6. Do not open attachments in emails, even from friends. Certain viruses can access someone's address book and copy the email addresses found there. Then they can send you email that looks exactly like it came from your Aunt Tilly using a technique called address spoofing. If you need someone to email you an attachment, make sure they tell you about it first or request it from them in advance.
For more security information visit Seniors Guide to Computers.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Readability
Read Comfortably—
Anytime, Anywhere
Free
Readability turns any web page into a clean view for reading now or later on our computer, smartphone, or tablet.
Security Tip #5
5. Do not respond to or click on links in emails that look exactly like email from your bank, credit card company, retail stores, insurance companies, etc.. This is called phishing. Phishing is the act of sending an email to a user falsely claiming to be a legitimate enterprise.
This is an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft. The email directs the user to visit a web site where they are asked to update personal information, such as passwords and credit card, social security, and bank account numbers, that the legitimate organization already has. The web site is bogus and set up only to steal the user's information.
Once you visit their site, they'll try to get private data from you, like passwords. These web sites can look identical to your own trusted sites. If you really wish to visit the site shown, type it in the address bar of your web browser by hand. When in doubt, call the institution on the phone.
For more security information visit Seniors Guide to Computers.
This is an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft. The email directs the user to visit a web site where they are asked to update personal information, such as passwords and credit card, social security, and bank account numbers, that the legitimate organization already has. The web site is bogus and set up only to steal the user's information.
Once you visit their site, they'll try to get private data from you, like passwords. These web sites can look identical to your own trusted sites. If you really wish to visit the site shown, type it in the address bar of your web browser by hand. When in doubt, call the institution on the phone.
For more security information visit Seniors Guide to Computers.
Security Tip #4
4. Do not respond to spam (junk email) -- just delete it. If you respond, then you are telling the spammer that he has reached a valid email address. Never click on any links that say something like "To unsubscribe, click here". That's just what they want you to do.
For more security information visit Seniors Guide to Computers.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Security Tip #3
3. Do not click on links in emails. If you really wish to visit the site shown, type it in the address bar of your web browser by hand. It's probably a good idea when entering the web address to ignore any characters to the right of.com (or .net, .org, etc.).
For more security information visit Seniors Guide to Computers.
For more security information visit Seniors Guide to Computers.
Security Tip #2
2. Do not click on links in pop-up windows. Even if they tell you that your pc is infected or has a problem that you must fix immediately! It's a scam. Internet Explorer, Firefox and Opera browsers feature pop-up blockers -- be sure to turn them on.
For more security information visit Seniors Guide to Computers.
For more security information visit Seniors Guide to Computers.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Top 11 Tips for Safe Computing
Probably the greatest threat to the security of your computer system
is............human behavior. Let's face it, we humans do stupid things!
A majority of the viruses, bugs, spyware, spam and other nasties can be
avoided or reduced by modifying our behavior on the Internet. Every week we'll have another safety tip.
Tip #1 Do not visit shady looking web sites. (You know the ones I mean!)
For more security information visit Seniors Guide to Computers.
Tip #1 Do not visit shady looking web sites. (You know the ones I mean!)
For more security information visit Seniors Guide to Computers.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Breaking News
Microsoft support for Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) ended on July 13, 2010. Support for Windows Vista without any service packs ended on April 13, 2010.
If you do not upgrade to Service Pack 3 (SP3) in Windows XP, then you will no longer receive security updates from Microsoft. This is not a situation you want to be in.
Download Service Pack 3
If you do not upgrade to Service Pack 3 (SP3) in Windows XP, then you will no longer receive security updates from Microsoft. This is not a situation you want to be in.
Download Service Pack 3
Monday, December 14, 2009
FamiliLink
Empowering families to more easily provide care and support to older loved ones by including them in the “digital loop”.
No need to join another group site…all digital content (photos, videos, messages and more) from friends and family is collected into one friendly place for your loved one to easily enjoy.
· Simple email system
Older loved ones can now feel part of the “digital loop”. They will have their own FamiliLink email address; family & friends can use their own preferred email to stay in touch with older loved ones.
· Photos and videos in one location
Photos and videos sent as email attachments or from other sites (Picasa or Youtube) will automatically display…no need to follow confusing links, go to multiple websites or download anything.
· Private calendar with reminders
The easy to use private calendar will show the daily schedule and provide reminders for important appointments, events, and daily medications. Others in the family can easily update the calendar using their own calendars (Outlook, Yahoo or Google Calendars).
·
An example of a typical FamiliLink homepage:
Monday, November 30, 2009
Microsoft Security Essentials
Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) was created by Microsoft because many Windows computers were unprotected with outdated anti-malware products. Many new PCs come with time-limited security programs so many users believe they're protected even though the initial subscription period may have ended. Some don't even activate the free, bundled solutions at all.
MSE is easy to install and use. MSE is small and light and runs quietly in the background. It's absolutely free as long as you have a genuine copy of Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7. There's no registration, no annual fees. You install it and forget it, and it keeps you safe.
MSE is updated when needed and delivered through Windows Update. Microsoft publishes new malware signature updates three times each day. None of it impacts the user at all. You just install it and forget it.
Windows guru Paul Thurrot concludes in his review:
"There's been a lot of interest in Microsoft Security Essentials and I think it will prove quite a hit with users. It's free, effective, lightweight, and quiet and is, in other words, exactly what I'm looking for in a security solution. And it comes with no strings at all. As long as you're running a genuine Windows version, you can install this product without worrying about up-sell advertisements, yearly renewals, or other silliness. And you can do so on as many Windows-based PCs as you own. I'd like to see it just included with Windows, but what the heck: Free and easy is the next best thing. Microsoft Security Essentials is highly recommended, to all Windows users." -- Paul Thurrott September 29, 2009
If you don't wish to spend the money on dedicated security software like NOD32, BitDefender, Spysweeper or Spyware Doctor, then Microsoft Security Essentials is a good alternative. If you're already using free software like AVG or Microsoft Defender, then a switch to Microsoft Security Essentials would be a good idea.
MSE is easy to install and use. MSE is small and light and runs quietly in the background. It's absolutely free as long as you have a genuine copy of Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7. There's no registration, no annual fees. You install it and forget it, and it keeps you safe.
MSE is updated when needed and delivered through Windows Update. Microsoft publishes new malware signature updates three times each day. None of it impacts the user at all. You just install it and forget it.
Windows guru Paul Thurrot concludes in his review:
"There's been a lot of interest in Microsoft Security Essentials and I think it will prove quite a hit with users. It's free, effective, lightweight, and quiet and is, in other words, exactly what I'm looking for in a security solution. And it comes with no strings at all. As long as you're running a genuine Windows version, you can install this product without worrying about up-sell advertisements, yearly renewals, or other silliness. And you can do so on as many Windows-based PCs as you own. I'd like to see it just included with Windows, but what the heck: Free and easy is the next best thing. Microsoft Security Essentials is highly recommended, to all Windows users." -- Paul Thurrott September 29, 2009
If you don't wish to spend the money on dedicated security software like NOD32, BitDefender, Spysweeper or Spyware Doctor, then Microsoft Security Essentials is a good alternative. If you're already using free software like AVG or Microsoft Defender, then a switch to Microsoft Security Essentials would be a good idea.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Welcome to Seniors Guide to Computers
This companion blog is open to all computer users who want to discuss hardware and software problems, reviews, security or any other technology questions.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)