SAFE SURFING - SAFE SURFING TIPS
So you're surfing the web now. Lots of cool stuff. But do you know the essential rules of safe, wise and responsible Internet use?
- Virus Scan ALL Downloaded Software/Files
- Exercise caution when using Internet Relay Chat (IRC) or Personal Messengers (i.e. ICQ or AIM)
- Perform Regular Virus Scans
- Follow General Netiquette Guidelines
- Disable File and Print Sharing
irus Scan ALL Downloaded Software/Files
Some files or e-mail attachments may contain viruses or may otherwise harm your computer. If you run a file directly from the Internet or from an Email attachment you run the risk of infecting your computer with a virus. This virus may allow 'hackers' the ability to break into your computer system.
When downloading software from the Internet or viewing/running an e-mail attachment you should always choose 'Save the file or program to disk,' rather than running it from the original Internet or Email location.
This will allow you to:
- Check the file with a virus scanner.
- Save your work or other important documents that you are currently working on.
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Exercise caution when using Internet Relay Chat (IRC) or Personal Messengers (i.e. ICQ or AIM)
IRC and personal messengers have become a popular means of sharing information and files via the Internet. As such, your personal contact information can be compromised in such environments. Files received via these methods have a greater likelihood of being infected by viruses, as often these files are not scanned prior to transmission.)
Most IRC clients and personal messengers allow users to select 'auto-accept file transfer requests' and 'launch on retrieval' options. Enabling these options can pose a risk to the security of a computer system.
It is advised that users only accept file transfer requests from individuals they know and trust. If this is not a viable solution, all files should be scanned for viruses prior to attempting to launch any executables or documents which could contain viruses.
Below are several links to the more popular IRC or personal messenger software packages available (based on volume):
Perform Regular Virus Scans
Conducting regular virus scans of your computer systems with an updated virus scanner can drastically limit the opportunity of any virus infecting or causing serious damage to your computer.
Below are several links to several popular anti-virus software packages (based on volume of sales).
Follow General Netiquette Guidelines
Netiquette is simply network etiquette. Netiquette does not consist of hard and fast rules that everyone on the Internet must follow but a list of items that are used to assist all users to enjoy their Internet experience. Some Netiquette guidelines are listed below:
- Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life
- Know where you are in cyberspace
- Respect other people's time and bandwidth
- Respect other people's privacy
- Share expert knowledge
- Be forgiving of other people's mistakes
Excerpted from the book Netiquette by Virginia Shea ( http://www.albion.com/netiquette/index.html )
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Disable File & Print Sharing
File and Print Sharing in Windows 9x and Macintosh operating systems is a feature that allows one computer on a network to access another computer's files or printer. Subscribers should leave file and printer sharing off unless there is a specific reason to enable it. If you require file and printer sharing Rogers Hi-Speed Internet recommends that subscribers password protect their machine using a wide array of third-party security software.
Note: Disabling file and print sharing is equally as important for security reasons when using a phone modem as it is with a cable modem.
During the time of your install until now, several changes may have occurred on your computer that would have caused this default setup to change.
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A Small Favour
I have a small favour to ask of you. Unfortunately, I'm not offering a reward but in the end, you will certainly benefit.
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