Hi, welcome to the www club.
You may want to check out Asystematics.com for some tips on security. Great links to Norton and HP there is good too for the basics for free.
I use Skype.com to communicate with my Grandchild. She is better at it than I am. You need an account on each end a a web cam to see each other. Lights behind you is better. Best part is that it is free.
James F August 23, 2013
Well first off your computer is already protected for the most part if you’re running Windows with a built in Firewall (A firewall is something that filters incoming webtraffic and prevents unauthorized access to your computer through open ports or “doors”) You should also have Microsoft Defender built into your computer which identifies and removes possible malware (harmful software).
The most common way people get viruses/malware is that they download it themselves into their computer (which bypasses the firewall) the best way to keep safe is to make sure what your downloading is from a legitimate site. There are several places you can check to see if a site is legitimate but just to get you started ill provide one: http://www.mywot.com/ WOT (Web of Trust) is a program/addon for Internet Explorer (IE), Firefox, and Google Chrome, that automatically detects based on other users experience with that site whether the site is legitimate or not.
The other way people get infected is through security holes in their browser or computers; updating windows regularly is a must as well as getting the latest Internet Explorer software (View sources) or simply get a different browser such as Firefox or Google Chrome (They all do the same thing essentially some are faster than others.)
The final way to protect your computer (which is completely unnecessary if you follow above but is still a good backup just in case) is to have an security suite such as Norton, Kaspersky, AVG, NOD32, etc. These will usually detect malicious activity on your computer and stop it before it starts. Security software is most effective before you get an infection so don’t wait until you get infected to get some.
At the hardware level you should be connected to a router and modem when accessing the internet the router also has a built in firewall but if you leave it unsecure (You do not set a password or leave it as the default password) you put yourself at risk. Also if you have a wireless router you need to put a WPA encryption key on it (an encrypted password) Your router manual should have details on how to do this.
Switch August 23, 2013
Henry,
The first thing you want to do is to make sure you have some sort of anti-virus protection on your computer. A lot of computers these days come with an anti-virus program pre-installed. Popular ones are McAfee and Norton. You ought to check around on your computer and see if you have anything like that. If you have someone looking over your shoulder and helping you get up and running, you can probably ask them too. If you do not have an anti-virus program, you can either find a free one online (AVG comes highly recommended) or you can ask your internet provider (like Comcast or Cox) if they have one they recommend – some providers even offer them for free to their customers.
It is very important that you only use ONE anti-virus program. If you have more than one, they tend to regard each other as infections, and try to clean each other. This can create problems with your computer.
After you have your anti-virus sorted out, I’d recommend you pick up some anti-malware programs. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and Spybot Search-and-Destroy are very popular and very effective, and they can both be installed at the same time. You would want to run these maybe once a week, and they’re pretty easy to install. You’d just need to search them out, download them, and run them – from there on out, it should be spelled out pretty clearly.
The best thing you can really do to be safe is to be careful online. Don’t go browsing around to sites you don’t know, and stick to the mainstream areas (Google, Yahoo, widely-known sites like those). If you get an unexpected email or a pop up asking you to put in personal information – as a general rule, don’t. There are lots of scams where people will try to trick you into putting in personal information into fake forms.
Some of it may be confusing, but take a look. As you grow more experienced online, more of it will make sense and you’ll be more comfortable with what they’ve got to say.
Before you use any of those, look around first. It’s just a good habit to be in. I think they work for me, but they might not be ideal for you. If you download and use them, make sure that you update and run them once every week or two – or every month, if it’s easier.
Use Super Anti-Spyware To Detect and Remove Spyware, Adware and Remove Malware, Trojans, Dialers, Worms, KeyLoggers, HiJackers, Parasites, Rootkits, Rogue Security Products and many other types of threats. to download Super Anti-Spyware Press here http://www.superantispyware.com/
And Using Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware is designed to quickly detect, destroy, and prevent malware, spyware, trojans. Can detect and remove malware that even the most well-known Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware applications on the market today cannot To Download Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware Press herehttp://www.download.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html?tag=contentBody;mostPopTwoColWrap&cdlPid=10896905
Use The Best Browser Mozilla Firefox it is Best Web Browser Than internet Explorer Mozilla Firefox is a fast, full-featured Web browser. Firefox includes pop-up blocking; tab-browsing; integrated Google search; simplified privacy controls; a streamlined browser window that shows you more of the page than any other browser; and a number of additional features that work with you to help you get the most out of your time online. To Download Mozilla Firefox Press here http://www.download.com/mozilla-firefox/
Use 2 Toolbar To Block all Pop Up in you Computer Yahoo toolbar and Google Toolbar Yahoo Toolbar is a free and convenient search tool that now includes a pop-up blocker. Stop annoying pop-up ads, search the Web, access Yahoo Mail, and games. Customize your toolbar and save your bookmarks online for one-click access from any computer.
Google Toolbar Pop-up Blocker
Lost in a jungle of annoying pop-up ads? Toolbar’s pop-up blocker keeps your screen free and clear To Download Google Toolbar Press here http://toolbar.google.com/T5/intl/en/
Use WOT is a Free Internet Security addon for Firefox and IE that warns you about risky websites that try to deliver malware, online scams or send spam WOT is a free Internet security addon for your browser. It will keep you safe from online scams, identity theft, spyware, spam, viruses and unreliable shopping sites. WOT warns you before you interact with a risky website. It’s easy and it’s free.
To Download Wot Press here http://www.mywot.com/
Use McAfee SiteAdvisor is the virtual equivalent of the school crossing guard, helping to ensure safe navigation of the web.
Pros
Helps protect against spyware and adware
Alerts on potentially malicious web sites
Provides safety ratings for search results
Helps filter safe web sites from not so safe web sites
Helps to identify nefarious phishing scam sites To Download McAfee SiteAdvisor Press here http://www.siteadvisor.com/
Gary August 23, 2013
Hi Henry,
Sounds like you need a basic class learning about computers & the internet. You might check the local library for free classes. Also the local community college probably has seniors classes for newbies to the internet age.
There’s also help from Kim Komando. She has the largest national radio show about all things digital, computers, internet, and gadgets. Check your local radio stations for her weekly program or try here for a station-finder: http://www.komando.com/listen/ to find the station in your area.
Her website is very helpful also. It explains stuff in easy-to-understand language, rather than computer language. Start here for security programs: http://www.komando.com/securitycenter/
She has tips, links to free programs, buying guides for all things digital, tons of info & help. She also has daily & weekly newsletters that are very helpful.
You are certainly welcome to contact me for help. I suspect we are close to the same age bracket (I’ve got grandkids also) Click my avatar (picture) to go to my profile & then click the Email Me link.
Hi, welcome to the www club.
You may want to check out Asystematics.com for some tips on security. Great links to Norton and HP there is good too for the basics for free.
I use Skype.com to communicate with my Grandchild. She is better at it than I am. You need an account on each end a a web cam to see each other. Lights behind you is better. Best part is that it is free.
Well first off your computer is already protected for the most part if you’re running Windows with a built in Firewall (A firewall is something that filters incoming webtraffic and prevents unauthorized access to your computer through open ports or “doors”) You should also have Microsoft Defender built into your computer which identifies and removes possible malware (harmful software).
The most common way people get viruses/malware is that they download it themselves into their computer (which bypasses the firewall) the best way to keep safe is to make sure what your downloading is from a legitimate site. There are several places you can check to see if a site is legitimate but just to get you started ill provide one: http://www.mywot.com/ WOT (Web of Trust) is a program/addon for Internet Explorer (IE), Firefox, and Google Chrome, that automatically detects based on other users experience with that site whether the site is legitimate or not.
The other way people get infected is through security holes in their browser or computers; updating windows regularly is a must as well as getting the latest Internet Explorer software (View sources) or simply get a different browser such as Firefox or Google Chrome (They all do the same thing essentially some are faster than others.)
The final way to protect your computer (which is completely unnecessary if you follow above but is still a good backup just in case) is to have an security suite such as Norton, Kaspersky, AVG, NOD32, etc. These will usually detect malicious activity on your computer and stop it before it starts. Security software is most effective before you get an infection so don’t wait until you get infected to get some.
At the hardware level you should be connected to a router and modem when accessing the internet the router also has a built in firewall but if you leave it unsecure (You do not set a password or leave it as the default password) you put yourself at risk. Also if you have a wireless router you need to put a WPA encryption key on it (an encrypted password) Your router manual should have details on how to do this.
Henry,
The first thing you want to do is to make sure you have some sort of anti-virus protection on your computer. A lot of computers these days come with an anti-virus program pre-installed. Popular ones are McAfee and Norton. You ought to check around on your computer and see if you have anything like that. If you have someone looking over your shoulder and helping you get up and running, you can probably ask them too. If you do not have an anti-virus program, you can either find a free one online (AVG comes highly recommended) or you can ask your internet provider (like Comcast or Cox) if they have one they recommend – some providers even offer them for free to their customers.
It is very important that you only use ONE anti-virus program. If you have more than one, they tend to regard each other as infections, and try to clean each other. This can create problems with your computer.
After you have your anti-virus sorted out, I’d recommend you pick up some anti-malware programs. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and Spybot Search-and-Destroy are very popular and very effective, and they can both be installed at the same time. You would want to run these maybe once a week, and they’re pretty easy to install. You’d just need to search them out, download them, and run them – from there on out, it should be spelled out pretty clearly.
The best thing you can really do to be safe is to be careful online. Don’t go browsing around to sites you don’t know, and stick to the mainstream areas (Google, Yahoo, widely-known sites like those). If you get an unexpected email or a pop up asking you to put in personal information – as a general rule, don’t. There are lots of scams where people will try to trick you into putting in personal information into fake forms.
I recommend you take a look at this tutorial:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial82.html
Some of it may be confusing, but take a look. As you grow more experienced online, more of it will make sense and you’ll be more comfortable with what they’ve got to say.
AVG Antivirus: http://www.avg.com/us-en/homepage
MBAM: http://www.malwarebytes.org/
Spybot: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/home/index.html
Before you use any of those, look around first. It’s just a good habit to be in. I think they work for me, but they might not be ideal for you. If you download and use them, make sure that you update and run them once every week or two – or every month, if it’s easier.
THE BIG ADVICE
If you Looking Good Anti-Virus i would Recommend By Using Free Avira AntiVir Personal Press here http://www.download.com/Avira-AntiVir-Personal-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10322935.html?tag=contentBody;mostPopTwoColWrap&cdlPid=10901492
Why is Avira AntiVir Personal it is Good Than AVAST,AVG, NOD32,Kaspersky, and Norton? Press here http://www.virusbtn.com/news/2008/09_02
Use Super Anti-Spyware To Detect and Remove Spyware, Adware and Remove Malware, Trojans, Dialers, Worms, KeyLoggers, HiJackers, Parasites, Rootkits, Rogue Security Products and many other types of threats. to download Super Anti-Spyware Press here http://www.superantispyware.com/
And Using Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware is designed to quickly detect, destroy, and prevent malware, spyware, trojans. Can detect and remove malware that even the most well-known Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware applications on the market today cannot To Download Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware Press herehttp://www.download.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html?tag=contentBody;mostPopTwoColWrap&cdlPid=10896905
Use The Best Browser Mozilla Firefox it is Best Web Browser Than internet Explorer Mozilla Firefox is a fast, full-featured Web browser. Firefox includes pop-up blocking; tab-browsing; integrated Google search; simplified privacy controls; a streamlined browser window that shows you more of the page than any other browser; and a number of additional features that work with you to help you get the most out of your time online. To Download Mozilla Firefox Press here http://www.download.com/mozilla-firefox/
Use 2 Toolbar To Block all Pop Up in you Computer Yahoo toolbar and Google Toolbar Yahoo Toolbar is a free and convenient search tool that now includes a pop-up blocker. Stop annoying pop-up ads, search the Web, access Yahoo Mail, and games. Customize your toolbar and save your bookmarks online for one-click access from any computer.
Version 7.0.5 may include unspecified updates, enhancements or bug fixes.To download Yahoo toolbar Press here http://www.download.com/Yahoo-Toolbar-with-Anti-Spyware/3000-12512_4-10310984.html
Google Toolbar Pop-up Blocker
Lost in a jungle of annoying pop-up ads? Toolbar’s pop-up blocker keeps your screen free and clear To Download Google Toolbar Press here http://toolbar.google.com/T5/intl/en/
Use WOT is a Free Internet Security addon for Firefox and IE that warns you about risky websites that try to deliver malware, online scams or send spam WOT is a free Internet security addon for your browser. It will keep you safe from online scams, identity theft, spyware, spam, viruses and unreliable shopping sites. WOT warns you before you interact with a risky website. It’s easy and it’s free.
To Download Wot Press here http://www.mywot.com/
Use McAfee SiteAdvisor is the virtual equivalent of the school crossing guard, helping to ensure safe navigation of the web.
Pros
Helps protect against spyware and adware
Alerts on potentially malicious web sites
Provides safety ratings for search results
Helps filter safe web sites from not so safe web sites
Helps to identify nefarious phishing scam sites To Download McAfee SiteAdvisor Press here http://www.siteadvisor.com/
Hi Henry,
Sounds like you need a basic class learning about computers & the internet. You might check the local library for free classes. Also the local community college probably has seniors classes for newbies to the internet age.
There’s also help from Kim Komando. She has the largest national radio show about all things digital, computers, internet, and gadgets. Check your local radio stations for her weekly program or try here for a station-finder:
http://www.komando.com/listen/ to find the station in your area.
Her website is very helpful also. It explains stuff in easy-to-understand language, rather than computer language. Start here for security programs:
http://www.komando.com/securitycenter/
She has tips, links to free programs, buying guides for all things digital, tons of info & help. She also has daily & weekly newsletters that are very helpful.
You are certainly welcome to contact me for help. I suspect we are close to the same age bracket (I’ve got grandkids also) Click my avatar (picture) to go to my profile & then click the Email Me link.
…