect and remove known threats
without adversely affecting your system's normal operation (or screwing
up installed programs), and (4) be affordable for users of modest
means.
Worth considering are eTrust EZ Antivirus, PC-cillin
by Trend Micro, and Grisoft's AVG Antivirus. Frequently updated, eTrust
is affordable, Trend has a useful on line free antivirus check, and
AVG offers a completely free solution for individual use. Be aware,
however, that our tests have found one product can detect malicious-ware
not found by others so you should not rely on just one product if
your Internet activities and email volume place you in a high risk
category.
Trojans are an increasing threat. There is a handy
and free on-line scan available from GFI Software Ltd.
Buying Hardware
First of all, buy locally if you can. If
you have warranty problems it is much faster and less expensive
to deal with a local merchant than go through the hassles of trying
to deal with an Internet source where English is often a second
(or third) language.
Sounds good but, in reality, it can be extremely
challenging because legitimate vendors with good attitudes, knowledgeable
staffs, decent inventories, and realistic return policies are very
difficult to find even in a large metro area like Detroit. Therefore,
when buying hardware, it is imperative that you know what you want
to buy; i.e., you've done your homework, know the specifications,
and simply need a vendor to handle the transaction. One place to begin
hardware research is CNET.com where you can begin to learn about alternatives,
prices, and -- importantly --find Internet links to sellers' and manufacturers'
web sites where you can dig deeper. Sites like CNET also offer product
opinions written by their staff and purchasers but always remember
those opinions are like a certain anatomical feature -- everybody
has one. If price is your main concern you can find current "street
prices" at Pricewatch.com.
If you are considering a new system, or upgrading
an existing one, please talk with us first. We will help you determine
your needs -- both present and future -- and will help you select
hardware or software to satisfy your requirements. You will save time
and money while sparing yourself disappointment and frustration.
