Episode #3 – Computer and Online Safety and Security
In one of my volunteer positions I give classes to people regarding Computer and Online Safety and Security best practices. I put together a slide show and notes for these presentations, so that is basically what I am using for this episode. I am not going to post the slide show at this time because I don’t want to go through and remove all the police department references but I will give you links to many if not all of the programs I discuss within this episode.
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Links to programs discussed in this episode, and some others.
- Firefox Free Internet Browser (GREAT!) http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/firefox.html
- Google Chrome Free Internet Browser (GREAT x2!!) http://www.google.com/chrome
- Opera Free Internet Browser http://www.opera.com/
- Thunderbird Free Mail Software http://www.mozillamessaging.com/en-US/thunderbird/
- Avast! Free Anti-Virus Software (Great) http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download
- AVG Free Anti-virus (Good) http://free.avg.com/us-en/download-avg-anti-virus-free
- Foxit (Free) PDF reader http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/reader/
- Open Office (Free) (Great!) http://www.openoffice.org/
- Spybot S&D Spyware protection (Free) http://www.safer-networking.org/index2.html
- AdAware Spyware/Adware protection (Free) http://www.lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware_free.php
- Zone Alarm Free Firewall (XP) http://download.cnet.com/ZoneAlarm-Free-Firewall/3000-10435_4-10039884.html
- Carbonite online backup for full backups ~$60 per year http://www.carbonite.com
- Dropbox 2 GB free, syncs across computers www.dropbox.com
And some products (remember if you buy from these links I get a tiny little bit, if you don’t like this buy somewhere else, I probably won’t hold it against you.)
- I have this external HDD, Includes backup software that works pretty good. Western Digital My Book Essential 1 TB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive WDBAAF0010HBK-NESN
- 16GB “Thumb Drive” Don’t buy a USB “Thumb Drive” less than 8GB, the cost value relationship goes down the turlit at that point. Shop around these vary in price and brand really isn’t much of an issue. Verbatim 16 GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive 97275 (Blue)
Let me know if I missed anything and I’ll get them posted ASAP
I like the suggestions that you have for backing up and for free anti-virus. I use Avast! and have been for quite a while. I haven’t had any problems with it and it’s hard to beat the price. I have since gone to the paid version for use on my lap top but still use the free version on my home computer.
On the subject of back ups, I have been using Dropbox as a sort of back up for smaller files. It gives you 2gb for free and has an app so you can even access your files from your phone.
I also use Carbonite. I got the paid version and love how easy it is to use. I have had a major mechanical failure on one of my computers and had to actually use it to recover my files. It was really easy and didn’t take long at all. I was able to set it in motion and pretty much walk away. When it was done, I just verified the data that was recovered and my settings, then it was done. It does it all while your computer is not being used, so it doesn’t bog things down while you’re busy at work.
Thanks Beer Bear,
I added some links based on your suggestions.
Thanks for listening!
EDITED MAIN POST.
I added a link to carbonite and to drop box.
Also added an external backup Hard Disk, with backup software included and a 16GB thumb drive.
+1 Dropbox
Netflix does hold your credit card number though so you still shouldn’t use too “easy” of a password IMO.
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by WendyNC, WendyNC, WendyNC, WendyNC, WendyNC and others. WendyNC said: @BeckySocial Some helpful information on keeping your computer safe from vriuses, malware, etc.: http://bit.ly/9U3zY1 #momenttoponder […]