Here's proof that criminals do keep up with current events:
The Federal Bureau of Investlgation and U.s. Better Business Bureau have issued a warning that U.S. military action in Pakistan has led to malicious software being launched to entrap those surfing for the latest news.
The online scams have been specificaiiy targeting social media sites, image search engines and emails links that lure victims with promises of specific details and photos of the successful military mtssion.
Here are some of the tips for online safety from the BBB:
- Adjust privacy settings on social network sites so it's more difficult for anyone
to post content to your page. Even "friends" can unknowinqly pass on software
viruses.
- Read emails carefully. Fake messages often have misspellings, bad grammar and unusual English usage.
- Never provide your bank account number or other private information when requested
through an email.
- Be a skeptic of links to videos or photos that are not widely available from respected news sources.
- Be wary of "free" offers noting any occasion, especially if it comes from an unknown company or website.
It is suggested that you spread the word to family and friends that this viral software is making the rounds.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
3 ways to speed up your PC
By following a few simple guidelines, you can maintain your computer, help increase your PC speed, and help keep it running smoothly. This post discusses how to use the tools available in Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP Service Pack 3 to help make your computer faster, maintain your computer efficiently, and help safeguard your privacy when you're online.
Note: Some of the tools mentioned in this article require you to be logged on as an administrator. If you aren't logged on as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account.
1. Remove spyware, and help protect your computer from viruses
Spyware collects personal information without letting you know and without asking for permission. From the websites you visit to user names and passwords, spyware can put you and your confidential information at risk. In addition to privacy concerns, spyware can hamper your computer's performance.
Download Microsoft Security Essentials for free to help guard your system in the future from viruses, spyware, adware, and other malicious software (also known as malware). Microsoft Security Essentials acts as a spyware removal tool and includes automatic updates to help keep your system protected from emerging threats.
The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool is another utility that checks computers running Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003 for infections by specific, prevalent malicious software, including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom, and helps remove any infection found.
2. Free up disk space
The Disk Cleanup tool helps you to free up space on your hard disk to improve the performance of your computer. The tool identifies files that you can safely delete and then enables you to choose whether you want to delete some or all of the identified files.
Use Disk Cleanup to:
Remove temporary Internet files.
Delete downloaded program files, such as Microsoft ActiveX controls and Java applets.
Empty the Recycle Bin.
Remove Windows temporary files, such as error reports.
Delete optional Windows components that you don't use.
Delete installed programs that you no longer use.
Remove unused restore points and shadow copies from System Restore.
Tip: Typically, temporary Internet files take the most amount of space because the browser caches each page you visit for faster access later.
To use Disk Cleanup:
Windows 7 usersClick Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup. If several drives are available, you might be prompted to specify which drive you want to clean.
When Disk Cleanup has calculated how much space you can free up, in the Disk Cleanup for dialog box, scroll through the content of the Files to delete list.
Clear the check boxes for files that you don't want to delete, and then click OK.
For more options, such as cleaning up System Restore and Shadow copy files, under Description, click Clean up system files, and then click the More Options tab.
When prompted to confirm that you want to delete the specified files, click Yes.
After a few minutes, the process completes and the Disk Cleanup dialog box closes, leaving your computer cleaner, performing better, and potentially increasing your PC speed.
Windows Vista usersIn the Start menu, click All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup.
In the Disk Cleanup Options dialog box, choose whether you want to clean up your own files only or all of the files on the computer.
If the Disk Cleanup: Drive Selection dialog box appears, select the hard disk drive that you want to clean up, and then click OK.
Click the Disk Cleanup tab, and then select the check boxes for the files you want to delete.
When you finish selecting the files you want to delete, click OK, and then, to confirm the operation, click Delete files. Disk Cleanup then removes all unnecessary files from your computer. This may take a few minutes.
The More Options tab is available when you choose to clean files from all users on the computer.
Windows XP usersClick Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup. If several drives are available, you might be prompted to specify which drive you want to clean.
In the Disk Cleanup for dialog box, scroll through the content of the Files to delete list.
Clear the check boxes for files that you don't want to delete, and then click OK.
When prompted to confirm that you want to delete the specified files, click Yes.
After a few minutes, the process completes and the Disk Cleanup dialog box closes, leaving your computer cleaner and potentially performing better.
3. Speed up access to data
Disk fragmentation slows the overall performance of your system. When files are fragmented, the computer must search the hard disk as a file is opened (to piece it back together). The response time can be significantly longer.
Disk Defragmenter (sometimes shortened to Defrag by users) is a Windows utility that consolidates fragmented files and folders on your computer's hard disk so that each occupies a single space on the disk. With your files stored neatly end to end, without fragmentation, reading and writing to the disk speeds up.
In addition to running Disk Defragmenter at regular intervals (weekly is optimal), there are other times you should run it, too, such as when:
You add a large number of files.
Your free disk space totals 15 percent or less.
You install new programs or a new version of the Windows operating system.
To use Disk Defragmenter:
Windows 7 usersClick Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools, and then click Disk Defragmenter.
In the Disk Defragmenter dialog box, click the drives that you want to defragment, and then click the Analyze disk button. After the disk is analyzed, a dialog box appears, letting you know whether you should defragment the analyzed drives.
Tip: You should analyze a volume before defragmenting it to get an estimate of how long the defragmentation process will take.
To defragment the selected drive or drives, click the Defragment disk button. In the Current status area, under the Progress column, you can monitor the process as it happens. After the defragmentation is complete, Disk Defragmenter displays the results.
To display detailed information about the defragmented disk or partition, click View Report.
To close the View Report dialog box, click Close.
You can also schedule the Disk Defragmenter to run automatically. (Your computer might even be set up this way by default.) Under Schedule, it reads Scheduled defragmentation is turned on and then displays the time of day and frequency of defragmentation. If you want to turn off automatic defragmentation or to change the time or frequency, click Configure schedule (or Turn on Schedule, if it is not currently configured to run automatically). Change the settings, and then click OK.
To close the Disk Defragmenter utility, on the title bar of the window, click the Close button.
Windows Vista users Open Disk Defragmenter: Click the Start button, click All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools, and then click Disk Defragmenter. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
In the Disk Defragmenter dialog box, click the drives that you want to defragment and then click the Analyze disk button. After the disk is analyzed, a dialog box appears letting you know whether you should defragment the analyzed drives.
Tip: You should analyze a volume before defragmenting it to get an estimate of how long the defragmentation process will take.
To defragment the selected drive or drives, click the Defragment disk button. In the Current status area, under the Progress column, you can monitor the process as it happens. After the defragmentation is complete, Disk Defragmenter displays the results.
To display detailed information about the defragmented disk or partition, click View Report.
To close the View Report dialog box, click Close.
You can also schedule the Disk Defragmenter to run automatically. (Your computer might be set up this way by default.) Click Modify schedule....
In the Disk Defragmenter: Modify Schedule dialog box, choose how often, which day, and at what time of day you want defragmentation to occur, and then click OK.
Click OK again.
Windows XP users Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Defragmenter.
In the Disk Defragmenter dialog box, click the drives that you want to defragment and then click the Analyze button. After the disk is analyzed, a dialog box appears, letting you know whether you should defragment the analyzed drives.
Tip: You should analyze a volume before defragmenting it to get an estimate of how long the defragmentation process will take.
To defragment the selected drive or drives, click the Defragment button. Note: In Windows Vista, there is no graphical user interface to demonstrate the progress—but your hard drive is still being defragmented.
After the defragmentation is complete, Disk Defragmenter displays the results.
To display detailed information about the defragmented disk or partition, click View Report.
To close the View Report dialog box, click Close.
To close the Disk Defragmenter utility, on the title bar of the window, click the Close button.
Running Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter on a regular basis is a proven way to help keep your computer running quickly and efficiently.
Note: Some of the tools mentioned in this article require you to be logged on as an administrator. If you aren't logged on as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account.
1. Remove spyware, and help protect your computer from viruses
Spyware collects personal information without letting you know and without asking for permission. From the websites you visit to user names and passwords, spyware can put you and your confidential information at risk. In addition to privacy concerns, spyware can hamper your computer's performance.
Download Microsoft Security Essentials for free to help guard your system in the future from viruses, spyware, adware, and other malicious software (also known as malware). Microsoft Security Essentials acts as a spyware removal tool and includes automatic updates to help keep your system protected from emerging threats.
The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool is another utility that checks computers running Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003 for infections by specific, prevalent malicious software, including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom, and helps remove any infection found.
2. Free up disk space
The Disk Cleanup tool helps you to free up space on your hard disk to improve the performance of your computer. The tool identifies files that you can safely delete and then enables you to choose whether you want to delete some or all of the identified files.
Use Disk Cleanup to:
Remove temporary Internet files.
Delete downloaded program files, such as Microsoft ActiveX controls and Java applets.
Empty the Recycle Bin.
Remove Windows temporary files, such as error reports.
Delete optional Windows components that you don't use.
Delete installed programs that you no longer use.
Remove unused restore points and shadow copies from System Restore.
Tip: Typically, temporary Internet files take the most amount of space because the browser caches each page you visit for faster access later.
To use Disk Cleanup:
Windows 7 usersClick Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup. If several drives are available, you might be prompted to specify which drive you want to clean.
When Disk Cleanup has calculated how much space you can free up, in the Disk Cleanup for dialog box, scroll through the content of the Files to delete list.
Clear the check boxes for files that you don't want to delete, and then click OK.
For more options, such as cleaning up System Restore and Shadow copy files, under Description, click Clean up system files, and then click the More Options tab.
When prompted to confirm that you want to delete the specified files, click Yes.
After a few minutes, the process completes and the Disk Cleanup dialog box closes, leaving your computer cleaner, performing better, and potentially increasing your PC speed.
Windows Vista usersIn the Start menu, click All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup.
In the Disk Cleanup Options dialog box, choose whether you want to clean up your own files only or all of the files on the computer.
If the Disk Cleanup: Drive Selection dialog box appears, select the hard disk drive that you want to clean up, and then click OK.
Click the Disk Cleanup tab, and then select the check boxes for the files you want to delete.
When you finish selecting the files you want to delete, click OK, and then, to confirm the operation, click Delete files. Disk Cleanup then removes all unnecessary files from your computer. This may take a few minutes.
The More Options tab is available when you choose to clean files from all users on the computer.
Windows XP usersClick Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup. If several drives are available, you might be prompted to specify which drive you want to clean.
In the Disk Cleanup for dialog box, scroll through the content of the Files to delete list.
Clear the check boxes for files that you don't want to delete, and then click OK.
When prompted to confirm that you want to delete the specified files, click Yes.
After a few minutes, the process completes and the Disk Cleanup dialog box closes, leaving your computer cleaner and potentially performing better.
3. Speed up access to data
Disk fragmentation slows the overall performance of your system. When files are fragmented, the computer must search the hard disk as a file is opened (to piece it back together). The response time can be significantly longer.
Disk Defragmenter (sometimes shortened to Defrag by users) is a Windows utility that consolidates fragmented files and folders on your computer's hard disk so that each occupies a single space on the disk. With your files stored neatly end to end, without fragmentation, reading and writing to the disk speeds up.
In addition to running Disk Defragmenter at regular intervals (weekly is optimal), there are other times you should run it, too, such as when:
You add a large number of files.
Your free disk space totals 15 percent or less.
You install new programs or a new version of the Windows operating system.
To use Disk Defragmenter:
Windows 7 usersClick Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools, and then click Disk Defragmenter.
In the Disk Defragmenter dialog box, click the drives that you want to defragment, and then click the Analyze disk button. After the disk is analyzed, a dialog box appears, letting you know whether you should defragment the analyzed drives.
Tip: You should analyze a volume before defragmenting it to get an estimate of how long the defragmentation process will take.
To defragment the selected drive or drives, click the Defragment disk button. In the Current status area, under the Progress column, you can monitor the process as it happens. After the defragmentation is complete, Disk Defragmenter displays the results.
To display detailed information about the defragmented disk or partition, click View Report.
To close the View Report dialog box, click Close.
You can also schedule the Disk Defragmenter to run automatically. (Your computer might even be set up this way by default.) Under Schedule, it reads Scheduled defragmentation is turned on and then displays the time of day and frequency of defragmentation. If you want to turn off automatic defragmentation or to change the time or frequency, click Configure schedule (or Turn on Schedule, if it is not currently configured to run automatically). Change the settings, and then click OK.
To close the Disk Defragmenter utility, on the title bar of the window, click the Close button.
Windows Vista users Open Disk Defragmenter: Click the Start button, click All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools, and then click Disk Defragmenter. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
In the Disk Defragmenter dialog box, click the drives that you want to defragment and then click the Analyze disk button. After the disk is analyzed, a dialog box appears letting you know whether you should defragment the analyzed drives.
Tip: You should analyze a volume before defragmenting it to get an estimate of how long the defragmentation process will take.
To defragment the selected drive or drives, click the Defragment disk button. In the Current status area, under the Progress column, you can monitor the process as it happens. After the defragmentation is complete, Disk Defragmenter displays the results.
To display detailed information about the defragmented disk or partition, click View Report.
To close the View Report dialog box, click Close.
You can also schedule the Disk Defragmenter to run automatically. (Your computer might be set up this way by default.) Click Modify schedule....
In the Disk Defragmenter: Modify Schedule dialog box, choose how often, which day, and at what time of day you want defragmentation to occur, and then click OK.
Click OK again.
Windows XP users Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Defragmenter.
In the Disk Defragmenter dialog box, click the drives that you want to defragment and then click the Analyze button. After the disk is analyzed, a dialog box appears, letting you know whether you should defragment the analyzed drives.
Tip: You should analyze a volume before defragmenting it to get an estimate of how long the defragmentation process will take.
To defragment the selected drive or drives, click the Defragment button. Note: In Windows Vista, there is no graphical user interface to demonstrate the progress—but your hard drive is still being defragmented.
After the defragmentation is complete, Disk Defragmenter displays the results.
To display detailed information about the defragmented disk or partition, click View Report.
To close the View Report dialog box, click Close.
To close the Disk Defragmenter utility, on the title bar of the window, click the Close button.
Running Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter on a regular basis is a proven way to help keep your computer running quickly and efficiently.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Facebook password scam warning!
If you get an e-mail telling you your Facebook password has been changed and a new one Is attached, delete it immediately -- it's the latest Facebook scam, according to an alert from the Better Business Bureau.
Here's what it looks like:
From: Facebook, Artemus Rubert [mailto:amazor@facebook.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 2010 2:48 AM
To: MY EMAIL ADDRESS DELETED
Subject: Facebook password has been changed.
Dear user of facebook.
Because of the measures taken to provide safety to our clients, your password has been changed.
You can find your new password in attached document.
Thanks,
Your Facebook.
"With 500 million users, Facebook is one of the largest breeding grounds on the Internet for 'phishing' scams," said BBB President Tom Bartholomy in a statement. "Scammers are looking for any hook to get you to click on their links or attachments so they can get to your personal information."
The BBB warning comes exactly one day after their last Facebook scam alert, cautioning users to beware of another phishing scam known as "clickjacking," which tricks users into clicking on a link that triggers a program bombarding their e-mail accounts and everyone in their address books with spam.
Although Facebook did not immediately respond to a request from Consumer Ally to comment, these scams are literally becoming a daily occurrence, due primarily to the extraordinary amount of Facebook users, which at half a billion, exceeds the population of every nation on earth -- apart from India and China.
If Facebook's rapid growth continues, it's on course to exceed the total number of Internet users in China, which the Economist places at 420 million. According to Facebook, more than 50% of its 500 million active users log on in any given day and spend more than 700 billion minutes per month on the social networking site.
Apart from the enormous target of opportunity presented by the sheer number of Facebook users, scammers are undoubtedly aided by the fact that many Facebook users are young, and as such, probably more gullible and prone to click before they think.
The BBB urges Facebook users to be on the alert for the following red flags to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft:
Password changes -- Facebook is NOT going to send you an e-mail with a new password. If Facebook suspects fraudulently activity with your account, it will send a direct message to your Facebook account, and instruct you to go to your "Settings" button to change your password yourself.
Attachments/Links -- You should always be suspicious of e-mails that instruct you to download an attachment or click on a link. Attachments and links are the primary methods by which viruses, spyware and malware are spread.
E-mail address – If you only have your personal email address on your Facebook account and you get a "Facebook" e-mail on your business account, you should be suspicious and not open the e-mail.
Grammar, punctuation and typos – The grammar and incorrect punctuation used in the latest e-mail scam indicates that English is probably not the sender's first language. "Dear user of Facebook" is an example. In American English, it would more likely be "Dear Facebook User." Grammatical errors and awkward phrasing are tip-offs that the sender is probably in another country and that the e-mail is a scam. This is a red flag for any suspect e-mail you get, as most corporations will have any written information they send out to users and clients professionally copy edited.
The BBB also offers this general advice to stay safe online:
Delete any suspicious e-mails as soon as you receive them.
Do not click on any links.
Do not download any attachments.
Do not call any telephone numbers that may be in the e-mail.
Protect your computer with a good quality, up-to-date, anti-virus software program.
Since many Facebook users are young people, parents should talk to their children about Facebook scams and how to spot them. Young people are very computer savvy, but may not be scam savvy.
Here's what it looks like:
From: Facebook, Artemus Rubert [mailto:amazor@facebook.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 2010 2:48 AM
To: MY EMAIL ADDRESS DELETED
Subject: Facebook password has been changed.
Dear user of facebook.
Because of the measures taken to provide safety to our clients, your password has been changed.
You can find your new password in attached document.
Thanks,
Your Facebook.
"With 500 million users, Facebook is one of the largest breeding grounds on the Internet for 'phishing' scams," said BBB President Tom Bartholomy in a statement. "Scammers are looking for any hook to get you to click on their links or attachments so they can get to your personal information."
The BBB warning comes exactly one day after their last Facebook scam alert, cautioning users to beware of another phishing scam known as "clickjacking," which tricks users into clicking on a link that triggers a program bombarding their e-mail accounts and everyone in their address books with spam.
Although Facebook did not immediately respond to a request from Consumer Ally to comment, these scams are literally becoming a daily occurrence, due primarily to the extraordinary amount of Facebook users, which at half a billion, exceeds the population of every nation on earth -- apart from India and China.
If Facebook's rapid growth continues, it's on course to exceed the total number of Internet users in China, which the Economist places at 420 million. According to Facebook, more than 50% of its 500 million active users log on in any given day and spend more than 700 billion minutes per month on the social networking site.
Apart from the enormous target of opportunity presented by the sheer number of Facebook users, scammers are undoubtedly aided by the fact that many Facebook users are young, and as such, probably more gullible and prone to click before they think.
The BBB urges Facebook users to be on the alert for the following red flags to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft:
Password changes -- Facebook is NOT going to send you an e-mail with a new password. If Facebook suspects fraudulently activity with your account, it will send a direct message to your Facebook account, and instruct you to go to your "Settings" button to change your password yourself.
Attachments/Links -- You should always be suspicious of e-mails that instruct you to download an attachment or click on a link. Attachments and links are the primary methods by which viruses, spyware and malware are spread.
E-mail address – If you only have your personal email address on your Facebook account and you get a "Facebook" e-mail on your business account, you should be suspicious and not open the e-mail.
Grammar, punctuation and typos – The grammar and incorrect punctuation used in the latest e-mail scam indicates that English is probably not the sender's first language. "Dear user of Facebook" is an example. In American English, it would more likely be "Dear Facebook User." Grammatical errors and awkward phrasing are tip-offs that the sender is probably in another country and that the e-mail is a scam. This is a red flag for any suspect e-mail you get, as most corporations will have any written information they send out to users and clients professionally copy edited.
The BBB also offers this general advice to stay safe online:
Delete any suspicious e-mails as soon as you receive them.
Do not click on any links.
Do not download any attachments.
Do not call any telephone numbers that may be in the e-mail.
Protect your computer with a good quality, up-to-date, anti-virus software program.
Since many Facebook users are young people, parents should talk to their children about Facebook scams and how to spot them. Young people are very computer savvy, but may not be scam savvy.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Danger: Facebook 'Dislike Button' Is Just Another Scam
Not to be party poopers or anything, but you know all those statuses you've seen on your friends' Facebook profiles, claiming to have finally installed that elusive 'Dislike Button?' Totally fake. Tragic news, we know, but, as of now, there's still no official dislike button, and anyone with a status claiming otherwise is just another victim of the latest scam to hit Facebook. As Sophos explains, the scam seems to be spreading through status updates that read, "I just got the Dislike button, so now I can dislike all of your dumb posts lol!!" or, alternatively, "Get the official DISLIKE button NOW!" Both versions, predictably enough, are followed by a link.
Of course, you're not gullible enough to actually click on the link, because if you did, you'd end up on a page asking you to 'install' the button. At this point, your internal alarms should go off, because if the dislike button were real, Facebook would've just automatically added it to your profile. If, on the other hand, you go ahead and click through the installation process, you'll have to first grant the app permission to run on your profile. The app will then automatically post the same link and message to your profile, before asking you to fill out a survey in order to complete the installation. Upon filling out the survey, you'll land on a Firefox add-on called FaceMod, which offers something called the "Facebook Dislike Button (the Original)."
At this point, it doesn't seem like the FaceMod add-on has anything to do with this scam, aside from providing a convenient cover for whoever's trying to make a few cents off these surveys. There's also no indication that the add-on is corrupt or malicious -- but it's definitely not official. So if you want to install FaceMod's button, you should probably do so directly from Mozilla's add-on site, and not through some suspicious link you find on your Facebook feed. For our money, though, we'd recommend holding off until an authentic dislike button comes along -- even if it means waiting for a long time.
Of course, you're not gullible enough to actually click on the link, because if you did, you'd end up on a page asking you to 'install' the button. At this point, your internal alarms should go off, because if the dislike button were real, Facebook would've just automatically added it to your profile. If, on the other hand, you go ahead and click through the installation process, you'll have to first grant the app permission to run on your profile. The app will then automatically post the same link and message to your profile, before asking you to fill out a survey in order to complete the installation. Upon filling out the survey, you'll land on a Firefox add-on called FaceMod, which offers something called the "Facebook Dislike Button (the Original)."
At this point, it doesn't seem like the FaceMod add-on has anything to do with this scam, aside from providing a convenient cover for whoever's trying to make a few cents off these surveys. There's also no indication that the add-on is corrupt or malicious -- but it's definitely not official. So if you want to install FaceMod's button, you should probably do so directly from Mozilla's add-on site, and not through some suspicious link you find on your Facebook feed. For our money, though, we'd recommend holding off until an authentic dislike button comes along -- even if it means waiting for a long time.
Friday, July 2, 2010
How to Tighten Your Browser's Security
One of the most basic ways to protect your computer from potentially harmful online content or malicious software is easy, fast and free. How? Just make sure your browser's security settings are set at the appropriate level.
No matter which browser you use, always follow these top five security tips:
1. Delete spam messages without opening them or replying to them.
2. Use great caution when clicking on links sent to you in e-mail or text messages.
3. Do not open e-mail attachments unless you know the sender and you're expecting the attachment.
4. Create strong passwords. Use different passwords for your online banking accounts.
5. Make sure you use a firewall, as well as antivirus and antispyware software that is automatically updated.
What are the security settings on your browser? Here's how you can find out in Internet Explorer and Firefox.
How to check your Internet Explorer security settings:
1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click the Tools button and then click Internet Options.
3. Click the Security tab.
You will see four security zones:
• Internet: The level of security for the Internet zone is applied to all Web sites by default. The security level for this zone is set to medium-high, but you can change it to either medium or high. The only Web sites for which this security setting is not used are those in the Local Intranet zone, or sites that you specifically entered into the Trusted or Restricted Site zones.
• Local Intranet: The level of security for the Local Intranet zone is applied to Web sites and content that is stored on a corporate or business network. The security level for the Local Intranet zone is set to medium, but you can change it to any level.
• Trusted Sites: The level of security for Trusted Sites is applied to sites that you have specifically indicated to be ones that you trust not to damage your computer or information. The security level for Trusted Sites is set to medium, but you can change it to any level.
• Restricted Sites: The level of security for Restricted Sites is applied to sites that might potentially damage your computer or compromise your personal information. Adding sites to the Restricted zone does not block them, but it prevents them from using scripting or any active content. The security level for Restricted Sites is set to high and cannot be changed.
As you move around the Internet, IE automatically changes the security zone as needed and sets your security level for each Web site by default, ranging from low or medium-low for a corporate Intranet site, to high for a restricted site.
How to view or change the security settings on Internet Explorer 7/8:
In addition to these default security levels, you can customize individual security settings.
1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click the Tools button and then click Internet Options.
3. Click the Security tab.
4. Click the "Custom level..." button.
5. At the bottom of the pop-up box, you can reset the security setting to something higher or lower. Settings that are not at recommended levels will be highlighted in red.
6. If you modify your security settings and want to change them back to the default level, follow the above instructions through step 4. Then click on the "Reset all zones to default level" button.
How to view or change the security settings in Firefox 3x:
To make sure your security settings offer you the most protection, do the following:
1. Open Firefox.
2. Click on the Tools button and then click Options.
3. Click on the Security tab.
Step 1: Make sure the first three blocks are checked:
• Warn me when sites try to install add-ons.
Firefox will always ask you to confirm installations of add-ons. To prevent unrequested installation prompts that may lead to accidental installations, Firefox warns you when a Web site tries to install an add-on and blocks the installation prompt.
• Block reported attack sites.
Firefox will check whether the site you are visiting may be an attempt to interfere with normal computer functions or send personal data about you to unauthorized parties over the Internet.
• Block reported Web forgeries.
Firefox will actively check to determine whether the site you are visiting may be an attempt to mislead you into providing personal information, often referred to as "phishing."
Step 2: Passwords
Firefox saves your passwords by default, but if anyone else ever uses your computer, turn this feature off to protect your password security. To do this:
1. Open Firefox.
2. Click on the Tools button and then click Options.
3. Click on the Security tab.
4. Uncheck "Remember Passwords for Sites."
If you share your computer with others, you can set a Master Password in Firefox. This allows you to keep secure the username and passwords of Web sites you visit so no one else but you can access this information. To set a Master Password:
1. Open Firefox.
2. Click on the Tools button and then click Options.
3. Click on the Security tab.
4. Click "Use a master password." You'll be prompted to enter a password. (You can also follow these steps to change your Master Password.) A password-quality meter will judge the security of the password you have chosen.
IMPORTANT: Make sure you remember your Master Password! Without it, even you will not be able to access any of the information it protects or change the password.
Step 3: Warning Messages
1. Open Firefox.
2. Click on the Tools button and then click Options.
3. Click on the Security tab.
4. Click the Settings button that appears to the right of "Choose which warning messages you want to see while browsing the web."
5. At minimum, make sure the box is checked for "I am about to view a page that uses low-grade encryption."
No matter which browser you use, always follow these top five security tips:
1. Delete spam messages without opening them or replying to them.
2. Use great caution when clicking on links sent to you in e-mail or text messages.
3. Do not open e-mail attachments unless you know the sender and you're expecting the attachment.
4. Create strong passwords. Use different passwords for your online banking accounts.
5. Make sure you use a firewall, as well as antivirus and antispyware software that is automatically updated.
What are the security settings on your browser? Here's how you can find out in Internet Explorer and Firefox.
How to check your Internet Explorer security settings:
1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click the Tools button and then click Internet Options.
3. Click the Security tab.
You will see four security zones:
• Internet: The level of security for the Internet zone is applied to all Web sites by default. The security level for this zone is set to medium-high, but you can change it to either medium or high. The only Web sites for which this security setting is not used are those in the Local Intranet zone, or sites that you specifically entered into the Trusted or Restricted Site zones.
• Local Intranet: The level of security for the Local Intranet zone is applied to Web sites and content that is stored on a corporate or business network. The security level for the Local Intranet zone is set to medium, but you can change it to any level.
• Trusted Sites: The level of security for Trusted Sites is applied to sites that you have specifically indicated to be ones that you trust not to damage your computer or information. The security level for Trusted Sites is set to medium, but you can change it to any level.
• Restricted Sites: The level of security for Restricted Sites is applied to sites that might potentially damage your computer or compromise your personal information. Adding sites to the Restricted zone does not block them, but it prevents them from using scripting or any active content. The security level for Restricted Sites is set to high and cannot be changed.
As you move around the Internet, IE automatically changes the security zone as needed and sets your security level for each Web site by default, ranging from low or medium-low for a corporate Intranet site, to high for a restricted site.
How to view or change the security settings on Internet Explorer 7/8:
In addition to these default security levels, you can customize individual security settings.
1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click the Tools button and then click Internet Options.
3. Click the Security tab.
4. Click the "Custom level..." button.
5. At the bottom of the pop-up box, you can reset the security setting to something higher or lower. Settings that are not at recommended levels will be highlighted in red.
6. If you modify your security settings and want to change them back to the default level, follow the above instructions through step 4. Then click on the "Reset all zones to default level" button.
How to view or change the security settings in Firefox 3x:
To make sure your security settings offer you the most protection, do the following:
1. Open Firefox.
2. Click on the Tools button and then click Options.
3. Click on the Security tab.
Step 1: Make sure the first three blocks are checked:
• Warn me when sites try to install add-ons.
Firefox will always ask you to confirm installations of add-ons. To prevent unrequested installation prompts that may lead to accidental installations, Firefox warns you when a Web site tries to install an add-on and blocks the installation prompt.
• Block reported attack sites.
Firefox will check whether the site you are visiting may be an attempt to interfere with normal computer functions or send personal data about you to unauthorized parties over the Internet.
• Block reported Web forgeries.
Firefox will actively check to determine whether the site you are visiting may be an attempt to mislead you into providing personal information, often referred to as "phishing."
Step 2: Passwords
Firefox saves your passwords by default, but if anyone else ever uses your computer, turn this feature off to protect your password security. To do this:
1. Open Firefox.
2. Click on the Tools button and then click Options.
3. Click on the Security tab.
4. Uncheck "Remember Passwords for Sites."
If you share your computer with others, you can set a Master Password in Firefox. This allows you to keep secure the username and passwords of Web sites you visit so no one else but you can access this information. To set a Master Password:
1. Open Firefox.
2. Click on the Tools button and then click Options.
3. Click on the Security tab.
4. Click "Use a master password." You'll be prompted to enter a password. (You can also follow these steps to change your Master Password.) A password-quality meter will judge the security of the password you have chosen.
IMPORTANT: Make sure you remember your Master Password! Without it, even you will not be able to access any of the information it protects or change the password.
Step 3: Warning Messages
1. Open Firefox.
2. Click on the Tools button and then click Options.
3. Click on the Security tab.
4. Click the Settings button that appears to the right of "Choose which warning messages you want to see while browsing the web."
5. At minimum, make sure the box is checked for "I am about to view a page that uses low-grade encryption."
Monday, June 14, 2010
Safe Surfing this Summer
• Use security software that updates automatically.
Anti-virus software protects your computer from viruses that can destroy data, crash your computer or slow it down tremendously. Viruses can even allow spammers to send e-mail through your account. Anti-virus works by scanning your computer and your incoming e-mail for viruses, and then deleting them.
Anti-spyware software detects software that has been installed on your computer without your consent for the purposes of monitoring and/or controlling your Internet usage. Spyware can send pop-up ads, redirect you to websites you never intended to visit, and capture your keystrokes. All of this may be done to steal your identity or other personal information.
Firewalls guard against attempts to send your personal information out from your computer without your permission. A firewall will block communications to and from sources that you don’t permit.
• Be sure to use the privacy settings provided by your social network provider. Facebook, MySpace and other sites provide security settings. It’s up to you to use them.
In addition to technical protections, you should also take some physical precautions when traveling to protect electronic devices – both personal and company-assigned.
• Don’t let your PC or other mobile device out of your sight. You never know who is watching. Airports, coffee houses and other hot spots are perfect locations for someone to pick up and walk off with your device.
When traveling by air – don’t store your devices in checked luggage. You should always carry it on. Luggage is often damaged, misdirected or lost. If your device is with you at all times, you minimize that risk.
When traveling by vehicle – remember that parked cars are a popular target for theft. That’s especially true if merchandise or electronic equipment is visible through windows. If you must leave your device in the car, keep it out of sight.
In coffee houses and restaurants – don’t leave your device “just for a minute.” As quickly as you turn your back, someone could swipe your PC, BlackBerry or iPad from the table and exit the building.
In hotel rooms – try not to leave your electronic devices behind. If you must, use the in-room safe to store your belongings. You may also consider using the “Do Not Disturb” sign to discourage anyone from entering your room.
Taking just a few precautions will help ensure a summer of safe surfing . . . Web surfing, that is.
Anti-virus software protects your computer from viruses that can destroy data, crash your computer or slow it down tremendously. Viruses can even allow spammers to send e-mail through your account. Anti-virus works by scanning your computer and your incoming e-mail for viruses, and then deleting them.
Anti-spyware software detects software that has been installed on your computer without your consent for the purposes of monitoring and/or controlling your Internet usage. Spyware can send pop-up ads, redirect you to websites you never intended to visit, and capture your keystrokes. All of this may be done to steal your identity or other personal information.
Firewalls guard against attempts to send your personal information out from your computer without your permission. A firewall will block communications to and from sources that you don’t permit.
• Be sure to use the privacy settings provided by your social network provider. Facebook, MySpace and other sites provide security settings. It’s up to you to use them.
In addition to technical protections, you should also take some physical precautions when traveling to protect electronic devices – both personal and company-assigned.
• Don’t let your PC or other mobile device out of your sight. You never know who is watching. Airports, coffee houses and other hot spots are perfect locations for someone to pick up and walk off with your device.
When traveling by air – don’t store your devices in checked luggage. You should always carry it on. Luggage is often damaged, misdirected or lost. If your device is with you at all times, you minimize that risk.
When traveling by vehicle – remember that parked cars are a popular target for theft. That’s especially true if merchandise or electronic equipment is visible through windows. If you must leave your device in the car, keep it out of sight.
In coffee houses and restaurants – don’t leave your device “just for a minute.” As quickly as you turn your back, someone could swipe your PC, BlackBerry or iPad from the table and exit the building.
In hotel rooms – try not to leave your electronic devices behind. If you must, use the in-room safe to store your belongings. You may also consider using the “Do Not Disturb” sign to discourage anyone from entering your room.
Taking just a few precautions will help ensure a summer of safe surfing . . . Web surfing, that is.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
My Computer Takes Forever to Boot Up!
A friend calls -- did you get my email? Did you see that hilarious video? Have you heard that new song? You turn your computer on, eager to see what the fuss is all about … and wait. The little hourglass taunts you, tempts you, but you know clicking won't help. The hard drive grinds away. Speaking of grinding, maybe it's time to get a cup of coffee. Sigh.
One of the most common complaints we hear is how long it takes to start up a computer. In some cases it can take as long as 20-30 minutes before a PC is really ready to go. Some choose to get around that problem by leaving their computers on all the time, but that's a waste of electricity, and it may not be good for the overall health of a home computer to be left running 24/7. Isn't there a better way?
Older computers are, of course, more likely to suffer from these symptoms. But simply buying a new computer isn't a feasible solution for everyone, especially when times are tough. Nor is cracking open your PC's case to add memory. Rather, there are steps one can take without spending a lot of money -- and without using a screwdriver -- that can help reduce the time it takes to start up.
A Word About Anti-Virus Software
Before we begin, we would be remiss if we didn't mention anti-virus software. It's true that running anti-virus software will cause some delay in startup. But we do NOT recommend removing anti-virus software to improve startup speed -- such protections are a crucial defense against online threats. Rather, we recommend that you ensure you're running updated security software -- newer versions tend to be better about hogging system resources. For more information, look at previous issues of our blog or visit us at facebook.com/WebAddo.
Startup Slowdown
One of the primary culprits on a slow-starting PC is the array of junk that has been placed on the machine by the programs we use (and don't use). Many of the programs installed on our computers require the PC to do something at startup so they'll load more quickly when you want to use them. But often there are programs we no longer use, or use rarely, that are bogging down boot-up.
You can see what programs are on your computer's startup list by clicking the Start button, then Run, then typing MSCONFIG, then pressing Enter. The System Configuration Utility appears -- click the Startup tab. This displays everything that loads in the background when you start your computer. If it's a very long list, it's probably slowing you down.
Look through the list and see if you recognize anything you don't or rarely use. Be careful -- you don't want to remove everything! We recommend leaving any drivers for your graphics/video controller and other peripherals, as well as any antivirus or firewall software. But if you look closely you can probably spot unnecessary extras that could be eliminated.
A process library site (which you can find in Search) can help explain what individual startup items do and if they are needed. If you find a program you can live without, uncheck it on the list; when you're done, click OK and you will be prompted to reboot.
Font Fog
Another little-known trick is to remove fonts. Each time Windows starts up, it loads every font on your machine. The more fonts you have, the longer it takes. Most of us tend to use the same few fonts for almost everything we do, so if you find your computer has more than a few hundred installed, you may want to consider cleaning out the list.
The steps for removing fonts varies by the version of Windows you're using, but here are instructions for Windows XP from Microsoft Support. One thing to consider before you remove any fonts is whether you might want them back one day. If that's the case, you can remove fonts from the Fonts Folder and copy them elsewhere on your hard drive; doing so will prevent the fonts from loading at startup, but make it easier for you to restore them if you change your mind down the road.
Other Ideas
A little "spring cleaning" on your computer often helps improve performance. Getting rid of old files, cleaning and defragmenting your hard drive, removing viruses and spyware, and uninstalling software you no longer use helps your machine run more efficiently. For tips and tricks to help speed up your PC, click here.
Finally, if you're not sure about making these kinds of changes on your own, there's software that can help do it for you. AOL offers System Mechanic and PerfectSpeed, both of which help speed up a struggling PC by removing unnecessary startup items, cleaning your hard drive, updating your Windows registry and more.
One of the most common complaints we hear is how long it takes to start up a computer. In some cases it can take as long as 20-30 minutes before a PC is really ready to go. Some choose to get around that problem by leaving their computers on all the time, but that's a waste of electricity, and it may not be good for the overall health of a home computer to be left running 24/7. Isn't there a better way?
Older computers are, of course, more likely to suffer from these symptoms. But simply buying a new computer isn't a feasible solution for everyone, especially when times are tough. Nor is cracking open your PC's case to add memory. Rather, there are steps one can take without spending a lot of money -- and without using a screwdriver -- that can help reduce the time it takes to start up.
A Word About Anti-Virus Software
Before we begin, we would be remiss if we didn't mention anti-virus software. It's true that running anti-virus software will cause some delay in startup. But we do NOT recommend removing anti-virus software to improve startup speed -- such protections are a crucial defense against online threats. Rather, we recommend that you ensure you're running updated security software -- newer versions tend to be better about hogging system resources. For more information, look at previous issues of our blog or visit us at facebook.com/WebAddo.
Startup Slowdown
One of the primary culprits on a slow-starting PC is the array of junk that has been placed on the machine by the programs we use (and don't use). Many of the programs installed on our computers require the PC to do something at startup so they'll load more quickly when you want to use them. But often there are programs we no longer use, or use rarely, that are bogging down boot-up.
You can see what programs are on your computer's startup list by clicking the Start button, then Run, then typing MSCONFIG, then pressing Enter. The System Configuration Utility appears -- click the Startup tab. This displays everything that loads in the background when you start your computer. If it's a very long list, it's probably slowing you down.
Look through the list and see if you recognize anything you don't or rarely use. Be careful -- you don't want to remove everything! We recommend leaving any drivers for your graphics/video controller and other peripherals, as well as any antivirus or firewall software. But if you look closely you can probably spot unnecessary extras that could be eliminated.
A process library site (which you can find in Search) can help explain what individual startup items do and if they are needed. If you find a program you can live without, uncheck it on the list; when you're done, click OK and you will be prompted to reboot.
Font Fog
Another little-known trick is to remove fonts. Each time Windows starts up, it loads every font on your machine. The more fonts you have, the longer it takes. Most of us tend to use the same few fonts for almost everything we do, so if you find your computer has more than a few hundred installed, you may want to consider cleaning out the list.
The steps for removing fonts varies by the version of Windows you're using, but here are instructions for Windows XP from Microsoft Support. One thing to consider before you remove any fonts is whether you might want them back one day. If that's the case, you can remove fonts from the Fonts Folder and copy them elsewhere on your hard drive; doing so will prevent the fonts from loading at startup, but make it easier for you to restore them if you change your mind down the road.
Other Ideas
A little "spring cleaning" on your computer often helps improve performance. Getting rid of old files, cleaning and defragmenting your hard drive, removing viruses and spyware, and uninstalling software you no longer use helps your machine run more efficiently. For tips and tricks to help speed up your PC, click here.
Finally, if you're not sure about making these kinds of changes on your own, there's software that can help do it for you. AOL offers System Mechanic and PerfectSpeed, both of which help speed up a struggling PC by removing unnecessary startup items, cleaning your hard drive, updating your Windows registry and more.
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