BradFel.net

Yeah… I realized I forgot something…

Yet another way to protect your computer is to use an alternate browser. Internet Explorer is one of the #1 ways most computers get infected with spyware, adware, viruses, etc… For the most part it’s just plain dangerous. For more info check out Web Devout.

Before I go on, I need a small disclaimer… In no way am I saying that other browsers do not have their flaws. Any peice of software has its own exploits, bugs, etc… Nothing is 100% perfect!

So here’s my suggestion… Switch to an alternate browser! Several alternatives include Firefox, Opera, Netscape, or Flock.

These alternate browsers offer greater feature sets (many had them implemented many years before IE did), greater security, and better web standards support. All together they provide a much improved internet experience. If you doubt me… Just give them a serious try. Use one for a few weeks, play with it’s features. They may grow on you… Anyway, I’m out. More to come later!

This post is a bit off from my other ones, which mostly deal with me bitching about how bad browsers are… This one is about YOU and YOUR COMPUTER.

Too many people don’t adequately protect their computers. Too many people use computers that are infected top to bottom with every type of adware, spyware, trojan, worm, and virus you can name… People spend thousands of dollars to upgrade to a new computer because their brand new $2000 computer is slower than a snail. Well if you’re one of those people (and even if you aren’t) this is for you. I’m going to run through a few ways you can protect your computer from the millions of programs/people out there to cause nothing but trouble. I’ll start off with the fairly obvious things (not in any specific order).

1. Run an anti-virus program 24/7/364 1/4 (365 if it’s a leapyear) and scan with it regularly! It doesn’t really matter what AV program you use, as long as it’s kept up to date. If you don’t have one, you can get one for $20-30 at your local computer store. If you can’t afford one, Grisoft makes an excellent free AV program called AVG.
2. When using the Internet, whether it’s browsing the web, instant messaging, or checking your email, NEVER accept an attachment or download a program from someone you do not know or do not trust. For many people this is the most common way to compromise their computer. Toolbars and most filesharing programs contain spyware/adware, and sometimes even worse.
3. Watch who uses your computer, limit who can install program, and if someone needs one installed, make sure it’s legit!
4. Avoid filesharing networks such as Kazaa, Bearshare, Limewire, etc… many files download from these networks are full of spyware/adware.
5. Run at least one, if not several, anti-spyware programs and scan with them regularly. Lavasoft’s Ad-Aware SE Personal, Safer Networking’s Spybot Search & Destroy, and Javacool’s Spyware Blaster are three excellent programs. I run all three regularly.
6. Setup Windows to show all file extensions. This can be done by opening a folder, going to Tools>Folder Options clicking on the View tab, and unchecking “Hide extensions for known file types”. Many programs with malicious intent pretend to be other file types by adding an extra extension… So even though it may say .mp3 if you have extensions hidden, it may really be a .exe or .vbs.
7. Practice common sense and just generally be careful. There’s no such thing as being too careful when it comes to spyware/adware/viruses. They’re everywhere!

That’s it for now… Feel free to comment on anything you have to add or just general feedback!