[ this page can be found at http://www.noveltyhill.net/Computer-Health ]
Understanding the Reality is Important
This removes Fear of the Unknown.
Knowledge Is Power.
Computers work for Us. NOT the other way around!
It is YOUR PERSONAL COMPUTER: Don't let anyone victimize you with it!
My desire and goal is to…
Raise Your Consciousness;
Direct You to Resources and Information;
Encourage You to be Proactive, not Reactive!
Help You Learn as Much as You Want To.
Viruses, Trojan Horses, Worms
Direct Attacks: exploiting holes in Windows and Internet Explorer.
SpyWare, AdWare, JunkWare, Keystroke Loggers, Data Mining, Hijackers, Transponders.
Marketing Junk.
Browser Hijacks, Active-X "toys", Pop-up windows, Abuse with JavaScript and Java Programming.
Spam, a.k.a. UCE = Unsolicited Commercial Email
Pop-up Ads
Unwanted Use of Personal Information and Internet Habits
Keep your Operating System (Windows XP Home or Windows XP Pro, or [less desirable] earlier version) up-to-date.
Buy and Use the Best Anti-Virus Software, and keep it updated weekly.
Buy and Use both Hardware and Software Firewalls and check them at least monthly.
Don't open or run Executable Attachments:
Even if you know the Sender!
They might not know they sent it!!
What is an executable file??
A partial list of Filename Extensions for Executable File Types:
.INF.BAT.COM.PIF.EXE.BAT.MSI.SCR[see a more complete list here]
Don’t open .ZIP file attachments, without scanning with your AntiVirus program first!
Don’t do business with Companies that use Deceptive or Unethical Marketing Practices.
Use high-effectiveness, low-to-zero “false positives” Spam Filtering.
for Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express, I recommend SpamNet (www.SpamNet.com )
Find out if your ISP provides Real and Effective Spam Control.
(but some large ISPs are getting sued by the same Marketing/Advertising companies that are using Spam, therefore many ISPs aren’t trying to filter Spam at all!)
Download, Install, and Use "SpyWare" Removal Tools:
Ad-Aware SE from http://www.lavasoftusa.com (it's free)
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,7423,00.aspSpyBot Search & Destroy
from http://safer-networking.org (it's free)
Pest Patrol (free to try, $40 to buy, also free Online Scanner at www.pestscan.com)Spy Sweeper (free to try, $40 to buy)
Watch your Email for Hoaxes and Chain Letters:
How to recognize a Hoax:
Use your Common Sense: if it sounds silly, it probably is.
DON’T forward them, until you check the source of the information
Be a Responsible Publisher [Yes, if you are sending information to a list of readers, You are a Publisher!]
If you wish, forward to Bill T first, and I’ll analyze it for you.
Symantec's Hoax Page:
Data Fellows Hoax Page: