Internet Security for Normal Users

By terry Leave a Comment

Do you use the Internet every day? Do you surf the web, or just go to specific web sites that you already know? Do you check out web sites that someone’s recommended to you? Or, do you skip all the web stuff and just do emails, mainly with family and friends?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you’re at risk. That’s right — we’re all at risk when we deal with the Internet.

Most sites on the Internet are perfectly legitimate. Most emails you receive are, too — unless you’re so unlucky that you get more spam emails than you get that are really from your family, friends, business associates and companies with whom you do business. But sometimes legitimate web sites get hacked, and sometimes spam emails appear to be sent by friends and family.

Over the last few years, the dangers of the Internet have changed, mostly changing because we (you and I) are using better and better protection tools. Even Microsoft has finally woken up to Internet Security as an issue.

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Filed Under: Anti-Adware, Anti-phishing, Anti-spam, Anti-Spyware, Anti-virus, Firewalls, Internet Privacy, Security, Terry's Computer Tips

Security Programs for Average Users

By terry Leave a Comment

In every issue of my weekly online computer tips newsletter, I have my current security software recommendations. In that article, I write about the programs that I choose for antivirus, antispyware/antiadware, firewall and antispam. I also include a paragraph in the article on using a cable / DSL router.

But, I guess I haven’t had enough explanation in the article… Recently, I received an email from regular reader and subscriber, who asked:

Your security recommendations are all encompassing. They are an indication of what is needed. But, it would be clearer if you could state what type and brand of software you recommend for “Joe Average”.

It may be what you list or a variation of that so as not to overkill. Keep up the good info.

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Filed Under: Anti-Adware, Anti-phishing, Anti-spam, Anti-Spyware, Anti-virus, Firewalls, Intrusion Detection, Security, Terry's Computer Tips, Wireless Security

Windows Security Updates Fix Vista Issue, too

By terry 1 Comment

AP has a good article about yesterday’s “Patch Tuesday” updates from Microsoft. Microsoft releases almost all updates on one day each month — the 2nd Tuesday of the month.

This time, there were 6 crifical updates, including one for the “malicious software engine” that powers Windows Defender, including on Vista.

What kind of problem? The usual — a flaw that could let the attacker take over the whole computer! In the anti-malware program, no less…

If you haven’t done your Microsoft Updates, do them now. IF you’re still using Windows Updates, start Windows Updates manually, then click on the option on the right-hand side of the screen to upgrade to Microsoft Updates.

Microsoft Updates will update Windows, Word, Excel, Powerpoint and other Microsoft programs — all in one step. Windows Updates only handled Windows — you had to go to other places at microsoft.com to get the other updates.

Filed Under: Anti-Adware, Anti-phishing, Anti-spam, Anti-Spyware, Microsoft Updates, Other, Windows Repair, Windows Updates

IE7 Phishing Filter Speedup Patch

By terry Leave a Comment

Microsoft has released patch for IE7 that speeds up the built-in phishing filter, which otherwise can slow down your web surfing.

Unfortunately, MS did not push it out in their December updates on Tuesday. If you can pass the Genuine Microsoft test, you can download the patch from Microsoft’s site.

Thanks to Infoworld for spotting this patch.

Filed Under: Anti-phishing, Internet Explorer, Speed-up, Web Browsers, Windows XP