Lectoring To The Library Club

[mikex]

Hey folks,

I have been asked to speak to the local library club about internet security. I do not know the age demographic of the group or the number of members. I am working on an outline of what I want to cover. I plan to mention free anti virus and adaware along with spybot. I will also mention ccleaner and cleanup. I kinda want to stay away from getting indepth about the different firewalls, I will mention them but....If the user has McAfee or Norton the fire wall is available to them there. Again thinking of the age of the group. I will also plug BT.net as a place for help.

Topics:

Antivirus

Anti spyware

Cleaning programs

Firewalls

Kids and the internet

Computer location in the home

Seeing sites visited

Cookies and temp files/temp internet files

Free on the internet is not always free. (thx shanenin)

Anything anyone would like to here if they went to a club meeting to with a guest speaker speaking on internet security?

M

Edited February 27, 2007 by mikex

[shanenin]

I always warn clients to be very careful about installing free stuff they find on the web, even if it seems benign. I think that is the biggest risk you can do. It is analogous to having unprotected sex with strangers.

Edited February 27, 2007 by shanenin

[mikex]

The free stuff I plan to mention is programs we/members of BT use and trust. I will not be wary of the cost of free.

[hitest]

Looks good, Mike!

Thanks for mentioning Besttechie.net at your security talk:-)

[JDoors]

Topics:

Antivirus

Anti spyware

Cleaning programs

Firewalls

Kids and the internet

Computer location in the home

Seeing sites visited

Cookies and temp files/temp internet files

Free on the internet is not always free. (thx shanenin)

Concerning security I would start the talk with firewalls. With good surfing behavior you can almost get away without needing some of the other information, but without a firewall your system will be compromised from the start (not sure how I'd integrate router security, depends on the audience I guess).

Not sure where "stopping unwanted browser activity" fits in your list (popups, scripts, etc.).

[sethook]

How about a few minutes on "symptoms to look for" on your system to see if an infection has already occured?

[bozodog]

This is something I saved from long ago, as I was beggining my first tours on the WWW. I hope it helps someone. I'm not sure where it came from. Someone like Pete C I think.

1. Unsafe web browser - Internet Explorer is the default browser on well over 90% of new PCs. Don't use it! Even on a fully patched install of Windows XP, the spyware can get you. Internet Explorer is responsible for most of the computer problems we see. Really.

So just download and use the Mozilla Firefox web browser. It's free, it's safe, and it has more features than IE, like tabbed browsing and popup blocking. If you feel like your PC has already been compromised, feel free to give us a call and ask about getting it fixed.

2. Antivirus protection - Most PC users know that they need to have antivirus protection. But many don't realize that you have to keep the program up to date in order for it to be effective at stopping the latest viruses.

Most antivirus packages include 1 year of free updates. After that, you must purchase an extended subscription, or uninstall it and install the next year's version. We recommend Norton or CA antivirus, or AVG free edition if you're a home user on a budget.

3. Backup your data - We deal with damaged PCs, hard drives, and data loss on a regular basis, and we've noticed that few PC users, even small business owners, make regular backups of their data. So what's the best way backup your data?

Well, there are many options. First, don't rely on floppy disks; they are too delicate, slow, and only hold 1.4MB of data. CDRs are a popular choice, since they are inexpensive (about $0.29 each in bulk), most PCs have CD-writers, and you can backup 700MB at a time. Some also use flash drives, or send backup data to another PC on their network.

Small business owners may want to consider a more automated backup system, like using an external hard drive or tape drive. Also some data is more tricky to backup, like e-mail files and address books. Give us a call if you need assistance.

4. Unsafe programs - The practice of downloading and installing free programs from websites on the internet can be dangerous. Why? Many of these programs bring along with them viruses or spyware, like the ancient Trojan horse.

Especially be careful of those free peer-to-peer (P2P) programs that are often used to download music and movies, like Kazaa, Limewire, and so forth. Also beware of free utilities, screensavers, games, and so forth. Do some research before you download. Also don't forget to visit our Recommended Downloads list for safe downloads.

5. Surge suppresser - Most PCs that are damaged by surges and lightning, by far, are hit through the TELEPHONE line, not the power cord. Most modern surge suppressers include phone line protection. Use it. And be sure it's a good one, like an APC; we've seen cheap ones that failed and let the PC get fried anyway.

6. Keeping Windows updated - You need the latest security patches and service packs to avoid the latest exploits that hackers and viruses use to attack your PC. All window users should either turn on automatic updates or manually get the updates.

7. Inkjet printers - Inkjet printer ink is priced a little higher than gold right now. Seriously. So when you're shopping for a printer, check the ink cartridge prices too. Don't be tempted by that $39.99 Lexmark deal. If you price the cartridges, you'll see where they're making the money.

Also, if you are a small business owner and you print in large volumes, you NEED a monochrome laser printer. Remember to look past the higher price for the printer and the toner cartridge, and instead calculate the MUCH lower cost per-page and all the time you'll save. If you think you'll miss color, see #8 below.

8. Printing photos - If you just read #7, you know that operating an inkjet printer can be expensive. So consider sending your photos to a place like Walgreens, Walmart, Snapfish, or Shutterfloy. You can simply e-mail or upload your photos directly to them, or in the case of Walmart and Walgreens, just bring in your camera and choose the shots you want printed.

9. E-mail attachments - This is one of the biggest area of frustration for new PC users. The first mistake is usually trying to send a file that is too large. What is too large? Well, consider the rate at which the other person will receive the file.

On a dial-up connection, which most of your friends are probably still using, they'll be receiving the files at about 4 or 5kB per second. So if you send them a photo straight from your 3 megapixel camera for instance, at about 900kB it will take 3 to 4 minutes per photo to download. Ouch. So resize that photo first before you send it.

Also, it's important to remember not to send someone a file that they can't open. For instance if you use WordPerfect to create a document but your friend uses Microsoft Word, they won't be able to view it. What can you do? Pick up PDF Creator (free) to create a document that anyone can view and print, or you could both switch to OpenOffice (also free).

10. Protect your PC from your buddies - That's right. Your friends and family can be one of the biggest threats to the health of your PC. The first thing your friend is likely to do is open the dreaded Internet Explorer web browser and invite untold amounts of garbage onto your PC. Then, to make it worse, they make decide to do you a favor and download their favorite spyware-ridden program, like Kazaa or some screensaver.

What can you do? That's easy. If you use Windows 2000 or XP, just turn on the Guest account and make them use that. See, the Guest account doesn't allow users to install programs, like spyware or that annoying screensaver, or to change system settings. So thusly you can preserve the sanctity and safety of your computing environment.

[sultan_emerr]

I use: Comodo Firewall = http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com

and a hardware router.

with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). = http://computer.howstuffworks.com/question28.htm

If you have WinXP, you can use the XP Internet Connection Firewall = http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/n...rnmore/icf.mspx

If on dial-up, also use = AnalogX PortBlocker = http://www.analogx.com/contents/download/network/pblock.htm

+ MS Windows Defender -- http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/s...re/default.mspx

+ SpywareBlaster/SpywareGuard - Freeware = http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

Avira > AntiVir Personal Edition = Freeware = http://www.majorgeeks.com/download955.html

http://www.diskcleaner.nl = http://www.majorgeeks.com/download863.html

Kids and Internet:

http://www.yourchildlearns.com

http://rekenwonder.com/mousetrainer.htm

http://www.mrwebauthor.com/ChildrensResources/Page1.html

http://www.komando.com/kids/commandments.aspx

http://www.freefunfiles.com/software/child...ames/index.html

http://www.freelink.org/kids

http://www.freelink.org/kids

http://www.all4you.dk/FreewareWorld/links.php?id=13079

http://www.xanadu-soft.com

http://www.clickmazes.com

http://www.grammarstation.com

http://www.tucows.com/preview/210089.html = ABC Kid Genius

http://www.childrenwebmag.com

http://www.kidsclick.orghttp://www.jegswor.../www.ajkids.com http://www.kidsclick.org

http://www.jegswor...www.ajkids.com

http://www.shockwave.com/kids.jsp

http://www.kidsclick.org

http://hotmath.com/index.html

http://www.schwablearning.org/articles.asp?g=2&r=615

http://www.thunk.com/index.cgi = scramble messages

SeniorNet: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=s...G=Google+Search

http://stsico.com/html/cookies.html

http://www.computerkindergarten.com

Edited February 28, 2007 by sultan_emerr

[blim]

Wow, what a lot of great information here!!

My 2cents worth:

Directions to close the Preview Pane in Outlook and Outlook Express

Just delete junk-email without opening it

Don't open attachments unless you scan them--or to be totally safe, don't open attachments!

Phishing and Nigerian-Type scams--especially if the club has elderly folks in it, they're prime targets

And with all the great tips you're giving, DO put the links and brief definitions on a paper handout for them to take home.

And THANK YOU, Mike for sharing your knowledge! What a great gift to the Library Club

Liz

[garmanma]

The thing I try to instil in my wife is with the proper help/instruction, you can troubleshoot and solve your own problems. Insted of relying on the likes of Geek Squad. She tends to roll her eyes, but since the time I almost died, she pays a little more attention and is starting to learn. Of course Besttechie is in her bookmarks. Now I just have to teach her how to use and post on a forums

Mark

[thesidekickcat]

Backup regularly to flash drives (disconnect them properly) is easier than doing cds. Don't forget to backup the Favorites folder. Scan with antivirus and antispyware before backing stuff up.

Update Update Update, but not necessarily with auto update, do pick and choose what Windows updates you really need and when to download especially if on dialup.

Download stuff to a folder then scan with your antivirus, and your antispyware before opening.

Use an adblocker and/or a popup blocker, and don't click yes to just anything and everything that asks you to. Don't say yes to, or click on, ads or popups. Do read the alerts or warnings, including details, from your firewall or internet security when they show up asking or telling you about stuff before you click to allow or deny. Not everything needs to be allowed or should be allowed.

Don't trust email to be private...remember it will be on the other persons computer which might have many users. And your incoming email may not really be from the person or company who it says it's from!!! Have your Internet Security set to scan email!!!

Have a website checker like CallingID or Site Advisor to be sure the website is safe.

Do become familiar with your various protection programs! That way you wont be so scared of them, and you will understand what the various notices are, and what to do with them. Try reading the help section, and also many of them have websites with more info, or forums, and some may still do paper manuals. Put the links to those security websites in your favorites menu so you can research things when you need to, or get product support.

Also check that your security programs actually load and work ok when you turn on your computer so you are always protected. Some nasty things turn off security. So watch the tray if they show there, or open the window to check that it is working.

Something I do that I haven't seen mentioned much anywhere is I watch the status and address bars as new to me websites open to see that they correspond to what I think they should be loading.

Set Google or Ask or whatever search engine to safe search. Not completely safe, but every little bit helps. And read the url addy of the results in a search to determine if you want to go to it, if it is off the wall wierd in description and/or the url seems strange especially compared to search terms...then don't click on it. I like Ask because it seems to have more relevant results for me than Google.

Don't add toolbars, unless you really need them...make a shortcut to desktop of search engine, or whatever, or use your favorites link.

Read the About for a site...usually at bottom of page, though sometimes it's on top, or side. Read the Privacy notices, Read the Eulas!!! If there is anything that you don't like...such as them sharing your info with third parties...then don't sign up or download the program/product. It isn't worth the hassles later. Even such innocent sounding sites as your local tv station for weather, or national private ones, may have agreements to allow them to resell or send to other outfits all your signup info. If you do sign up, use a "throwaway" email addy...not your most private ones for close friends and family.

Lock toolbars, lock desktop, not foolproof but again every little bit helps.

Safe Surf!!! Use common sense...just like being street smart in real world, be internet smart. Don't trust everything to be safe. Open eyes...it is a dangerous world, but you can be safe with proper tools and using good sense in what you do and where you go. Don't give out private information for just any old reason....in fact I don't like giving credit card #'s and wont do banking online at all.. but if you do, be careful that you know the site is truly who it says it is, and that your info is safely encrypted. Don't ever answer emails (they are phishers) requesting you update your private card or bank info.

Set routers, or whatever, to new passwords not default ones. (Write the passwords down and put the paper in a safe hidden place), don't share them with just anyone...wellllllll... maybe a spouse is ok...Ha!

Unplug computer for stormy weather to protect it. Yes even unplug the UPC or whatever it is called. Don't forget to unplug phone too.

Stay safe folks, so you can enjoy using your computer.

Edited for spelling correction, and to add a couple of things I forgot to mention. One is a clarification/addition above. The other is anotther safety trick I do, is to mouse hover over all links, before clicking on them, to check them out via what shows in my status bar to make sure they go where the person who gave the link on a message board thread etc...says they go.

Pat

God bless everyone.

Edited March 1, 2007 by thesidekickcat

[martymas]

there is something i learned from pete and chappy

which ive done for several years

and it has saved my compt

check your cookie settings

to prompt and block

as you know one of the easiest way to get a virus

or spy ware is through your cookies

if the sites asks to put a cookies on your sys

by setting it to prompt

you have the choice of saying yes or no

then the onus is on you and not the sys

ive used this method for years

and ive been spyware and virus free for a long time

and in the bargain

i use the windows firewall wich many rubbish.

perhaps im lucky

and i know pete chappy and goliath did as well

good luck mikex

hope all goes well

marty

Edited February 28, 2007 by martymas

[JDoors]

... Directions to close the Preview Pane in Outlook and Outlook Express

Just delete junk-email without opening it ...

Both INCREDIBLY important points (the latter seems to be the hardest thing to convince people to do).

[mikex]

Talked to a member of the library club today, she is a customer with the isp where I work, this may turn in to a monthly or bi-monthly how-to class for the club. Sound like the ladies are in the 40-60 year old range. Can't beat getting a group of seniors on your side, they talk to a lot of people about good and bad. Many have children who are big influences in the community.

"Momma said I should get you to do my computer work." Love Momma said.

M