The Do’s and Don’ts of the Internet!

 

The simple ways of using the internet for it’s main purpose is fun but can also be fairly hazardous. Now don’t get me wrong and discourage your staff from using the Internet as a tool to further find things of interest.

Best practice if you unsure ask! Your IT Support will be more than willing to help you out if you think you have been infected or something odd is happening!

But here are some really important DO’s and DON’TS of Browsing not only Internet but also E-mails too!

Right first the DON’TS

Those who click on links and open attachments in emails run higher risk of encountering viruses.

Those who download all the neat stuff they encounter while browsing the Internet will install adware (pop-ups that NO popup blocker can stop), malicious software and potentially viruses.

Most toolbars are spyware These come in the form of MySearch, googlebar,  etc, they are commonly called BHO or Browser Help Organizers, but more often than not they are spyware promoters.

Don't click on a link or attachment in an email unless you were expecting the link or attachment. DO NOT click on a link or attachment just because you recognize (or think you recognize) the service or person the email is from. That is a lure for the nastiest of viruses... they only need you too "click" to start messing day up

Don't click on the "Congratulations! You are the Millionth Visitor! Click Here to receive you FREE IPAD!" The end result will very disappointing and can mess your PC up.

Stay away from FREE; screen savers, simile central (free smiles), wall papers, free mouse coursers, coupon printers, etc. Most of these will install Trojan Viruses or Malware (sometimes just poorly written software) that can cripple your computer or put a strangle hold on it.

DON’T go to porn sites, if you think you won’t be caught or found out trust me it is easy to find where you have been, there is software to find that out. Oh and before you think mmm! I’ll delete, that’s not good either, as the software checks even the hidden tracks your browsing leaves behind.

DON'T...respond to any e-mail asking you for personal information, such as social security number, bank account numbers or PIN number. Banks, credit card companies and other legitimate businesses will not ask you for personal information in an e-mail.

Finally the DO’S

Update and scan with your spyware removers and anti-virus programs relative to your computer usage. Scan at least once or twice every 2 weeks for light Internet use and perhaps once to 3 times a week for heavier Internet use.

DO have fun on the internet, that is what it was designed to do, for information and leisure, and dare I say games! But only during free time (lunch time only people)

If something odd occurs on your PC/Laptop which you haven’t seen before, unplug from network and call your IT support immediately it might be minor or major but let them decide! They are after all the experts in the field.