December 06, 2004
Keep your computer clean and up-to-date
Actually this is a tip for every computer, whether you use Wi-Fi
or not, but we see the issue a lot. People will be experiencing
very slow web-browsing. Sometimes this has nothing to do with the Internet
or the
Wi-Fi system, it has to do with their computer being full of viruses
or spyware and adware. It's especially problematic in a Wi-Fi network because
one person's computer, if infected with the right virus, can be
flooding
the network with activity and slow EVERYONE down.
Just because you have a virus protection program installed doesn't mean
you are protected. New viruses are being created on a daily basis,
you must update your virus definitions at least weekly in order to be
protected.
You must also update your windows operating system. Microsoft
finds security holes all the time and they issue 'patches'. It is your
responsibility
to download and apply those patches before the Internet's evil-doers
exploit the holes and send viruses to your computer. The latest problem
is Spyware
and Adware. We recommend you run both Spybot
Search and Destroy AND Lavasoft's
Adaware weekly
to control this problem. Jim teaches a system he calls BUCS:
Backup, Update, Cleanup and Scan.
1/31/05 Update: Here's a 'Frequently Asked Questions' document
you can download and print about keeping your computer safe
and secure. Also, here's more information on
Spyware combatting programs - especially Microsoft's new 'Anti-Spyware'.
For more detailed 'how-to' information I have a couple
suggestions. My favorite Internet Newsletter "The
Internet Tourbus" has a similar system they call the 'Fab Five'.
The Fab Five article is a little dated so it does not include
spyware issues. But this Tourbus article does.
The Tourbus is wonderful because it is written for non-technical
types. If you want to get a little more technical read LangaList.
You might also want to sign up for this free online course Combatting Spam and Spyware.
I take a lot of the CNET courses. They're great.
www.geeksontour.com |
