Computers can be a wonderful tool to aide children in learning and providing education entertainment. With the advent of the Internet, it is easier to explore and learn more information online. However, there are risks invovled when children are online without precaution or parental monitoring. In this article, we will help you explore methods to protect your child from the dangers on the Internet.

1. Do not reveal personal information online.

If your child is participating on social networking sites, such as MySpace, Facebook or Twitter, it is important to have your child remove any personal information (e.g. full name, school, city, address or phone number) that can help strangers identify your child. We suggest that your child use a nickname or alias that only friends and family can recognize.

2. Do not post personal pictures online.

Make sure your child does not post any pictures that can help strangers identify your child's location or favorite hangout spots. Pictures with familiar landmarks in the background (e.g. a picture of your child in front of his/her school) would not be acceptable.

3. Monitor your child's chat and e-mail.

Be sure your child is not communicating with strangers through instant messaging chat or e-mail. If your child is being harrassed online, have your child block the offender. If the problem persists, notify your local authority.

4. Monitor the sites your child visits.

Check to make sure your child is browsing websites that are safe. If you are unsure about which sites are safe for young children, we recommend you check out KidSites.com and Yahoo!'s Yahooligans.

If you feel your child is in harm of online danger, visit the FBI's Parent's Guide to Internet Safety for more information about how to deal with a situation.

If you would like more information on protecting your child, we can show you several solutions available with Microsoft Windows 7 and Kaspersky Internet Security that can limit the amount of time your child spends online, the website they can visit, the programs that can use, and many more! Give us a call today at (337) 330-2555 or drop by our store for a free demostration.

Did you know that identity theft is one of the biggest consequences of an unprotected computer? The Federal Trade Commission estimates that over 9 million people have their identity stolen each year. Therefore, we are going to give you five easy tips to protecting yourself and your computer.

1. Change Your Mind Set

Why would hackers pick me?
Victims of computer crimes typically do not think of themselves as an inviting target for an attack. The problem is, the majority of those who prowl the Internet do not really care about your e-mail messages or file content. Prowlers do care about finding a platform for which to launch anonymous attacks against other computers, or about your credit card numbers and personal information. Any computer connected to the Internet becomes worthwhile preys.

Why should I care?
If your computer is broken into or infected with a virus, the steps to recovery can consume a few or more hours, depending on the nature and extend of the damage. Some or all of your data can become corrupted or lost. Unwanted aggravation and loss of valuable time is in store for you and others who are involved in performing the recovery steps.
 

2. Update Frequently

Along with weak passwords and virus-spreading e-mail attachments, un-patched computer systems constitute one of the greatest security threats on the Internet. All major operating system vendors offer mechanisms that will allow you to regularly check for updates and apply them. It is important to keep your system up-to-date with patches to minimize your exposure.

3. Make Strong Passwords

Passwords should not contain personal information that can easily be guessed. Passwords should be at least seven characters long. To promote security, your passwords should meet at least two of the following criteria:

a.  At least one uppercase letter.
b.  At least one lowercase letter.
c.  At least one number character.
d.  At least one non-alphanumeric character (e.g.  !, #, $)
e.  Passwords should not contain your user name

4. Protect Password from Misuse

Do not let anyone else know or use your password. Do not write it down; or if you must, keep it in a locked area or in your wallet. Do not post it on your computer or anywhere around your desk. Do not include the name of the system of the associated log-in user name with the password. Change your passwords periodically, even if it hasn't been compromised. Do not type your password while anyone is watching.

5. Remove Spyware and Virus

Spyware and Virus are software installed on your computer without your knowledge or is bundled with other software you download from the Internet. Spyware and virus can:

a.  Track what you are doing on your computer for marketing purposes.
b.  Reset the homepage and search pages on your Internet browser.
c.  Create pop-up advertisements.
d.  Slow down your computer's Internet connection.
e.  Interfere with your computer's normal operations.

If you feel your computer has been compromised, give us a call today at (337) 330-2555 and we can perform a security assessment on your computer.

“Why should I pay for anti-virus software when there are programs available for free online?” is the most frequent question we receive from our customers about anti-virus software.  It’s true, there are several anti-virus programs available online for a free download, and most anti-virus software vendors put the same scanning engine in free releases that are used in retail versions.  However, there are three points we emphasize to our customers in the difference between “full” retail versions of anti-virus software and their free download counterparts.

Frequency of Updates

The free versions of popular anti-virus programs could have a user waiting anywhere from 24 hours to a full week for virus definition updates.  Vendors typically place free anti-virus software at the bottom of their priority list for distribution of updates.  What does that mean?  In these times of the internet super-virus, new strains of spyware, malware and root kits hit the web every hour, and a free anti-virus program may not be updated accordingly to protect a computer before it could potentially become affected.  Full versions of anti-virus programs tend to be updated by their vendors hourly.

 

Active vs. Passive Scanning

The typical free anti-virus program runs a “passive scan” on the hard drive.  This method will only scan for viruses during a set schedule (usually set once a day) or when you perform the virus scan manually.  Full versions of the same programs will perform an “active scan”.  The benefit of this method is the software scans each file downloaded before it is opened, preventing an accidental opening of a file containing a virus.

 

Total Security Protection

Full versions of anti-virus software have the reliability and reassurance of all-around security protection.  The term “all-around security” encompasses protection from viruses, malware, spyware, root kits, pop-ups, advertisements, e-mail privacy infringement and hackers.

 

If you have any concerns about your computer’s security, we can provide a FREE* security consultation to ensure your computer is fully protected from viruses and other potential malicious items.  It could very well add years of service to your computer.  Give us a call today at (337) 330-2555!

 

*Free security consultation does not constitute as an offer of service to remove any virus, spyware, malware or other harmful bugs on your computer, nor does this offer provide you with a full copy of an anti-virus or security protection software.

Don't Let Your Computer Look Like This!

Being around computers as much as we have, we’ve seen many dusty computers and usually recommend our customers to keep their computers as clean as possible. However, many customers are afraid of opening up their computer. As daunting as it may seem, cleaning your computer is really easy and is a good preventative method to keep your computer components from premature wear and tear. 

It is important to keep any dust and debris from building up inside your computer. Keeping your computer clean helps maintain airflow inside your computer, which keeps all your internal computer components from overheating. With our guide, you can ensure that your computer can continue to run smoothly.

What you will need?

• Phillips screwdriver
• Can of compressed air (Be sure to purchase one specifically for computers)
• Rubbing alcohol
• Microfiber cloth

 

 

 

Steps

1. Unplug all cables from the computer and bring the computer into a well ventilated area. Preferably outdoors. 
2. Begin removing the side panels. This can be done several ways, depending on the computer. Most computers’ side panel can be removed by unscrewing the screws that are attached to the panel. Other computers’ side panel may have a button which can be pressed to release the side panel. If you are unsure, consult with your computer manufacturer’s manual.
3. Once you have the side panel open, begin by removing any large pieces of dust with your hands. Then proceed to using the compressed air to blow most of the dust out.
4. Make sure to clean out any fans inside your computer.
5. After you have everything cleaned, you can wipe down the exterior of the case with rubbing alcohol and a microfiber cloth.
6. Begin reassembling your computer and plugging all cords back together.