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A word from Post Computer Systems! When in doubt, check it out!
About
KaZaA and other file sharing programs:
*Can only be installed deliberately
*While the program
itself isn't illegal yet, the files transferred over it (MP3's, Movies, etc.)
are. And lawsuits by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) have
reached as high as $25,000 per song.
*Comes
with spyware to help the company generate revenue. (you didn't think it was actually
free did you?)
*Heavymetalsong.mp3 may be a song, but Heavymetalsong.mp3.exe is not, and more than likely is a virus or malware** program designed to make your day much worse. And it could be too that Heavymetalsong.mp3 is infected itself.
Safe
Surfing:
*URLs (what you type into the address bar) are a big source
for directing you to bad websites. Always check to make sure what you're typing
(ex. http://www.ebsy.com is a bad search site and is a deliberate misspelling
of ebay).
*If you're
looking into something for the first time use a trusted search engine (Google
is a good choice) and be careful of what you select from the results. If possible
check with someone that knows about the topic to insure you are getting accurate
results before you research / surf these sites. If you cannot check ahead, pay
careful attention to the URL (viewed in the "status bar" below in most browsers)
when clicking on the links.
*Unless
a security warning comes from a company you know and trust and expect (Symantec,
Microsoft, Macromedia, etc.) do not accept and install it. Whenever possible get
any patches, plug-ins or downloads yourself.
*Most
"Free" software is never really free. Use a trusted website to download
it from (download.com is a good choice) and pay attention to user reviews and
the feedback about the software, they often tell if it comes with malware.
*Many so-called anti-spyware
programs are spyware programs themselves, and can bring more into your system.
Check user reviews and call a trusted source for more info; they may have experience
with the product already. For a general rule of thumb, Ad-aware SE, Spybot
Search & Destroy and Webroot's Spysweeper are recommended. (Call a
trusted source for details and / or advice)
*Spyware will not come in unless you invite or allow it in! (This can be done inadvertently)
Additional concerns:
*Many game downloads can bring in malware too and can get more on their
own.
*Also to note, that some pieces of malware work from within the operating system ("an inside job") and are back doors that can often work around or disable your protection.
*They can hijack systems, turn off firewalls, disable anti-virus programs and take control of your system to use you to send more of themselves off to the friends in your address book!
*Instant Messaging can leave an opening for intruders if left up with an "Away" message, close each session when you leave! Also do not click on a link or picture in the session unless you are absolutely certain that it is a legitimate link. Installation of AIM now gives you Weatherbug! Read the options!
A
final note:
*Be certain to keep your anti-virus (some recommended ones:
CA ETrust, Norton Anti-Virus, McAfee) and anti-spyware programs
paid for and up to date, they can not protect you from new threats arriving daily
if forgotten or overlooked. They are your first line of defense to keep your computer
running well and to keep your online experience enjoyable and productive!
**term for Malicious Software
Emy
Shepherd 413-267-5210
If you have other
questions, please click here to email
me.
If you'd like to see other questions answered here, click here to email me.