~Steve-o~
31-12-2009, 08:44 PM
So you've probably heard of the Internet but that's not to say you've ever used it before. We're seeing an increasing amount of new-comers getting their first laptops and/or PC's and finding themselves in a pickle so here's a few hints on to how to setup your laptop/PC for your first Internet session and some ideas on what to avoid while you are connected to it:
Antivirus Software
Ensure you have some antivirus software running before accessing the Internet. Hopefully you have purchased it separately or the manufacturer of you system has installed a full/trial version for you. There are plenty to choose from such as Norton Antivirus, McAfee or the ever more popular Kaspersky. They all tend to do the same job but everyone has their preferences. You may wish to try a few trials first. As an alternative there are some free versions such as AVG and AVAST to name two but these often don't protect the system (using what is known as a resident virus shield) but more allow you to clean up the system once infected. We'd recommend something with a Virus Shield to stop the viruses ever making it to the system. For both Antivirus and Spyware (see below) it is best to consider downloading the software on another fully protected machine, transferring it to your unprotected system (via USB stick or CD/DVD) and installing it before accessing the Internet regularly.
http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/prods/Software/Security/20044194.html ---Norton Antivirus
http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/prods/Software/Security/KL1831UBCFS-MIN.html ---Kaspersky
Malware/Spyware Software
Often forgotten is the pain of Malware often also referred to as Spyware. Most people will consider these viruses which they are not, but considering they are mostly as unwanted, you may as well assume they are. Unlike viruses which aim to destroy the system or secretly take information from it, Spyware isn't destructive. It simply tracks your movements through the Internet and throws unwanted adverts at you based on your interests. As I will explain later, you shouldn't allow these to linger on the system and cleaning them regularly is advised. Most software programs that clean Spyware are referred to as Internet Security software which includes Antivirus and Spyware as a whole package. Such an example would be Norton 360. Free examples can be found with Spybot and Lavasoft Adaware to name two but again like the antivirus softwares, they tend to be retroactive rather than proactive, allowing the system to become affected until you choose to clean it. Purchasing the full versions of these softwares will likely bring the Shield which will protect at all times. Unlike Antivirus software which you should only install 1 of, it's recommended to find 2 Spyware software programs so there is some overlap on their protection. No one company catches 100% of spyware.
Firewalls
You may have seen the amazingly bad film Firewall. Luckily firewalls in real life are harder to get through than Harrison Ford made it look. A firewall essentially stops an outside intruder (another computer) from accessing your PC/Laptop. Your PC/Laptop employs a series of PORTS which you could liken to a row of houses. If you don't want someone getting into house 72, you lock the door. This is what the firewall does, it locks up areas of communication so that data cannot use that channel or if its allowed to use a channel it is much easier to monitor what comes through it. Windows has a built-in firewall (XP SP3 and upwards) and they also come as separate packages or in Internet Security products. Firewalling is very complicated and therefore on a consumer level, you should simply ensure you have a program installed that professes to be a firewall or that you turn on the Windows version. Also note, some routers will contain a hardware firewall which is suitable for use alone but it would not hurt to back it up with some software on the system too.
Don't Click Everything You See!
If you are surfing the Internet and you are looking for DVD's and suddenly a window appears offering you FREE TEETH WHITENING or something highly unrelated to what you are looking for, don't click it! These are Spyware and if you read above, highly unwanted. Once you open one or click on it, you'll likely be flooded with more and more useless and annoying windows which will over time just get worse until you clean the system. Also, some of these windows can take you to websites that will infect you with viruses which will compromise the system. If you start to see windows you haven't requested appearing, shut down your Internet browser (usually Internet Explorer or Firefox) and run your Spyware/Antivirus cleaner before continuing.
Card Details
We've all seen Watchdog. We know that there are meant to be people out there trying to steal your card details as you type them in so you need to be sure you limit the chances. In addition to having Antivirus/Spyware software present, you'll be initially protected by Internet Explorer itself. When you go to put card details in, keep an eye on the address bar (the little box at the top with the "www.for-example.com" line in). Usually in this bar or possibly in the bottom right depending on your browser you should see a padlock symbol. This symbol means the page you are on is secure. The most obvious example is if you try to log into Internet banking. Also, instead of the address bar saying HTTP:// it will start HTTPS:// for which the S means SECURE. If you try to purchase something from a site that does not show this extra level of security, you do so at your own risk so ensure you stick to well known sites and look out for this symbol.
For Parents
You may not wish children to have access to certain sites for their own wellbeing and safety and you can use Windows/Internet Explorer to achieve this. In the Internet Explorer preferences, you will have a SECURITY SETTINGS page where you can set the security level from OFF to HIGH depending on your wishes and can password protect this option (of course it'll be up to you to remember this password for the future!). This will stop underage children being able to access sites you don't wish them to and will also limit (albeit never completely eliminate) the accidental chance of them finding images or text not suitable for them. Also, Google and other search engines have the ability to set a FILTER which will double up the protection. Google offers OFF, MODERATE and STRICT for example. If you leave your child using their laptop and are concerned at what they may look at, you can set Internet Explorer to HIGH security and Google (for example) to STRICT.*
*This information is from a personal stand point and in no way reflects Novatech's view as a whole. No opinions on parenting are given one way or another. This is intended for informative uses only.
Emails
Try to make yourself at least 2 email addresses when contacting your Internet Service provider or editing your account. For example have ILOVENOVATECH@HOME.COM and ILOVENOVATECH@WORK.COM. When sending CV's or signing up for important websites etc, use one and when signing up for silly recreational things like Facebook and Twitter use the other. This will mean if you start to get "spammed" (receiving unwanted emails) you can cancel one address and start a new one without affecting an important address. This will also help you keep track of what you receive in terms of if it's likely to be important or if it's more likely to be spam/unimportant.
If In Doubt...
If you're ever not sure about something on the Internet, the best thing is to avoid it. Wait and maybe ask some friends if they've ever heard of it or do some research on it beforehand. Also, remember us guys at Novatech are more than happy to give you some quick advice on Internet usage so give us a bell and we'll see what we can do.
That's it for now. I'll add to this when I think of worthy additions. For now, stay safe and have a Happy New Year. See you in 2010. :thumbs:
Antivirus Software
Ensure you have some antivirus software running before accessing the Internet. Hopefully you have purchased it separately or the manufacturer of you system has installed a full/trial version for you. There are plenty to choose from such as Norton Antivirus, McAfee or the ever more popular Kaspersky. They all tend to do the same job but everyone has their preferences. You may wish to try a few trials first. As an alternative there are some free versions such as AVG and AVAST to name two but these often don't protect the system (using what is known as a resident virus shield) but more allow you to clean up the system once infected. We'd recommend something with a Virus Shield to stop the viruses ever making it to the system. For both Antivirus and Spyware (see below) it is best to consider downloading the software on another fully protected machine, transferring it to your unprotected system (via USB stick or CD/DVD) and installing it before accessing the Internet regularly.
http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/prods/Software/Security/20044194.html ---Norton Antivirus
http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/prods/Software/Security/KL1831UBCFS-MIN.html ---Kaspersky
Malware/Spyware Software
Often forgotten is the pain of Malware often also referred to as Spyware. Most people will consider these viruses which they are not, but considering they are mostly as unwanted, you may as well assume they are. Unlike viruses which aim to destroy the system or secretly take information from it, Spyware isn't destructive. It simply tracks your movements through the Internet and throws unwanted adverts at you based on your interests. As I will explain later, you shouldn't allow these to linger on the system and cleaning them regularly is advised. Most software programs that clean Spyware are referred to as Internet Security software which includes Antivirus and Spyware as a whole package. Such an example would be Norton 360. Free examples can be found with Spybot and Lavasoft Adaware to name two but again like the antivirus softwares, they tend to be retroactive rather than proactive, allowing the system to become affected until you choose to clean it. Purchasing the full versions of these softwares will likely bring the Shield which will protect at all times. Unlike Antivirus software which you should only install 1 of, it's recommended to find 2 Spyware software programs so there is some overlap on their protection. No one company catches 100% of spyware.
Firewalls
You may have seen the amazingly bad film Firewall. Luckily firewalls in real life are harder to get through than Harrison Ford made it look. A firewall essentially stops an outside intruder (another computer) from accessing your PC/Laptop. Your PC/Laptop employs a series of PORTS which you could liken to a row of houses. If you don't want someone getting into house 72, you lock the door. This is what the firewall does, it locks up areas of communication so that data cannot use that channel or if its allowed to use a channel it is much easier to monitor what comes through it. Windows has a built-in firewall (XP SP3 and upwards) and they also come as separate packages or in Internet Security products. Firewalling is very complicated and therefore on a consumer level, you should simply ensure you have a program installed that professes to be a firewall or that you turn on the Windows version. Also note, some routers will contain a hardware firewall which is suitable for use alone but it would not hurt to back it up with some software on the system too.
Don't Click Everything You See!
If you are surfing the Internet and you are looking for DVD's and suddenly a window appears offering you FREE TEETH WHITENING or something highly unrelated to what you are looking for, don't click it! These are Spyware and if you read above, highly unwanted. Once you open one or click on it, you'll likely be flooded with more and more useless and annoying windows which will over time just get worse until you clean the system. Also, some of these windows can take you to websites that will infect you with viruses which will compromise the system. If you start to see windows you haven't requested appearing, shut down your Internet browser (usually Internet Explorer or Firefox) and run your Spyware/Antivirus cleaner before continuing.
Card Details
We've all seen Watchdog. We know that there are meant to be people out there trying to steal your card details as you type them in so you need to be sure you limit the chances. In addition to having Antivirus/Spyware software present, you'll be initially protected by Internet Explorer itself. When you go to put card details in, keep an eye on the address bar (the little box at the top with the "www.for-example.com" line in). Usually in this bar or possibly in the bottom right depending on your browser you should see a padlock symbol. This symbol means the page you are on is secure. The most obvious example is if you try to log into Internet banking. Also, instead of the address bar saying HTTP:// it will start HTTPS:// for which the S means SECURE. If you try to purchase something from a site that does not show this extra level of security, you do so at your own risk so ensure you stick to well known sites and look out for this symbol.
For Parents
You may not wish children to have access to certain sites for their own wellbeing and safety and you can use Windows/Internet Explorer to achieve this. In the Internet Explorer preferences, you will have a SECURITY SETTINGS page where you can set the security level from OFF to HIGH depending on your wishes and can password protect this option (of course it'll be up to you to remember this password for the future!). This will stop underage children being able to access sites you don't wish them to and will also limit (albeit never completely eliminate) the accidental chance of them finding images or text not suitable for them. Also, Google and other search engines have the ability to set a FILTER which will double up the protection. Google offers OFF, MODERATE and STRICT for example. If you leave your child using their laptop and are concerned at what they may look at, you can set Internet Explorer to HIGH security and Google (for example) to STRICT.*
*This information is from a personal stand point and in no way reflects Novatech's view as a whole. No opinions on parenting are given one way or another. This is intended for informative uses only.
Emails
Try to make yourself at least 2 email addresses when contacting your Internet Service provider or editing your account. For example have ILOVENOVATECH@HOME.COM and ILOVENOVATECH@WORK.COM. When sending CV's or signing up for important websites etc, use one and when signing up for silly recreational things like Facebook and Twitter use the other. This will mean if you start to get "spammed" (receiving unwanted emails) you can cancel one address and start a new one without affecting an important address. This will also help you keep track of what you receive in terms of if it's likely to be important or if it's more likely to be spam/unimportant.
If In Doubt...
If you're ever not sure about something on the Internet, the best thing is to avoid it. Wait and maybe ask some friends if they've ever heard of it or do some research on it beforehand. Also, remember us guys at Novatech are more than happy to give you some quick advice on Internet usage so give us a bell and we'll see what we can do.
That's it for now. I'll add to this when I think of worthy additions. For now, stay safe and have a Happy New Year. See you in 2010. :thumbs: