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WiFi Savvy Safe Computing, Seminar Demo Notes
Browsers Beware:
The Internet is full of scams. It's up to you not to fall for them.
Watch what you click on. In the example below, notice that even the X is a link. The entire graphic is a link. You can see where it is linked to by looking in the status bar at the bottom of the screen before clicking on it.
Sample with fake 'X'
Sample Popup
Another popup
Emailers Beware of Phishing
Phishing is where scammers send you an email pretending to be someone else and con you into doing something - either opening and attachment, or clicking on a website and filling out some information - that will do you damage. Some of these cons are actually very good at what they do. When in doubt, check them out at Snopes.com or Hoaxkill.com
Samples:
Paypal - note the redirected link. Don't go there!
Mail Server Abuse - notice the bad grammar and misspellings. Do NOT open an attachment found with an email like this!
For more info:
https://www.paypal.com/fightphishing
3 Part Protection
1. Virus Protection: Use only one. We recommend AVG or Avast. They are both free.
2. Firewall: Use only one. If you keep your computer clean and up-to-date, the one-way firewall that comes with Windows XP is sufficient (Control Panel / Security Center). Zone Alarm is good, but you must learn how to control all the settings.
3. Use *at least* 1 Spyware Protection. We recommend:
Windows Defender
SpyBot Search and Destroy
AdAware
Watch a Microsoft Training Video about Spyware protection.
Windows Vista
Windows Vista is a new operating system. Any new computer should come with it installed. Do not upgrade an old computer unless you're sure it's good enough. Use the Upgrade Advisor from Microsoft.
Also check the website for your computer's manufacturer.
To learn more about using Windows Vista, check out Microsoft's Video Demos.
BUCS
Save $Bucks by following our BUCS routine. Backup, UPdate, Cleanup, Scan & defrag. Read this article that Jim wrote overviewing his BUCS system.
Backup
You need your computer's original CDs with you on extended travels.
You need to regularly copy irreplacable files (photos, emails, documents, accounting, etc.) to CD-R's and store them in a safe place. Learn to use whatever backup/CD burning software came with your computer.
In a pinch, you can use Windows. Open Windows Explorer, right-click on the folder you want to copy and choose
Send To
choose the CD drive
Online Backup is a good option for critical information:
Carbonite.com is one we've heard good things about.
Read more about backups written by Fred Langa.
You're not done until you tested a backup by looking at it and trying to restore a file.
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System Restore
A special automated backup of system settings. Use it to recover from errors caused by installing a new piece of software.
Start / All Programs / Accessories / System Tools / System Restore
Update
Keeping your computer and software up to date is as necessary as keeping oil in your engine and air in your tires. All the following systems/software need to be updated regularly.
Windows Updates (use automatic setting)
Office Updates (every few months)
Anti-virus (automatically if available, otherwise weekly): AVG (grisoft), Avast, Norton/Symantec, McAfee.
Other software like Quicken, Delorme etc. find instructions on updating, check quarterly.
Hardware Drivers: check with your hardware vendor. Toshiba, Dell , Sony etc.
It helps if you know your "Service Tag" or at least the exact model number of your computer. (my toshiba satellite A135-S4487)
Cleanup
Delete old documents from your file folders.
Delete Temp files with
- My Computer
- right-click on the drive
- Properties
- Disk Cleanup
You can also Delete Internet Temp files with Internet Explorer
- Tools
- Internet Options
- Delete ...
Delete unused programs with Control Panel / Add Remove Programs
Clean your monitor on the inside!
Scan
There's lots of things to scan. Just checking to make sure everything is OK. If a scan finds a problem - then go on to the 'Fix' stage.
Scan your harddrive for errors.
- My Computer
- right-click on the drive
- Properties
- Tools
- Check Now
You will need to reboot then, to get it started.
Scan daily for Viruses and Spyware. We recommend AVG and Windows Defender. Both products can be set to scan every night.
Defrag to organize your harddrive and speed it up. My Computer, right-click on drive, Properties, Tools, Defrag.
Occasionally, you can run the free safety scanner from Microsoft. Use it as a double-check on all your regular scanners. It does all the above scans PLUS it scans your Registry. It will clean any problems it finds and report to you.