When you buy a computer, you are given a box of computer components or a laptop. Instructions show you how to set up your computer. It is at this point where people can get into trouble. You need to learn safe computer practices so that you can avoid things like identity theft, virus infections, scams and etc. In my time as a computer trainer, I have met people who did not know that they needed an antivirus on their computer. They were surfing the Internet without an antivirus. They were not told that they needed one or they did not notice that their antivirus trial had expired. These things are happening to people we know. Let's be part of the solution. This section of the web site will deal with topics designed to make you aware of threats and hopefully, safer on your computer.

Topics included in this section:

• E-mail Phishing
• Drive By Downloads
• Update Windows Patches Using Microsoft Update
• Antivirus, Anti-spyware and Firewall Programs

Four Key Steps To Help Protect Your Computer:

1. Turn on Windows Internet Firewall
2. Use Microsoft Update to keep Windows up-to-date automatically
3. Install and maintain antivirus software
4. Install and maintain antispyware software

E-mail Phishing - Trying To Steal Your Personal Info

E-mail phishing is a method scammers use to try to get you to reveal personal information to them. They are looking for banking information, MSN user login information and any other type of personal information they can get their hands on.
What do they do with this information? With your bank user name and password, they can clean out your bank account. With your MSN Messenger user name and password, they can gain access to your personal information as well as that of your friends.
Take the Phishing Quiz to see how if you can recognize Phishing Scams: http://www.sonicwall.com/phishing/ Let's look at an example of an E-mail that appeared to come from the CIBC Bank. It even offers a $500.00 prize to get you clicking. I have left the image large so that you can read the text easily. The blue text or hyperlinks, which take you to the fake web site, do not work - for your safety. You will have to use the scroll bars (vertical and horizontal) to view the entire image. I have included a video below the image.

Drive By Download Attacks On Your Computer

Drive by downloads are one of the latest threats on the Internet. Here is how it works: you are going from web age to web page and suddenly, your computer is infected with malicious software downloads such as viruses and other malware programs that will download more infected garbage. These malware downloads occurred without your permission and in most cases, without you knowing about them either. This danger is one that everyone should be aware of.

Updating Microsoft Windows Security Patches

Drive by downloads, viruses and other types of attacks against your computer are counting on you not keeping up with the security patches from Microsoft Windows. When your computer falls behind, doors are left open for attackers because vulnerabilities are not fixed.
In your computer, Microsoft Windows Update looks after downloading these security patches when Microsoft Windows Update is turned on so it will run automatically. If Windows Update is turned off, you run the risk of an attack being successful against you.
So how do I update Microsoft Windows? Below is a screen shot of the Windows Update dialogue box where you can choose whether "Windows Update" installs updates automatically or the feature is turned off.

Tools You'll Need to Stay Safe on Your Computer

You need an antivirus program, an anti-spyware programs and a firewall program for your computer. Staying safe on your computer does not happen by accident. You have to plan to stay safe by using security software.
An antivirus program is like a watchdog for your house. When the dog sees the intruder, it goes after them. An antivirus program searches your computer and scans for viruses and such. It should also scan anything that comes in and out of your computer such as your E-mail. Many antivirus programs have anti-spyware capability. An antivirus program will remove viruses. Antivirus programs require updates to provide up to date protection. Many programs update hourly.
An anti-spyware program watches out for spyware and removes it. Spyware can transfer information about your online computer surfing as well as other personal information, and it can affect some control over your computer without you knowledge of what is happening. Anti-spyware programs require updating also to provide up to date protection.
A firewall program makes your computer invisible to others on the Internet. Hackers should not be able to find your computer if you are using a firewall. If you are not using a firewall, your computer can be easily located and attacked. A good firewall program should monitor traffic going in and out of your computer as well. You can have a router that has a built in physical firewall.
Now I know I have only briefly described these programs, but the bottom line is that you need to use these programs to stay safe. You can Google the Internet if you want more specific information. I have met people who did not know they needed security software. Some are not told and some do not ask because they do not know about the risks. It's getting dangerous out on the Internet and ignorance does not count as a defense.

The above example shows a virus passing through my web host E-mail and getting caught by my antivirus program in my Inbox E-mail. This virus could have damaged my computer if this virus had not been stopped.

To open the Windows Update dialogue box:

1. Click the Start button
2. Click on Control Panel on the right side of the Start Menu.
3. Select Security Center from all the icons present.
4. Select Automatic Updates from icons present.
5. Windows Update dialogue box appears.

To keep your computer protected, check to make sure that "Install updates automatically (recommended)" is selected. That's the green shield with the white checkmark.

Using Windows Update to Check For Security Patches

To run Windows Update, perform the following:

1. Click the Start button
2. Select All Programs
3. Select Windows Update
4. Select Check for Updates
5. Install Updates as required