Pete asked me to comment about additional internet security with his question: “Are there more measures I can take in addition to virus software?” Well Pete, you asked a very relevant question and one I am asked all the time. Virus software is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to protecting your computer. However, you should also know that no solution is perfect.
One of my personal favorites to install is a personal firewall. A properly working firewall runs with your virus program and monitors files going into and out of your computer. A good firewall, like Comodo, updates regularly with separate virus and malware definitions and scans every bit of data coming and going over the network. If the firewall senses something is amiss it will either reject the file or prompt the user for confirmation.
I have personally employed a hardware firewall at my house which practically eliminates the need for additional software to be installed on machines wired into the network. In a nutshell, the hardware firewall monitors all the files travelling across the network – and not just each computer. The downside to this is the initial cost. The equipment necessary to do this type of monitoring is several hundred dollars and it requires additional monthly subscription fees. The upside is that the network is virtually impenetrable.
The coolest security innovation I’ve seen in a while is a product called OpenDNS which pretty much controls your internet use. I want to get one thing straight: I’m not a fan of big brother watching over us. OpenDNS works by re-routing your internet traffic through its own system which filters out all sorts of junk. In fact, using its free service you can limit the type of sights your family uses and practically eliminate viruses and spyware altogether.
Barry would like to know information about protecting his identity while online and asks the following question: “How do I surf the web without my ex-wife finding out?” Barry, you’re in for a wake-up call: There are very few ways to surf the web without being found out. Interestingly enough, your question is very similar to Pete’s.
You should employ the methods I suggested for Pete’s question. In addition you should install software to regularly scan for malware which could report back to others with your internet tracks. I guess if you’re going through a divorce then you may be looking to start dating again. If you don’t want someone else knowing your internet whereabouts then you should also consider purging the history on the computer periodically. Cleaning the history can be done right through the browser.
If you’re worried about being found while online (in dating sights for example), using an alias will only arouse suspicion and will make people dig to find out who you are. I don’t know anything about you, but I believe that if you cross someone a little craftier than you, you’re going to get found out. I think the best way to be safe online is to simply use your real name and be cautious.
No matter, I would suggest looking at this question not from a technical perspective, but rather from a morale and social viewpoint. I’m guessing you’re probably interested in meeting and potentially dating people. From my own past experience I can tell you that you’re probably a little confused as well. I’m not a counselor, but can tell you that by trying to deceive others you’re fooling yourself. Good luck.
Tech-Tip of the week: Digital picture frames are a great personal gift idea. Prior to giving them out you can stock them with hundreds of pictures or videos.
(Jeromy Patriquin is the President of Laptop & Computer Repair, Inc. located at 509 Main St. in Gardner. You can e-mail him at Jeromy@LocalComputerWiz.com or call him directly at (978) 919-8059.)