Securing MS Windows
Also another good product that I have started using is the mail client that goes with Firefox called Thunderbird.It is a nice secure mail client and easy to use. Just import all your settings from Outlook Express. These two applications are more secure because they sit on top of the OS and are not integrated with it as IE and Outlook are. The one thing that I like about Thunderbird is that it has a Junk Mail control.
Download Thunderbird.
To obtain software (all software listed has free versions for home users) for Internet Security and privacy we recommend the following sites:
To protect against downloading a virus on the net go to:
AVG virus protection
To protect your computer from hackers protect your computer with a firewall, we recommend the following:
Zonealarm pro
To remove unwanted spyware and adware from your computer go to the following two sites:
Spybot
Ad-Aware
To read about Internet Privacy issues go to the following two web sites:
Unwanted Links.com
Thiefware.com
I no longer use Windows XP as I changed my operating system. I changed my operating system to PCLinuxOS and have not looked back. PCLinuxOS is really auser friendly operating system. It is much like using Windows. Very easy to install, has a great community support through the forums. If you would like to see what PCLinux has to offer you can look at some snapshots I took of my desktop, email program, digital phot program and a lot more a little while on in the site
Internet connection speed accelerators
In your Internet travels, you may have come across offers from companies, sometimes advertised as Internet connection speed accelerators, that say they can speed up your connection.
Internet users should be aware of the possible consequences of using this type of service, due to potential security concerns. According to a warning published by Pennsylvania State University, Information Technology Services in October 2004, these companies may also be culling, compiling and selling aggregate user data to retailers and marketing researchers.
Once you sign up for an accelerator service, your Web connection may be routed through the company?s own servers, where your Internet traffic ? including visits to sites in which you need a password and encryption to enter ? may be stored and analyzed. The service provider could potentially access your usernames and passwords, credit card numbers, personal identification numbers (PINs), bank and purchase transactions, and other confidential
information. Even if the companies have privacy policies in place, the addition of extra server connections and traffic logs may increase the potential for user data piracy by third parties. As sensitive and confidential information may pass through the accelerator service provider?s server, users are increasing their potential for identity theft.
If you are unsure about any product or service being offered, or the security of your information, your best defense is to avoid using the provider. For further information, see the Pennsylvania State University Take Control website. As well, the current versions of Spybot-S&D or Ad-Aware can remove several harmful types of spyware, including those that might be covertly installed as part of the supposed Internet acceleratorservice.
Disclaimer
This information on this page is advice only. Use at your own risk.
