Vermont Graphic Design and Search Engine Optimization

I mentioned I was going to do a write-up on some free security programs out there to help protect yourself online. And I sat down with a detailed plan. Then the sheer volume of available software became daunting. So, with a bit of an explanation..I’m just going to list the ones I’ve used through the years.

Virus killing Vermont Style

Either on my own system or on clients machines.
Be it in their home, small office or giant car dealership campus art licensing company both with hundreds of users.Both employees or guest.

I will start with my personal favorite Avast Anti Virus.
I started using this company years ago. Being fed up with Norton and McAfee eating up my system resources and trying to put a shell over the shell that is windows.

They started as just an anti-virus platform and in recent years have evolved to offer a ‘full security suite’.

Anti virus
firewall
anti malware

It will scan your downloads for nasties. Keep an eye on your chat messaging for hidden and unwanted visitors. Check the website you’re visiting for security or trojans etc.

Very powerful. Very easy to install.Use and update. And very darn cheap with a free version and a $29 retail FULL Version. The updates are free. They update often.

And if you have your audio turned on..it can be almost annoying or surprising when you hear the audio update synthetic human telling you your update is complete.

I have personally deployed this an every computer I’ve ever been called upon to fix from some stupid virus or Trojan from individual users. Plus across 4 giant corporate networks.
Bottom line if it’s on(and you can lock it so it can’t be shut off with out password.) You are about as safe as you can be.

*Quick note if you wind up using Avast or other such software, make sure you turn off your Windows Firewall as running two firewalls at the same time can slow you down or cause connection issues.

As for anti spy-ware & malware the choices can’t be counted on your fingers and toes.

But would I recommend.

Malwarebytes.

Easy user interface.Again free with a retail option.and it works.

Spybot Search and Destroy.

Now SS&D has been around forever it seems. And maybe their graphics show this. But its seemingly done as an act of love(or maybe hate) by some crazed group of coders hell bent on keeping you system clean from spyware/malware/ninjas etc.

You can give to their cause at their website.But the software is free and updated pretty darn often. And heck..its called SPYBOT SEARCH and DESTROY..it sounds like a retro sci-fi movie.

Im gonna sign off now.But will revisit and expand upon this very soon.

Thanks for stopping by.

Must go contemplate the meanings of Graphic Design for client.

So this might seem like old news to many of us. But to some basic internet security is a mystery. Even for some expert bloggers and guru types. Case in point, this morning in my email was a Twitter alert that a former associate (here in as JT) had sent me a direct message. Hoping that perhaps it was some sort of work requests opened the Twit.

From novice to expert somethings to consider

It was short and sweet as Twitter message are designed. But rather than the hoped for request, it was a message stating that ‘Some whore was talking trash about me’ Well to paraphrase.

Now I know this former associate via the internet and telecommuting only. But knowing the people he works with as good upstanding people who aren’t seemingly involved in the darker side of the internet I was a bit confounded.

So I took a screen shot and sent it to “JT” and got a rapid reply. A polite apology and an update to what was going on . Apparently his account was having some mysterious activity and this was just another case of this Scoobi-Doo type mystery. So off JT went to correct some Twitter suggested changes. And off I went with the brainstorm of an idea for this post.

So what can we all do to make sure our websites, blogs, social networking profiles, bank accounts etc… Stay safe. here are a few quick tips.

Dont use simple passwords that are easy to figure out by people who know you or strangers.
Keep your machine clean of spyware and malignant cookies, viri or malware.
Make sure you have a fully functioning firewall running.
Be aware of your surroundings either online or in the real. It’s easy to glance over some ones shoulder at just the wrong time for you.
Dont sign up for every offer you get in your email . Many or most of them are some sort of scam looking to bilk you out of personal information.
With regards to your password use some Capitol letters perhaps a *%#$ special character or number.
Dont use your name, site title, family members birthdays etc..
Try not to use the same password for every account or profile..Tempting to do but once one is cracked they can all fall down quickly.

Now if your online (and here is the tinfoil paranoid sounding part). Your not that secure. If a hacker or sinister Botnet wants to get your information..they probably will. Just ask any giant company or governmental agency..Hackers are trying to get in. But unless your working for some super secret R&D group or are privy to military secrets, shouldnt be to
much to worry about. And most of these basic practices will keep you safe.

If you’re looking to have your pc secured drop me a line and I will happily set up a time to meet with you via phone,internet or if possible in person. Or check around and look for a reliable IT Support company in your area.

I’ll publish a list of some helpful and free software later today to give you a hand.
And something we all should keep in mind be you a novice or expert.

Share this:

Share this: