Archive for July 2011
Many experienced Web users have learned how to recognize spyware, avoid it, and delete it. According to officials at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the national consumer protection agency, all computer users should get wise to the signs that spyware has been installed on their machine, and then take appropriate steps to remove them.
Clues that spyware on the computer include:
- The series of pop-up ads
- Browser hijacked – that is, the browser takes you to sites other than those you type into the address box
- Sudden or repeated change in your computer’s Internet home page
- New and unexpected toolbars
- New and unexpected icons on the system tray at the bottom of your computer screen
- The key does not work (for example, “Tab” key that might not work when you try to switch to the next column in the Web form)
- Random error messages
- Performance is really slow or sluggish when opening programs or saving files
The good news is that consumers can prevent spyware installation. Experts suggest that Kandahar’s do:
* Update your operating system and Web browser software. Your operating system (like Windows or Linux) may offer free software “patches” to close holes in the system that spyware could exploit.
* Download free software only from sites you know and trust. It can be interesting to download free software like games, peer-to-peer file-sharing programs, customized toolbars, or other programs that can modify or customize the functionality of your computer. Be aware, however, that some free software applications bundle other software, including spyware.
* Do not install any software without knowing exactly what it is. Take time to read the end user license agreement (EULA) before downloading any software. If the EULA is hard to find – or difficult to understand – think twice about installing the software.
Minimize “drive-by” downloads. Make sure your browser security settings high enough to detect unauthorized downloads, for example, at least “Medium” setting for Internet Explorer. Keep your browser updated.
* Do not click on any links within pop-up window. If you do, you can install spyware on your computer. Instead, close pop-up window by clicking on the “X” in the title bar.
* Do not click on links in spam that claim to offer anti-spyware software. Some software offered in spam actually installs spyware.
* Install a personal firewall to stop the invited users from accessing your computer. A firewall blocks unauthorized access to your computer and will alert you if spyware already on your computer is sending information out.
Running a company, whether it is considered a small business or large enterprise, requiring the use of information technology applications and infrastructure. Without this in place, productivity will not be as progressive as expected. It is a fact that computers and machines to make things easier and less able to overcome. However, the same mechanism and applications often bog down or develop glitches cause pause if not a complete halt in a day to day company operations. This is where technical support services in.
Technical support services require a team of experienced professionals who are very capable of that ultimate goal is to prevent or correct any application, system or infrastructure companies have in place. They can provide varying resolution through various channels:
• Space – IT technicians or experts who come to your place of operation to make any repairs or necessary solution.
• Remote access – employees of a company allows an IT specialist to gain secure access to their computer via the Internet so that the file transfer, update or repair can be done.
• Helpdesk – some companies only need to call their IT who experienced a problem that IT personnel can walk them through what needs to be done. Helpdesks can be 24 / 7 or on a fixed schedule of nine hours a day.
• Email or chat – technicians can also email the instructions to the company personnel with specific instructions on how to deal with the current IT crisis.
