You Internet Secruity

If you got to this page, that's not good. You thought you were going to a page with lots of funny and cool pictures on it but how did you end here? Did you check were the link was linked to? That's one way hackers can get you and destroy your computer...

1. Stop using Internet Explorer. The most widely used internet browser is also the most vulnerable. Want proof? Just go to crashie.com (Warning: close and SAVE all your stuff, you computer might freeze up...unless you use something other than IE). IE lets the server install random stuff onto your computer and some of them could be malicious.

Some of the alternatives are Firefox, equivalent to a Hummer ready to be souped up by you, Opera, equivalent to a sleek convertible with good accessories built in, or Flock, equivalent to a limousine with all your friends in it. (Extra: Torpark is basically a F-117A stealth fighter, though a bit slow)

2. Use https:// connections (the lock thingy). All of you had seen some Russian spy movie where they tap onto your phone line and listen to the American president talk about Castro and Cuban Cigars. To prevent that to happen (on the internet I mean, not phone) change the http:// to https:// when visiting something private. What's the difference? The difference is security, literally as it does stands for "secure." When you log in to your private stuff or enter private information (SSN or Credit card #), it is best to check if you are using the https:// or just look for a lock thingy at the bottom of your browser. If the lock isn't there, chances are it's some scam.

At a computer convention, a hacker cracked a gmail account over the air http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/33207/108/

3. Use an anti-virus, firewall and anti-spyware program. This is the most common thing people say to each other is to install an anti-virus program but only 51% of people uses it (link). A firewall program is a must too. It's like building the Great Wall of China for your computer except a lot more secure. The anti-spyware program is mostly for cleaning up the small pesky stuff that slows down your computer.

Some really good free programs are:
anti-spyware - Spybot, Ad-Aware.
Firewall - Avast.
Anti-Virus - AVG Home

I'm not saying you are going to lose everything if you don't do these steps (the chances of getting cracked is quite small) but never can be too safe. These are just the most basic security stuff you can do. Other things you can do is:

1. Switch OS (Windows is just terrible in security)
2. Back up your data (just in case the worst happens)
3. Have strong passwords (apparently CIA personnels use some 12 digit passwords that they change every month.)

There are thousands of resources on the internet, go look it up, use it and surf safer :)

Here's the cool post I promised http://runiteking1.blogspot.com/2007/10/coolness-roundup.html