I realized the other day that I have a ton of computer questions. I have also gotten very good advice. Since my family and friends know I am invested in learning about computers, they come to me with questions.
I have therefore decided to start a tech blog where I can learn, remember, and share good tech advice.
I posted a tutorial on how to clean a computer (mostly from a previous post I made on Hatrack), but my site needs instructions on how to prevent spam, adware, keylogging, spyware, et cetera.
My list (assuming you have at least 2000 pro) includes only surfing on a limited account with a browser other then IE and keeping your limited and administrator account password protected. I will suggest to not use any free P2P software like Kazaa and to be wary of free programs, particularly toolbars and weather bugs, that com bundled with spyware.
I will talk about Gator some. I will also mention the dangers of porn sites and the need to keep your computer security patches updated.
I will suggest having a firewall and an antivirus suite.
I am not as familiar with turning off active X (or what it is used for). Do we need it on for windows updating?
Is there any other advice you can give me to prevent computer infection. When I get compile my list, I am going to give instructions on how to set up a computer that has the minimal amount of risk.
Ideas, software (spam control or other), and suggestions intended for the home user with moderate skills will be appreciated.
I will have another entry that deals with children. That is where I will focus on advocacy groups like the ad council's HDOP site and tips on where to have or not have a computer. I will save that for another day.
Posted by ludosti (Member # 1772) on :
You'll probably also want to talk about things like: updating your browser (in addition to your operating system) cookies (and password saving) selecting passwords creating separate email accounts for different purposes (to help eliminate spam) - you may also want to talk about phishing using bugmenot or fake emails when a site has no reason to request your email visiting trusted/reliable sites beware of pop-ups (and how most browsers have the capability to block pop-ups so you don't need third party software)
Posted by lem (Member # 6914) on :
Ooh...very good list. There is a lot of information already. Maybe I need to break it up into HomePC, Email, and Privacy categories.