As a PC tech in my medium sized city, I often get asked this golden little question;

" How do I protect my computer from malware? "

And, and I love saying this because it always falls on deaf ears, I respond;

" The only way to keep your computer safe is to browse intelligently. "

And thats often when the customers leave, probably instantly forgetting what I said and changing their thought process to something along the lines of what theyre going to eat for lunch or who they would do if that person were there right now. But I digress. Now, since I never get to FINISH my goddamned suggestion with the slack-jawed locals that come into my store ( We specialize in serving white trash! ), Im going to finish them here. These are some things Ive learned while scouring the net for all but the filthiest of pornography...


1. If It Looks To Good To Be True, Its Going To Install Spyware On Your Computer: This is a slightly altered version of a common tip, but of course, it rings true in the tech world as well. Say youre looking for an application online, lets say one that allows you to download the latest underground music, legally of course. You stumble across a little piece of software called " FileSlap " and follow the link to their homesite. Plastered all over the front of the page are pictures of half naked women clearly enjoying music in some shape or form. Off to the side are some guys playing basketball, and a banner on the bottom of the page screams " FREE! Download Music, Movies, TV, Porno, Government Secrets, Etc. " Now that sounds pretty freakin sweet. Its not often that you find a p2p program that will let you play basketball... or something... or that attracts half naked women with mini-disc players ( where di they get those? ). But guess what; this is a classic case of "too good to be true." If this program were so great, it would stand on its own merits. It would NOT need to convince you with nudie pics and it DEFINETLY wouldnt scream out that it allows to to do something thats almost definetly going to be legal as if this is no concern to them. Because maybe it is no concern to them. Because they live in another country where our laws dont apply. So keep a sharp eye out for things that seem " out of place, " and ALWAYS check the legitmacy of an application on multiple REPUTABLE web sites.

2. Sin Begats Sin: This is something to keep in mind for all of us who choose to scour the seedy dark alleys of the internet for the latest cracks and free warez. If you pursue something " less than lawful", you are likely to fall victim to a less than legal action yourself. Every time you visit a web site with warez, crackz, or serialz ( may not hold true for words spelled with 's' instead of 'z' at the end ), malware automatically installs on your computer unless you are thoroughly protected.
Another thing that may not seem obvious to anyone with a crooked moral clock is that gambling is a sin. Now Im not a Christian and I dont hold much stock in some sins, but gambling is DEFINETLY a seedy act, especially online. If you gamble online YOU ARE BEING CHEATED. Unless, of course, you are cheating yourself. Its estimated that half of the "people" at any virtual poker table are actually poker-bots, automated programs setup to WIN, and I guarantee, they WILL, every time. Some sites are safer than others, but none are safe enough. Get robbed on the race tracks, where atleast youll be getting some fresh air.
The same applies to porno. While there are hundreds if not MILLIONS of entirely... ermmm... legitimate porn sites out there that DONT install malware, the ones that have "the good stuff" that you dont want other people to know youre into often are the scummiest places online. Get a decent firewall and get naughty for a day. Watch as youre BOMBARDED with installation attempts and mysterious port connections. Congrats. Your penis got you in trouble again.

3. TRUST NO ONE: Just because an email comes from your closest, dearest friend doesnt mean he had anything to do with sending it. We're all fully aware that millions of virii spread via email yearly, yet few of us seem to freakin care. We just open up our little attatchments all willy nilly like theyre effin Christmas presents. Well I know I wanted my credit card info stolen this year. Maybe next year Ill have my scrotum torn off with a meat hook. I love the holidays... if the title of your "buddys" email sounds a little off, that because it is. You should know these people. You should know better. If you dont, get to know them better. Be suspicious of all attatchments. Duh.



Unfortunetly, theres little hope for properly getting my ideas across because I am as erratic as they come. Hopefully though, someone who doesnt get it already will get it now. To sum things up, just be suspicious. Everyone IS out to get you.


Some suggested software to keep yourself protected is Sunbelts Kerio Firewall. Install it, use advanced mode, and visit some warez sites. Now slap yourself in the forehead and say "Doh!" if you visited these sites without proper protection. Youre now aware that youre infected. Sorry

 

 

 

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These are all excellent suggestions, as you would expect coming from someone in the industry. It is a pity not many people listen to advice like this. Here's some other advice. If you do buy and install the latest and greatest in virus and malware protection, (seriously you'd be mad to browse without it), make sure you keep it updated. The greatest protection in the world is not going to its job properly if it's not up to date with the latest virus and malware attacks being spread around the internet. You paid for the updates with the program, usually at least 12 months worth, use them. I am amazed by the number of people that have installed these programs but haven't updated them in over 12 months.

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Very good tips

I have never had problems with spywares, viruses or adwares, and am always keeping my security softwares up-to-date and scanning very often, but I am not using Internet Explorer anyway, and rarely, I use other sites than the ones I use to

So I guess they don't really help me much, but I am sure there are others out there that will find it useful!

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I always with problem is spyware and adware. Now, I am free... Thank the GOD...

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