Computers And Technology

How Do I Protect Myself Online?

You keep hearing there are all these scary things to avoid while being online. There are so many confusing topics and just a lot of noise out there about what you should be doing and shouldn’t be doing. You get to the point where it’s easier to just not go online!

You ask yourself, what sites should I go on, which ones to I avoid, what e-mails can I open, and can I download anything or not? These are some of the questions you should be asking yourself and become aware of.

Why is this important? The bottom line is the Internet is an amazing utility to use in your daily life to connect with friends and family, do some shopping, and get work done much faster. Just as there are scams you need to be aware of in your daily life, you need to be aware online.

Unfortunately when you are online you can’t see what sites and programs you can trust or not trust. It’s not as easy as your wallet was stolen so you can easily call and cancel your credit cards. But if you are going to use the online world (which it’s a great tool and you should!) like everything else, you need to protect your information. You don’t leave your personal information out for anyone to see and pick up in your daily life, and you need to learn how to not do that while you are online! With these few steps you can be relatively safe. Just as when you are in the real world you need to always be aware and cautious.

Top 4 things to be aware of:

1. E-mail Links/Phishing: Don’t ever click on links or call phone numbers sent to you via e-mail asking you to update your banking information, even if it looks like the company you have a relationship with. You may have heard of this, it’s called Phishing This is a huge scam going on that people need to be very aware of.. If you are concerned about your account, you can easily call the number on that company’s website and ask about your account.

2. Never give out your passwords or PIN numbers: No matter who asks for it, do not give it out. Almost all legitimate sites will never ask you for that information. If you loose your password there are ways for you to change it yourself. If someone offers to change it for you, say no. A good tip is to change your password periodically and don’t use your home address or birthdates as that information may be easily obtainable by predators. You can be confidant that you are the only one that’s knows it.

3. Beware of downloads: Unfortunately over the past few years it’s become increasingly dangerous to download anything online. Once a malicious program gets onto your computer it can be a great annoyance factor and harmful to your personal information. Companies that offer a free download of their product you should be wary of; do a gut check as to whether you can trust them. Also have common sense; most things in life are never completely free!

4. Website Address: Always make sure you have typed in the correct web address for the site you are using any personal information. Many copycat sites will take popular web site addresses with slightly the same name for people who type in URL’S wrong and ask for personal information.

At the end of the day you should act online how you act in your daily life; always use common sense! If something looks odd to you, then take an extra minute to check it out. If something looks too good to be true, it probably is. Online scammers prey on people who are not aware, often in a rush, and most of all gullible. With a few easy steps you can easily protect yourself and have a great online experience.

If you have been a victim of online banking fraud or suspect you are sent something fraudulent you can contact the FDIC at http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/

Tips To Avoiding A Computer Virus :

Although numerous in their design, computer viruses can basically be broken down into two categories. These include a virus that can either be destructive or simply annoying. In order to combat both, software developers have created anti-virus software that is designed to detect and remove certain types of computer viruses, along with worms, spyware, adware and identity theft.

With modern technology having turned toward computers and the internet, computer viruses are more problematic than ever. While anti-virus software is important, the best approach to fighting against a computer virus is knowing how to avoid one. Here are a few tips:

$Never download an e-mail file from anyone that you do not know. Whether it be a document, photo or other program, simply close the e-mail without downloading it’s contents.

$When visiting websites, carefully select reputable companies when downloading files. This may include e-books, freeware, software, photos and other programs. If you are not familiar with the company or the website, there is no way to know what you will be accessing and how damaging it may be to your computer system.

$If you choose to download either an e-mail or internet file, use your anti-virus software to check the file prior to opening it on your computer.

$Always keep your anti-virus software updated with the latest information and upgrades from the manufacturer. When it is time to replace your software because it is outdated, don’t wait. New computer viruses are created often and no system is truly safe without some type of updated detection software.

As mentioned earlier, a computer virus can be either damaging to your computer system or may be nothing more than an annoyance. An example of a destructive virus would be one that destroys your hard drive files, prevents your computer from continuing to operate or may cause you to have to re-install the computer’s configuration using the Restore CD that accompanied your purchase. An annoying virus may cause your computer to operate slower than usual or may prevent certain files from working properly.

In some cases, software manufacturers create programs that have ‘bugs’ within the program. This is often called a virus, but should not be considered in the same manner as a typical computer virus. The reason is because a software manufacturer does not create these ‘bugs’ to intentionally hinder their customers and will generally work to replace the faulty program. In addition, a software glitch will not prevent your entire computer from operating or delete all of your files from the hard drive.

Common sense, along with an anti-virus program, will go a long way in both detecting and avoiding a computer virus. Without these important elements, your entire computer system and the information on it are at risk of infection.

Using A Computer Flat Screen Monitor:

Are you in the hunt for a new computer monitor? Do you know what style of monitor you want? Maybe you’re an architect and need a wider high resolution screen. Do you or your children play video games? If so this may dictate which screen you purchase. Below we talk about why you should use a computer flat screen. There are several advantages listed below.

You may think that a computer fat screen is just a technology gimmick, but it is not true. There are many scientific reasons behind the invention of computer flat screens. Its always good to have a computer flat screen.

An advantage of computer flat screens is the amount of space they save on your desk. While a traditional computer monitor may cover up to two feet, a computer flat screen is usually no thicker than an inch or so.

Flat screens not only save space, but they also help in fighting with diseases like back pain. Back pain is imminent in people who over-use computers. Flat screens also have a low radiation as compared to Common monitors. Thus, they are less harmful to the eye.

Tip of the day: Remember computer flat screens come in all different sizes and models. Take your time when selecting your computer flat screen monitor.

This helps in freeing a lot of space on your desk, which can be used for other things, like files or office stuff, or just to give you more room to stretch out and be more comfortable in your workspace. Here is a great electronics site http://www.informationinquiry.com/. This is very important for the people who work in cubicles or share offices with coworkers. Space management is the key.

Computer flat screens may be more durable. A traditional computer monitor works like a projector; that is why it takes up so much space. The parts can easily overheat and break. This is the reason why a traditional computer monitor has many vents on it.

Computer flat screens work on a different principle altogether. There are no parts or pieces that can be damaged due to heat thus making computer flat screens more durable. If you have sat in front of a traditional monitor all day and then spend sometime working on a flat screen, you will notice a difference in the radiant heat. A traditional monitor becomes warm after constant usage, while a flat screen will remain cool.

Additional Tip: Remember to consider the climate of the room the flat screen will be going in.

Last but not the least; computer flat screens have a better resolution and a better picture quality. Many people start slouching and start leaning in towards their computer screens as they become used to working on the computer.

Tip: Remember to purchase a nice graphics card to take full advantage of your computer flat screen monitor.

This ill posture can result in diminishing eyesight, back pain and many more problems. It can also lead to various other complexities in the body.

A computer flat screen offers a better resolution, so eyestrain is not common. You can keep a better posture and form with computer flat screens because the display is easier to see. This prevents work related injuries and diseases and overuse injury. This has become more common as people spend more and more time at their offices in front of their computers.

In conclusion make sure you do some research prior to making a sizeable investment on a computer flat screen monitor. It will cost you some extra cash but the advantages should out weigh the extra money it costs. If space is tight then it is a no brainer to purchase a computer flat screen monitor. Good luck with you hunt


Satellite Radio Makes Sense:

Like cable television, Satellite radio is fast becoming a new genre of and unto itself. While not having to endure the same regulations as applied by the FCC in regards to free radio, the broadcasters of satellite radio, like cable television, have more options available to them and are able to offer a wider variety of programming as a direct result.

Satellite radio is the cable television of the radio broadcasting world. People can buy a satellite radio subscription in much the same manner that they would subscribe to cable television. The subscription includes various types of radio broadcasting not otherwise available to the listener. These usually include more adult-oriented radio broadcasting since the FCC does not regulate the industry in the same manner that they do for the free radio airwaves.

Since people are paying for the privilege of listening, and satellite radio is a buyer’s market, the wide selection of broadcast media that is available are regulated mostly by what the listeners want and what they are willing to pay for. While satellite radio may not be a viable alternative for everyone, it does offer more listening opportunities for those people who are willing to pay for it. Satellite radio subscriptions vary in cost, but all things being equal, the subscription fees are not at all unattractive when the broad spectrum of radio programming is compared to what limited choices are available without satellite radio.

There are also still some limitations in the availability of satellite radio. While these areas are in steady decline as satellite radio listeners increase in numbers, there are still voids in the market where it is not yet financially feasible to install satellite radio options. It is best to check for the availability of satellite radio before purchasing any satellite ready receivers.

Satellite radio receivers vary in all manner of shape, style and output range and are available to fit the needs of most any satellite radio listener. Deciding which one is best for any given use will require the purchaser to do a little research into satellite radio and what local options are available, then adjusted according to the personal preferences of the listener.

While the advent of Satellite radio technology is seen as a new path to freedom for some and a road to decline for others, the satellite radio of today looks like it is here to stay. If satellite radio is available in your area, it can be a worthy investment. Satellite radio really does offer many options not available to the regular radio listener.


Design Your Dream Deck With A Computer:

When going about adding a deck to your home, you want it to be perfect. It must fit in with the scheme of your home, and you don’t want it to be too big or too small. But there is a solution. Software has been developed to aid you in designing your dream deck, and allows you to add and subtract pieces easily with the click of a button. This eliminates the guess work when deciding what kinds of options you’d like to add on, and can give you a real picture to attach to your existing home. You can try stairs, tiered layer decks, screen porches, anything you’d like.

Since the software is in 3D, it allows for easy placement of deck pieces to see where you’d like them all to fit. You can see the deck from different angles, and imagine what it would like in your own backyard. It even offers you options to add finishing touches to the deck such as furniture, planters, etc. You can see your dream come to life before you take the risk of having it built first.

Some of the more elaborate software is available for purchase, but there are some programs that are available online for free download. These of course won’t give you the vast choices as some of the other software that is available, but it will allow you to get a picture of what you are imagining none-the-less. You are able to choose the type of building material that you are interested in, the stain color, or color of paint and how much you’d like to elaborate the deck is completely up to you! Since you have the program in your own home, you can take all the time that you need to play around and find the perfect combination that you have been envisioning. When you go to the contractor who is going to do the job for you, you can go with much more confidence since you will have a thought out extensive design of exactly what you had in mind.

This will also help the contractor very much since you won’t have two different ideas in your head when you try to explain exactly what your dream deck looks like. You’ll have something to show him, allowing the outcome to be exactly what you were hoping for!


Hightech Cameras Making Sport Training Easier:

Lately, the advances in commonly used everyday items has increased dramatically. We have cell phones that can double as MP3 players, as well as having internet capabilities, video consultations on our computers, digital cameras that can download right to the computer and then be sent in for printing, and so on. One advantage that new technology has given many people is the ability to take more pictures in a short period of time. This has changed many methods of how coaches are able to train athletes.

With the benefits of being able to take rapid pictures, three per second and up, it allows the athlete to see their form, and pick out more of what they are doing wrong. This can be easier than slowing down a video because it shows each stage in a still frame. It’s impossible for the human eye and brain to catch every movement that human body goes through when watching a golf swing, a pitcher, etc.

Computerized motion analysis is the newest method of aiding coaches in their training efforts that is available. Although this is one of the best resources you can get to monitor the progress and flaws of an athlete, this sort of technology requires expertise in computers, software, and photography to be used correctly and most effectively. It isn’t always easy to jump into a program that you have little background knowledge in, and manipulating and identifying software so that it is most beneficial to you takes more than just common sense. This is why the computer motion analysis systems are still in their beginning stages.

New technology will need to become available to allow easier compatibility with coaches and athletes, enabling them to use this type of software without first going to school and getting a PhD. Well, obviously it’s not like that, but who wants to go learn about all sorts of other things that have to do with computers if you just want to help improve your athlete? You could hire someone now, for the time being, until the software has all glitches and ease of use increases, and some say it’s worth it. With how much competition has increase, times running within hundredths of seconds of each other, maybe this ability to slow down and watch separated still frames is the answer. I suppose, as with anything else, it’s up to you and the resources you have available. These companies who manufacture the software do promise in the future easier use for all.


Learning About Computer Game Design:

Computer games have become extremely popular in the past few years. With new games being launched almost every year world over, the demand seems never ending. Those adept at computer programming, computer aided art and computer hardware are the masterminds to produces these extremely sought after games.

Usually, an interest sparks if you are a passionate about playing games. One may be an expert player, but subsequently gets bored of the games available and there by begins thinking of concepts for new games or means of improvising the already existing games. Taking a computer game design class and ultimately enrolling in a full fledged course for the same are the next steps. At the end of it a new computer game designer is created.

Computer games have become such a technology rage in themselves that schools have begun offering classes in computer game design. The popularity of these classes leads to their getting filled up soon and they can be a bit expensive. I found some great computer information at http://www.mycomputingnews.com. Hundreds of schools, most of them very much techno oriented have come up in order to fulfill the desires of those who wish to learn computer game design. Those who opt for a complete course of computer game design will be exposed initially to concepts like game balance, level design, narrative and storytelling, basic game architecture, motion planning and control.

As a career, it’s not at all simple. Hundreds of different aspects that comprise the computer game design have to be considered. Those aspiring to learn all will learn about the history of computer games, software architecture, animated sprites, sound and music, realism ,challenges, level design, plot pacing, interface techniques, 3D loading , camera control, rule based approaches among many other concepts.

Most fail to understand that designing a computer game is just like writing a technology filled book. A good game needs a good storyline that comprises a plot, characters, narrative, a thrilling begin, middle and end. Also emotion, repercussions and interaction also are a vital part. The domain of computer game design has many challenges for anyone who aspires and decides to master the basics.

Computer game design, has become a profession for many today. The average money one can spin is about $74,900 annually. That’s not bad at all to work on especially when you enjoy it thoroughly. Some computer game designers are able to clinch contracts with big players and make over $100,000 per year. For those who indulge in computer game design as a freelancer can enhance their earnings from a regular job by about $10,000 to $30,000 a year. Hence, in conclusion, computer game design is surely fun filled, challenging and lucrative from every possible perspective.


Cheap Digitial Cameras:

Are you on the look out for a cheap digital camera? Technology changes so fast and there is so many different models to choose from. What you really need to do is decide what you’re going to use the camera for. Will you be just taking pictures? Do you want to take mini movies also? Once you decide what you need the camera to do it makes the buying process much easier. So start a spreadsheet of options your looking for in your cheap digital camera selection.

Are you on the look out for a cheap digital camera? Technology changes so fast and there is so many different models to choose from. What you really need to do is decide what you’re going to use the camera for. Here is a great technical resource http://www.informationinquiry.com. Will you be just taking pictures? Do you want to take mini movies also? Once you decide what you need the camera to do it makes the buying process much easier. So start a spreadsheet of options your looking for in your cheap digital camera selection.

Do you take pictures often? Then go digital. Today, photography is not so hectic and expensive as it was a decade ago. Pictures we take of our lives are no more only on paper as before, the technology now allows us to store our sweet memories on our PCs and share them with our near and dear ones. The moments of our childhood, our student life, love and romance, family and children- all memories are so sweet when we turn back and look at them.

So, pictures are the best way to capture the memories of these moments. Picture-taking method and ease have changed for the better. Digital cameras might be a small step of advancement for technology but it is a whole new world for us. The burden of films is no more; it’s just the matter of a small memory stick or a mini DVD. It's all about our computers.

Want to send your child’s pictures to your folks? Want to share the records of some of your life’s precious moments with your friends? Now digital photography has made all this cost just a few clicks of your computer’s mouse. It is even more fun to browse for cheap digital cameras online now days.

Brands such as Canon, Kodak, Nikon, Sony, and Toshiba all offer a wide range of products that can suit every requirement. With a little web surfing, you are sure to spot a few cheap digital cameras in no time. Isn’t it hard to avoid the convenience of a digital camera over the old-school models?

We simply need to plug in our digital cameras to our computer upload the photos and cleanup the memory and again start clicking. Have you upgraded yourself to the digital age yet? All you need to do is drive to any of your local superstore and check out a variety of digital cameras. They are well worth it.

It’s simply because you save a trip to the local film developer and also due to the control you have with the photographs. Digital cameras allow you to save any and all pictures onto your computer in contrast to the cameras with film which forces you to click or print only tangible pictures. This also has made photography more private and reliable. Here you have the additional power to print them or send them to anyone you wish with ease.

If you are in the market for cheap digital cameras, you must have experienced this wonderful technology. To buy a digital camera, all you need to do is log onto Google and sort through the many cheap digital cameras available in the market. One glance at an old photo and you have taken takes you straight back to that particular occasion. So, why don’t you get hold of onto those experiences forever? You just need a quality digital camera to record and cherish your memories.

Did this article help you narrow down your digital camera research criteria? We certainly hope it did. I know that is can seem overwhelming when searching for the right cheap digital camera. Remember to jot down some notes on what you want in a camera. Do a chart and compare features and functionalities amongst the vendors. Take your time and don’t just buy the 1st one that catches your eye. If you have a vendor that your already comfortable with try using them. Good luck and we hope you find the right cheap digital camera for your lifestyle.


Personal Info That I Put On My Flash Drive . . .

Because I don’t have the latest and lightest laptop, I need to have a way to bring my information from home to work and back again. When the portable flash drive came out, I was thrilled. Finally, something that could be portable and easy to use, so long as I could find a USB connection – and everything had a USB connection.

At first, I only put a little information on my flash drive, and then I realized just how much information I could fit – credit card numbers, user names, passwords, my social security number, work files, budget reports, my personal financial information, etc. I could fit my entire life on that little flash drive and just put it in my pocket whenever I needed to take it somewhere – it was a brilliant invention for keeping all of my information in one place. And it still is.

However, it took just one mistake for me to realize that maybe I needed to do more than put my flash drive in my pocket. I had my drive on my keychain for a while when I was walking to my car one day and realized that it wasn’t there. I panicked. I thought of all the information that was on that drive and what I would need to do to replace it. Unfortunately, I didn’t make another backup of that information, so I would have been in deep trouble.

Thankfully, I was able to find the drive just a few yards away, but it got me to thinking – was I going to have to go back to lugging around a laptop or could I find another way to protect my drive? I looked all over the Internet for possible programs that could encrypt my data on my drive and found Portable Vault. It was the answer to my prayers.

Not only could I keep all of my information in one place, but it would be guarded by a high quality encryption program that few people could ever break. No more worrying for me!


When Can I Expect Results When I Optimize My Computer?

In the world of instant gratification, one of the first questions that get asked after learning about optimization is when people can expect to see a change in their computer. And this makes sense because if you’re having troubles with the speed of your computer, you probably also want it fixed right away. Here’s the truth: it happens immediately.

Not tomorrow or in a few weeks, but immediately. All you have to do is invest a little time into the overall process of optimization and you’ll see results as soon as you’re done. You might want to reboot your computer first, but after that – welcome to a faster, more efficient PC.

Here are the steps that you can take:

1. Start by cleaning up your hard drive. This means removing any programs or files that you don’t use. Look through your add and remove program function to see what programs are installed and then look to see when the last time was that you used them. If it’s been over a year, chances are good that you probably don’t need it.

2. Then use a registry cleaner like Registry Repair. This will help get rid of problems that you might not even know exist. Some viruses can get into your computer and slow down the overall speed of your system, but registry cleaners remove them and help add to the health of your PC.

3. At this point, you will also want to remove any spy ware that you have with a spy ware killer. This spy ware can slow down your PC’s ability to function, though it might not be harming your PC in the process.

4. Then you’ll want to defragment your computer to make the remaining programs process faster. This program reorganizes your files and data to be more easily accessed by the hard drive.

And in this short time, you’ll have a fully optimized PC that runs fast and starts running better as soon as you’re done. There’s no need to wait for a faster computer when you can do it yourself and do it quickly.


Digital Cameras - Good For The Environment:

Digital cameras help to save trees! This is because as more and more people move away from conventional cameras they are unwittingly reducing the use of chemicals that were earlier being used to process the film. These chemicals, especially the developer and fixer solutions, were serious environment hazards. More importantly, you don't have to print every picture in the roll of film, you can print just the one or two that you like, thus saving lots of paper as well.

1. Chemicals

Law requires that chemmicals need to be neutralized before disposed of. Unforunately, most film processing centers released the chemicals into the drain because of high expenditure involved in treating them before discharge. A lot of photographers have been found guilty of this also.

2. International Waters

They are not the only ones who broke the law with abandon. The cruise ships in the international waters were even bigger culprits. As a routine, these ships first developed pictures shot by passengers and then dumped the film-processing chemicals into the open ocean. No one cared, since no restrictive laws apply to international waters. This is the reason why our oceans and green reefs are dying at a rate faster than the rain forests.

3. Digital Cameras

They can now thank the makers of digital cameras for saving them from some of the chemicals that earlier poured on them from ships. The same can be said of ponds and rivers that used to be polluted with chemicals flowing out of film processing labs, and that incidentally still flow out of such labs in the third world.

4. Inkjet Printers

There are some green campaigners who point fingers at inkjet printers - used to take prints - and rechargeable batteries used in digital cameras. Of course, they must realize that very few people take prints of the photographs. Most transfer the images into computers electronically. Also, used cartridges are either recycled or dumped in landfills. Very rarely they find their way in water bodies.

5. Rechargable Batteries

Impacting digital cameras are rechargable batteries - don't buy batteries ever again! Get rechargables. In particular, get NiMH rechargable batteries with a charge of at least 2200 or higher. These will last about 8 hours and they can be charged in as little as two hours. These batteries can be charged up to 1,000 times before they have to be thrown away. Even if you theoretically used your camera every day for a year, you still would have years before you had to get new batteries.


How To Speed Up Windows XP:

The default install of Windows XP includes features and processes most users don't need. If you're involved in gaming or multimedia, and you can't afford a top-of-the-range PC, here are a few tips to get the most out of your machine.

For beginner users:

1. Go to: Start > Control Panel > Display > Settings.
Select: Resolution 800 x 600 pixels and Colour Quality Medium (16 bit).
Click: Apply.
What it does: Reduces system overhead. Less work for your CPU.

2. Go to: Start.
Right click: My Computer.
Select: Properties > 'Advanced' tab > Performance > 'Settings' button > 'Visual effects' tab. Select: Adjust for best performance.
Click: Apply.
What it does: Removes unimportant cosmetic effects, thereby reducing system overhead.

3. Go to: Start.
Right click: My Computer.
Select: Properties > 'Advanced' tab > Performance > 'Settings' button > 'Advanced' tab.
Select: Processor scheduling > Programs.
Select: Memory usage > Programs.
Click: Apply.
What it does: Prioritises _your_ programs over those that XP _thinks_ are important.

4. Go to: Start > Control Panel > Display > Themes.
Select: Windows Classic.
Click: Apply.
What it does: Cleans up the desktop.

5. Go to: Start > Control Panel > Display > Desktop.
Select: Background - None.
Click: Apply.
What it does: Cleans up the desktop.

6. Go to: Start > Control Panel > Display > Appearance.
Select: Windows Classic Style.
Click: Apply. What it does: Cleans up the desktop. For Medium Users:

7. Go to: Start
Right click: My Computer.
Select: Properties > 'Automatic Updates' tab. Select: Turn off automatic updates.
Click: Apply.
What it does: Stops Microsoft messing with your computer at inconvenient times. You can re-enable this when _you_ feel like an update.

8. Go to: Start > Run.
Type: msconfig
Select: 'Startup' tab.
Action: Untick all boxes, except those you are certain you need to start when XP boots up.
Click: Apply.
What it does: Stops programs starting when XP does. Frees up system resources. For Advanced users:

9. Run your favourite program.
Click these buttons on your keyboard simultaneously: ctrl + alt + del (Control + Alt + Delete). Click: 'Processes' tab.
Right click: The process of your favourite program.
Select: Set priority > Realtime.
What it does: Diverts CPU resources to the selected program.

10. Go to: Start > Run.

Type: services.msc

Right click: Any service you are sure you won't need, like 'Automatic Updates', 'Help and Support' or 'Indexing Services'.
Select: Properties > 'General' tab > Startup type > 'Manual' or 'Disabled'.
Click: Apply.
What it does: Stops processes starting when XP does. Frees up system resources.
Warning: Change one setting here a day. Reboot your system after each one. Run your most popular programs. If they're running normally, try disabling another service the next day. This is to make sure you don't turn off something important. If you're not sure, leave them alone.

Related programs:

Tune XP http://www.driverheaven.net/dforce/
This is freeware and simple to use.

X-Setup Pro http://www.x-setup.net/
This has a 30 day trial, and is for more advanced users.

Enjoy!


PC Security: It’s Bigger Than Viruses And Spyware:

Nowadays the words ‘computer security’ are on every person’s mind who deals with computers. Everyone seems to be worried about some security concern with their computers. But what exactly does computer security mean?

Simplified, it means keeping your computer and of course, its data secure and safe. In the present age, most of personal data are stored in the computer. But some of us don’t have the fundamental knowledge of keeping those data in safety. This basic knowledge is very simple; all you have to do is following some uncomplicated rules that will improve the security of your computer hugely.

First of all let’s see what the internet connection is all about. We can take up a comparison- a computer with internet connection resembles your very own house. Your house has many openings- doors, windows. With the increase in number of openings, increases the number of chances for someone to enter into your house. I am not saying that some robbers are going to come, but more openings imply more chances of getting robbed.

So to check these visits from strangers you need to install a quality firewall and also update this installed firewall on a regular basis.

Nowadays, it’s not a headache to update your software or operating system. Microsoft Windows Update feature is a good instance. Ensure updating all your installations of your computer.

You will come across two basic kinds of firewalls. Both of these (one, hardware and another, software) carry out the same task. Generally, a hardware firewall is included in your router in case you use one but you may not have a software firewall on your computer.

Sometimes we quite foolishly let strangers come in. just opening an email or browsing the net can invite strangers. Your guards are often fooled by viruses, Trojans or spyware. Sometimes an email from your buddy can carry a fatal virus. So how does your computer fight these unwanted ‘guests’? - By installing anti virus software.

In the present days, anti-virus falls under a huge category. Usually these packages or suites include a spyware scanner and a firewall. Although these guards are quite effective in their jobs, you are advised not to relax and rely completely on them. The protection plan of your computer’s requires multi-tiered protection plan but they are just a single layer. The ultimate yet one of the most crucial advices that I must give you is that your computer’s anti virus software should always be in a state of updated. They should be updated manually regularly since your computer can be subjected to new threats everyday.