My Online Security

Here are a few tips to stay safe online when it come to your email.

a)  Do not open attachments unless absolutely necessary, especially if they are sent by someone unknown to the recipient.

b)  Do not open EXE, BAT, VBS, and SCR type attachments ever, since they are common vectors for virus/malware infections.  Consider installing updated packages or the Microsoft Office 2000 E-mail Security Update, to block such attachments.

c)  Always scan attachments manually with antivirus software before opening them, if they must be opened.

d)  Open up scanned attachments, such as a DOC files, from within the program rather than simply double-clicking on an attachment.  If a document is in question, such as a DOC file, it can be opened up in a program like WordPad to view the text contents without the risk of a macro virus infection.

e)  If you are using Outlook or Outlook Express e-mail software configure e-mail messages as “Restricted Zone” (go to Tools/Options /Security, then choose Zone in the window below.)
f)  Consider using a plain text (non-HTML) e-mail reader such as Eudora or The Bat!

g) If possible, set your e-mail client to send messages in plain text (for Outlook go to Tools/Options/Mail Format, and then choose Plain text from the windows below).  have any questions let me know.

Are you wondering where to start with your online security?  Well let’s start with the absolute basics, unplug from the internet.  Now we are safe.  Just kidding, I have actually been told by a family member she was going to do this.  Her PC was so messed up she was just going to buy a new one and not connect to the net.  I had to ask what the point of even having a computer was then.  Sure you could get by without internet access, by why would you?

The first thing you need to make sure to do is make sure you have an anti-virus program, a spyware program, and a firewall installed on your computer.  The next thing you need to is make sure all of these programs as well as your operating system is up to date.  I will go into specific later, but that is the rough outline.

BTW, I may touch on Apple and Mac security, but this sites focus will be on PCs and the Windows operating system.