Your Internet-using computer’s safety and health are determined largely by your behavior. Where you go, what you click, and whom you invite in, all have a part in whether your computer is a smooth-running, enjoyable tool, or a plodding, frustrating albatross.
The following list of “Internet Don’ts” is based on a list that I give my clients, in an effort to guide them toward safer Internet behavior. Some items are slightly controversial, and some make folks say, “What? Why not?” Nonetheless, if followed, the list achieves its purpose. If there’s something here that you don’t understand, use Google.com and research the subject. There’s always more to learn!
1. Never open email attachments, unless you are 1000% confident of their content. “Oh, look, Janie must have sent me a picture. Let’s see what it is,” has installed more viruses into computers than anything else. I never open an email attachment unless (a) I know the sender, (b) the attachment is described and named by the sender in the email, and (c) it has been scanned by an updated antivirus program.
2. Never click on anything that says you have won a “prize.”
3. Do not download or install weather “bugs” or trackers. If you want weather updates on the Internet, go to the website of your local TV station.
4. Don’t download wallpapers or screensavers unless you are 1000% sure of their origin.
5. Do not download or install media “players” or “viewers” without first researching their credibility.
6. Do not download or install anything by Eyetide, AWS or Convergence. They make resource-hogging adware and spyware.
7. Do not download or install any file “sharing” or “transfer” program without thoroughly researching the consequences.
8. Here’s the most controversial suggestion, one that really gets some people going: avoid instant messaging! IM is the new favorite of the bad guys, since most folks haven’t even heard that it needs to be protected. Do not download AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, or Microsoft Messenger unless you know they are going to be virus protected, and properly configured. The default settings will not suffice! If you absolutely have to use these programs, download only directly from the original source, as there are malicious fakes available.
9. Don’t download or install any “web search helpers” or “toolbars,” such as CoolWebSearch.
10. Do not download or install any “clock updaters,” or date/schedule “managers.”
11. Do not download or install any “PC Health” or “PC Repair” programs.
12. Here’s another one sure to cause controversy: do not install the software given to you by your Internet service provider! It’s garbage, you don’t need it, and it will only clog up, slow down and compromise your computer. It’s free, because you get what you pay for!
13. Don’t install any “web accelerators,” “download managers,” or anything to “speed up” your Internet connection.
14. Do not visit “questionable” websites (use your imagination).
15. Virus-scan everything!