How can you be safe on the internet
There are a few basic things that we all need to know to be safe on the internet at this period of time. To that end I am giving the Members of the RAMS my methods for internet Protection. I have been working on the web for many years, and spent many hundreds of dollars in transactions, both professionally and personally. I've never, and I mean never, gotten burned, and when there have been problems, there are avenues to pursue that will solve your problems.
There are people out there that are interested in ripping off your information. and using it to your disadvantage. Only YOU can prevent this from happening. It costs Money to keep yourself Protected, but the investment in protection can definitely overshadow the cost of problems that can be caused if you don't protect yourself.
1. Windows Protection - Install all windows updates as they become available. Most people find they are way behind if they go to Windows Update and have the check done to see if they are up to date. Most windows updates are devoted to internet security, and no matter how long it takes, its well worth your time to keep updated.
2. ISP (Internet Service Provider) protection - Almost all ISP (Earthlink, MSN, Comcast, etc.) now provide Spamblockers, and other filtering programs that protect you from Phising, and pop ups, and in some cases destructive cookies that may cause problems on your computer. Check these out first thing. Check off the Home Page of your Internet provider to see what protection they have available. You might be amazed at the protection that is available for FREE.
3. Next and very Important - Have a good quality Virus Protection Program. The one I've used for many years is CA EZAntivirus Protection. Inexpensive and efficient. Yearly subscription is a good investment in protection for Email and Internet browsing. They offer a number of products, but their basic package used in conjunction with your ISP provides great protection. I prefer it due to how little of my hard drive it uses, and how little of my RAM it occupies while running in the background.
4. The Newer Wi-Fi Wireless Internet Connection - These have been a source of problems for users with the newer computers. I love it, it's a whole new world of computing. Internet connection from just about anywhere I go. And in time it will be even better. There have been numerous incidents of Hacking information at airports, hotspots etc. But once again, install the appropriate programs, and you can be protected. I installed Jwire protection, and am perfectly happy with it.
5. I've done online banking for many years. And it's a wonderful thing. My wife goes to the store, I check on my computer, see that the charge has hit, and 15-20 minutes later know she will drive up and want me to unload the car. A silly example perhaps, but true.
But most important, by looking at
my accounts once or twice a week, I see every transaction and can catch
any suspicious ones before they can become a problem. If I had
to wait for my Monthly statement, 2-3 weeks may go by and the
Illegal charges could mount up and become a serious and expensive problem. Which
is where most people are operating today.
6. I order most of my hobby needs from the internet. And gifts, and other merchandise. i make sure that the dealer I deal with is reputable. I'll do business with Tower Hobbies, Hobby Lobby and others. But I get a lot of Email from others with what seem to be good deals, and won't do business with them. Most Brand Name websites can be shopped with no problem. But I do exercise a bit of caution.
7. Most importantly, BACKUP your important information on a regular basis. Almost any computer manufactured in the last few years has the ability to copy files. Learn how to copy your most important files to a CD, or floppy or whatever is available, and do it on a regular basis. I personally have an external hard drive that I back up to on a weekly basis. In addition, I have my computer upload my really critical files to a website every time I boot up my computer. this can mean the difference between losing all your critical data, and being back in business after an hour or so after a major computer problem. BACKUP! BACKUP! BACKUP!
So don't be afraid of the internet. With the proper precautions, and proper programs on your computer, you can use the internet to save you both time and money in the financial arena. But the neat thing is I don't have to get in the car and drive to shop, the world is at my fingertips.