TUSAFE

WHY PROTECT YOUR COMPUTER

Computers with access to global networks are at risk of becoming infected with a virus and can also be the target of hackers trying to break into the system. Since the advent of broadband (e.g. DSL) the home PC often has a long “line” of possible virus attacks that exist, but with some relatively simple measures can significantly reduce this risk.

FIRST SPEED YOUR PC UP

Before you try to protect your computer you should always learn how to speed up your computer so you have a faster pc. A fast computer is the basis for a clean and quick user experience.

VIRUSES

A computer virus is a program that copies itself once activated. Usually it is hidden in another program and can also copy itself into other programs. Many computer viruses are created to cause damage to computers: they can delete files, damage, reformat the hard drive or make the system unstable. Examples of common viruses are as follows: Read the remainder of this entry »

Spyware (sometimes called malware) are small programs that are usually installed on your computer without you realizing it. They gather all sorts of information about your surfing behavior, which is then sent to a specific location. They also provide annoying pop ups on your screen as they try to advertise certain products. Spyware is illegal because it steals the private data of innocent surfers and keeps on doing it. Yesterday I was surfing on some good invest in gold websites but when searching on my search engine I came across some bad sites as well, and almost all of them had popups. Popups can be a bad sign. Even if you have no popups, it is very likely that your computer is infected with spyware.

How can you avoid spyware?

Spyware is usually associated with free software. So if you use a program that may not give you an option whether or not to install certain types of toolbars, it is possible that this software is infected with spyware.
When you’re surfing and you are faced with a popup, click NEVER “ok” or click other link in the popup, but instead close it by looking for the cross at the top right of Windows operating systems as you would close any other window.

Never install software that you do not recognize.

This is a golden rule to keep your computer running properly. Use only software you have purchased or that has been recommended by friends who might be a little more knowledgeable about that particular piece of software. Read the remainder of this entry »

If you’re anything like me and have a few kids walking around you know how inventive and creative they can get when it is to something they want, even if you’ve warned them not to do it. One of those things is using technology, in particular computers and the internet. I am often away from home because I am following a schedule to lose weight at the moment and need to exercise outside of the house a lot. This gives my kids a moment of total freedom in the house. This freedom could be used for doing all the stuff you’ve warned them no to do. For these kinds of moments you need to prepare yourself as a parent; you need to implement some rules. It is up to you whether you take these rules into your house, or only use part of them. We want to emphasize that we are only giving you advice on the safe use of a computer and the Internet. Therefore, here are 10 rules that can help to protect your computer: Read the remainder of this entry »

Like you, we hate viruses; therefore we have created the best software to remove them. Originally, viruses were spread primarily via software on diskettes and often through the use of illegal CDs. But since the advent of the Internet e-mail viruses are becoming more commonly found on web pages and software that you download from the Internet including PowerPoint files and frequently accessed files as pictures, movies and music are used to detect viruses in them.
Be very extra careful when you download files from websites. You may want to check these files first to see if they have a virus before installing one. But things like opening e-mail, using MSN or installing illegal software often opens users up to viruses / Trojans that take your computer to the brink of the abyss, which will be discussed at our university in spring break in 2013.

I have a Windows firewall, doesn’t this protect my PC?

Even though the firewall accurately checks the connection to the Internet, it provides little protection against viruses. If you want more security, you will need to install an anti-virus program, for example McAfee (Network Associates), Norton (Symantec) or Norman (Norman). You can have the best virus scanner on the PC, but if it is not kept up-to-date it will provide almost no protection against the latest viruses. The safety of your PC is ultimately dependent on your own actions and regularly downloading the latest virus definitions!
NOTE: The above commercial virus scanners (especially Norton, but also McAfee) are so taxing on the system resources of the computer, that you’d better choose a lighter free virus scanner instead, especially if the computer is not the fastest one on the market. This will give priority to the normal functioning of the computer.