Computer Help and Security
Computer Help
Where and How to Get It
Well there's no denying it
- No matter how new or how well maintained our computers are, we all encounter
computer problems sooner or later. The good news is that we don't have to face
them alone. There are a ton of resources available to walk us through computer
issues but it may take a little knowledge in knowing how to access them. This
article will show you how.
1. Remember help files.
It's funny, but people seem to forget that every computer and every program
installed on a computer comes with its own help file. Even the operating system
of a computer has a help file and it really should be the first place to look
for answers. Help files are designed not only to guide the usage of a computer, they're also designed to solve problems.
Inside a help file, look for a section called, "Troubleshooting" (or
something similar) when you need to resolve an issue. This section is reserved
for solving problems specific to the software or hardware that you're using.
2. Product websites. If
you're having a problem with a piece of software or with a hardware part, try
the website of that software or hardware's manufacturer. Most (if not all)
manufacturer's reserve a portion of cyberspace and dedicates it to support the
products that they build. Microsoft's help desk is a good example.
3. Fansites. Fansites
probably isn't a good name for this resource, but you can find websites that
are dedicated toward supporting the users of a particular software program or
piece of hardware. We've called them "fan sites" because the
maintainers of these sites have no affiliation with the manufacturers that they
support! Call them what you will, but their free help is immeasurable and
without it, we wouldn't have some of the wonderful workarounds and unique
problem-solving techniques that we have today.
4. Usenet newsgroups.
Another underused resource on the Internet, Usenet newsgroups have hundreds of
discussion groups dedicated to some of the most popular computer systems,
operating systems, hardware manufacturers, and individual software programs.
Sometimes, the representatives of these companies participate, but most of the
time, the support in this group is user to user, which is just as valid because
you're
working with a team of
experienced people.
5. Support Lines. Another
source of help that we shouldn't forget is the support systems of various
manufacturers. You can reach these systems by calling the phone number
associated with the product that you're having trouble with. Calls may be free
(1-800 or 1-877 number), or they may cost a small fee (1-900).
6. PC support groups or
user groups are other options for help. These are groups that meet in
libraries, computer stores, or other local areas and they discuss all sorts of
issues related to a particular product. Even if you aren't experiencing a
computer or software problem, user groups are fun to participate in and they
can help you network into other interests such as a job or teaching
opportunities.
7. Surprisingly, you may
even get a helping hand from the salespersons at your local computer store. We
don't recommend that you make this your first pit stop when you experience a problem,
but we don't recommend that you rule this option out altogether either.
Computer salespersons are hired for a reason - and that's their knowledge.
Often, these kind folks can help you resolve an issue over the phone and
prevent you from having to buy a costly solution.
As you can see, help is
easy to find - You've just got to know where to look for it. Most of the
contacts within these resources are extremely friendly and willing to take the
time to walk you through a problem at little to no cost. From online discussion
groups to the files on your own computer, help is often just a click away.
Computer Security
In Today's Society, Protecting Your Computer Is A Requirement
Advances in computer
technology is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it affords us quick and easy
access to numerous conveniences such as bank statements, favorite shopping
centers, school and health records, and more. On the other hand, it can also
grant the same access to those who aren't supposed to get it. Although it's a
rare occurrence, hacking has become the biggest criminal nuisance in computer
history.
Make no bones about it.
There's nothing innocent or cute about the hacker. Today's hackers aren't the
pimply-faced teen rebels that you might be thinking of. Instead, this
generation of hackers are grown individuals who are more than likely earning a
living by stealing the identities of innocent, law-abiding individuals and then
selling those identities to others who want to slip by the system. And the only
protection against these seedy people is prevention.
Computer security couldn't
be more important than it is today and that's why we've taken the time to
introduce it to you. You can reduce the
probability of experiencing identity theft by making your computer as
hacker-proof as possible. All that's needed is a little software and a lot of
common sense.
1. Install an
anti-virus/anti-spyware program. Anti-virus/anti-spyware software will stop
malicious code from downloading and installing on your computer while you
peruse the Internet. Known as viruses, worms, or spyware, this malicious code
can destroy important files and render your computer good for only one thing:
sending sensitive data back to the server of an identity thief.
2. Don't store sensitive
data on your computer in the first place. Should your computer get infected
with a virus, worm, or piece of spyware, you can thwart the individuals
responsible by not storing your personal information on your PC so that when
and if your computer does send back data - it won't be anything valuable.
Hackers look for things like full names, social security numbers, phone
numbers, home addresses, work-related information, and credit card numbers. If
these things aren't saved onto a computer, there's nothing critical to worry
about other than restoring your computer to a non-virus condition.
3. Don't open files without
scanning them with an anti-virus/anti-spyware program. In the past, the warning
was to avoid opening files from people that you don't know. Today it's really
not safe to open files from anyone (without scanning the files) because that's
how viruses get spread - through files - even by mistake. So even though your
co-worker may have emailed a funny video, it's no safer to open than a
video downloaded from a complete stranger. Be safe and scan each and every file
you download from the Internet or receive through email regardless of where it
came from.
4. Create a barrier between
your computer and prying eyes. Anti-virus/anti-spyware programs are only
effective after the effect. But you can prevent identity theft from occurring
by installing a firewall. A firewall is a software that checks all data entering
and exiting a computer and it then blocks that which doesn't meet specified
security criteria (user-defined rules).1
5. Don't click on website
links in spam messages. In an effort to obtain personal information, some
spammers will send an email that asks you to click on a link. The email messages
are often disguised as important messages from well-known online
establishments, and they often try to scare their readers into clicking links
with threats of closing an account of some sort. Sometimes the links are
harmless and attempt to con the reader into volunteering personal information
(credit card number), but other times the links attempt to download harmful
software onto a computer.
Your best protection
against computer crimes is your own knowledge. Hopefully, the suggestions above
will prompt you into taking appropriate action and into protecting your
computer with the suggested tools. In doing so, you'll not only protect
yourself, you'll prevent the spread of these malicious activities and protect
others at the same time.
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