Welcome to the Wild Wild Web!
What is this page?
Each day around the world more and more folks join the ranks of internet users. As they enter this new and fascinating web world they easily can fall prey to the undesireables who engage in sending viruses etc, or spreading false stories. Since early 2001 the numbers of these viruses etc have increased in frequency and danger to the average computer user. This page is an attempt to save them some time and trouble as they get accustomed to this new environment.
Some time ago I gathered some things together to send to friends and
relatives who were getting their first email account, as a way to save
them learning things the hard way. The following is that letter, with
some editing to protect the innocent ;} (It goes without saying
that these are suggestions and not dogma -- that things are always changing
and, like any citizen, one needs to keep informed and be aware, especially
when travelling into neighborhoods one has never visited before. Ultimately,
use your best judgment.
If you wish to add to/correct this page, by all means drop
us a line.
1. General Advice to New Arrivals to the Wild Wild Web Net (gathered from a variety of sources & personal experience):
Here are some pointers which may save you the trouble of learning them the hard way (like I did):
a. Get and use a virus scanning software:
Take the time to learn about this -- it's not as hard as it seems at first. UPDATE YOUR VIRUS DEFINITIONS OFTEN.(Some folks use automatic updates, though there are some technical pitfalls for the uninitiated)
b. As a general rule, do not forward anything to anyone until you have covered all the bases (addressed below):
Even if an email comes from someone you know, it may have a virus or worm attached. Requests to forward letters, no matter how noble the cause,or who from, are almost always bogus.
c. BIGGEST RULE: THINK THRICE BEFORE opening an attachment:
In general, even if you know the person, don't open it unless it's something you sent for.
(example: If I sent you some pictures as attachments, they will have .JPG at the end of the file name; I would say, 'hey, these are pictures of my pet qumquat which you asked for, please open' -- otherwise, process the attachment using your filter software's instructions (AVG, PC Tools, Norton,McAfee and other software -- as well as some freeware ones out there -- manage these for you when they hit).
Two wonderful and reliable resources for learning more about -- and protecting -- yourself on the internet are the Windows Secrets Newsletter (formerly Langalist) and Steve Gibson:
PS: By the way, we make no $ for these plugs, we just feel strongly about the quality and reliability of these resources -- both of which have saved us lots of time, headaches and yes,even money, dl
The Internet's quickest, most popular, reliable and trusted, free Internet security checkup and information service. And now in its Port Authority Edition, it's also the most powerful and complete. Check your system here, and begin learning about using the Internet safely. It might be a bit intimidating on the first page, but follow it through and you can learn quite a bit about your computer.
CLICK HERE to check out this award-winning e-newsletter. You'll see how
to get LOTS more from your hardware, software, and time online!
d. CHAIN LETTERS ETC:
You will get alot of convincing letters asking you to help this or that
cause. If someone says, URGENT: PLEASE PASS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS --
treat it with suspicion and ALWAYS check out these things by going
to the following, my favorites:
http://www.snopes.com
Here are the most common letters you'll get, most all of them totally false:
--supposed virus alerts (even if the email says they're "confirmed
by IBM, Microsoft, AOL and Oracle" or some such)
--pending legislation, including email surcharges and taxes
--sick/dying/missing children who need email or prayers
--body part theft rings
--free vacation giveaways
--free money or products from Bill Gates (or Disney or AOL or Nokia
-- or, to those who forward the most emails
--foreign government workers or royalty who will pay you to let them move large
sums of money through your bank account
--or any of many similar chain letters.
e. Sending jokes, pictures, political or spiritual commentaries:
There are different opinions on this, but it has become sort of internet etiquette(netiquette), particularly among persons who work on-line or conduct much business via email, to ask first if someone wants to receive all those funny jokes, pictures & political commentary you get from your Uncle Joe, or from your new on-line friends & relatives. So, before you add someone to your mailist, please ask them if they want to get things -- even humorous or uplifting things -- from you via email. Also, it is an unwritten rule that you should not give out anyone's email without their permission. This can help stem the flow of spam and viruses.
f. Look into filtering software for dealing with UCE (Unsolicited Commercial Email), lovingly known as 'spam').
We talk about this in detail elsewhere.
2. Ways to check out
viruses, hoaxes etc:
Symantec Anti Virus Research Center at http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/index.html
McAfee Associates Virus Hoax List at http://vil.mcafee.com/hoax.asp?
Department of Energy Computer Incident Advisory Capability at
http://ciac.llnl.gov/ciac/CIACHoaxes.html
Debunking online and email hoaxes: http://www.kumite.com/myths/
Datafellows Hoax Warnings at
http://www.Europe.Datafellows.com/news/hoax.htm
Additional resources :
How To Evaluate Internet Research Sources at
http://www.virtualsalt.com/evalu8it.htm
How To Evaluate Information Sources at
http://www.vuw.ac.nz/~agsmith/evaln/evaln.htm
FIREWALLS:
Even if you do all of the above, you need to check out the whole matter of firewalls, which are software or hardware shields which make it virtually impossible for someone scanning the internet to gain entry to your computer. A technical background might help, but the site and softward made by Steve Gibson can help you with this most important aspect of securing your personal computer.
To learn more and link to Gibson, please go to our tech page to learn one important step you must take to be sure your computer is not accessed by hackers or thieves. This is particularly true if you have an always-on connection such as DSL or cable modem. Take the test linked there to see how vulnerable your windows computer is to hackers.
That said -- the internet has endless possibilities to enrich one's life and knowledge. Do enjoy, but knowing the pitfalls can make your time on-line a great deal more worthwhile. ENJOY.
This
has been a gathering of 'wisdom' from a variety of sources. So, if you
want to add your own words of advice here, or suggest some editing of
the above, please feel free to drop me a line.
Dana Lewis