The Top Ten Security Tips

The Top Ten Security Tips
Windows All Versions

There are literally dozens of things you can do to maintain the integrity of your computer and your personal information when you're online. We've chosen our top ten tips for more security while online and here they are - just for you:

· ALWAYS make sure you use an Anti-Virus program and keep it up-to-date.

· ALWAYS make sure to keep your operating system up-to-date. Always install the latest Windows updates.

· ALWAYS make sure you use at least two good anti-spyware programs - and keep them up-to-date.

· ALWAYS make sure you backup your important data. That includes documents, pictures and emails. Keep the backup in a safe place. A safe place is not your Windows hard drive.

· ALWAYS make sure you are on a secure server when shopping online. Secure server URLs always start with https:// instead of http://. So look at your browser's address bar before entering your credit card information.

· NEVER open attachments you were not expecting even if they appear to be from someone you know very well. If in doubt, save the attachment to your desktop and scan it with your anti-virus program FIRST.

· NEVER visit por-n (adult) sites or "warez" sites. These kinds of sites are notorious for furtively installing harmful, even dangerous software on your computer - sometimes without your knowledge or permission.

· NEVER attempt to close a popup window by clicking on it. Always use ALT+F4 key to close it. Nefarious popups are ubiquitous on the web and they could infect your computer with spyware, trojans or worse.

· NEVER reply to an email requesting personal information. No reputable company will ever ask you to do this.

· NEVER buy any products or services from a spam email. Those who do are really the ones responsible for the horrendous spam problem we all face today. If no one bought anything from spam emails, spammers wouldn't exist.

· Boring Cursors Be Gone - Change your Windows XP Mouse Pointer (cursor) Scheme
Windows XP Home, Media and Professional Editions

We would bet that most of you don't know that Windows XP comes with quite a few different "mouse-pointer" schemes. We normally call these "cursors" but Windows calls them mouse-pointers. Anyway, you can easily change your mouse-pointer (cursor) scheme in Windows XP by following steps below:

1. Open your Control Panel, and click on "Mouse".

· 2. Click the "Pointers" tab at the top

· 3. Click the Down-Arrow next to the scheme you wish to preview. Note: A sample of the cursors or "mouse pointers" scheme appears to the right.

· 4. Once you've selected the mouse pointer (cursor) scheme you want, click Apply then OK. In a few seconds your cursors will all be changed. You can change them to another scheme or back to the default mouse-pointer scheme by repeating these steps.

Tip#1: MouseKeys - Not Mouseketeers!
Windows XP Home, Media and Professional

MouseKeys is another accessibility feature that you may find useful. MouseKeys lets you control the mouse pointer with the numeric keypad. This gives you much greater control over the mouse pointer. To turn this feature on, go to the Accessibility Options applet in Control Panel, choose the Mouse tab, and check the Use MouseKeys check box. Feel free to "mouse" around and explore the various settings.

Tip #2: Going Home Without A Mouse
Windows All Versions, Internet Explorer and Firefox

Most of you have a Web page you call your home page. When you're surfing the Web and you want return to your home page most of us click the "Home" icon on the toolbar. But, did you know you can get home without using the mouse?

You can and here's how: When you're browsing around the Web, no matter where you are, all you have to do is press Alt-Home keys to return to your home (start) page. You can get home quick without a mouse - so next time, give the mouse a rest and go home the easy way

Spyware Terminator
Operating systems: Windows 2000, XP and Windows Vista
How is it distributed? 7.65 MB
Download time: 45-60 minutes on dialup...a few minutes on broadband connections
What's it for? Free Anti-spyware application

We've been searching for a really good free alternative to SpyBot Search & Destroy. It's not that there's anything wrong with Spybot Search and Destroy, it's a peach of a program that positively performs its job well. we strongly recommend that you do, install two anti-spyware programs.

we're going to send you to C|Net where you can get more information about Spyware Terminator and read C|Net's review as well as user reviews. Oh yes, you'll be able to download it from there too.

you can learn more about and/or download this week's Freeware Pick of the Week "Spyware Terminator" right here

If you're mesmerized by this year's candidates or the whole process of primary-to-convention politics and you want to keep up with the latest on the political scene without a lot of hype, tripe, and gripe, you'll love this week's very timely Site Of The Week.

Consider their "About us" page -here's what it says:

"The Politico launched in January, 2007 with the mission of covering the politics of Capitol Hill and of the presidential campaign, and the business of Washington lobbying and advocacy with enterprise, style, and impact. The Politico is a publication of Capitol News Company, LLC."

If you're interested in reading about or keeping up with this historical election year, our Site Of The Week Politico.com is sure to become one of your favorites - at least until the first week in November.