A word about computer use and safety:

If you are going to let someone fix your computer by remote, FIRST make SURE it is someone you trust completely.  A family member who doesn't steal (LOL I realize the two for some people go together but it can't always be assumed); A longtime friend you'd trust with your house while you're away, that sort of thing.  Even so, by all means, put all sensitive files behind passwords, clear all your caches, and don't give them carte blanche on your computer.  If they are fixing your computer remotely this is safer than just handing it over, because TeamViewer can be used in such a way as they will only be able to access your computer WHILE YOU WATCH THEM,  with a random password that is only good for as long as the software is open for that set of times--once you close team viewer, that password is no longer any good.  Read the security information at the site for details on the encryption, etc. for more details on safety of the software.  I suppose that if I was fast and really sneaky I could slip some malware by you, but the fact of the matter is, that if you will see WHERE i get any files I put onto your computer from, if you will see any changes I make, and if you can ask as many questions as you like and if I don't mind answering them at all, if in fact the more you know, the better I like it--this is probably a computer geek you can trust...

I get all the software and registry changes I use from reputable sites on the web, and I will get the links and put them here, please hover over them and check that they read as what they say they are--i.e. if it's JavaRa, that it says SingularLabs.com, etc and not a distortion of the real site's name.  .  In fact if it looks wonky, search on google and find the legitimate link--you'll probably know it when you see it.  I am not sure if people can hack blogs, but I am guessing it's possible--so if someone changes my links and I haven't noticed it yet, Please by all means let me know.  This advice goes for ANY site you click links on--HOVER on the link text and read the http address and make sure it is legitimate BEFORE you click--if it's not FOR SURE a trusted site, and the link is gibberish or misspelled do NOT click on it.  This is a major source of Malware, Trojans, and Viruses, as well as a way to get you to Phishing sites where they get you to enter your personal info and steal it.  I double- triple- and quadruple- check the software I suggest to make sure it is ordinarily Malware-Free.  But there is NO substitute for good Malware/Antivirus Software and your own good sense.  If it seems to good to be true, it probably is.   You'll find I ask you to think and reason and do things for yourself--this is because there isn't any such thing as a free Lunch....

Well, i guess the other thing to warn you about is phony Malware/Antivirus removal/protection schemes and downloading pirated software/music/films.  These two things are the OTHER major source of horrible malware/trojans/viruses on the Web.  before you accept the help of any program or company saying they'll speed up/clean up your computer, search on the name of their company and their software with the word "scam" and then the word "malware" and see if you get hits and read the reviews.  If it's legitimate you'll see places like "PC World" and CNet and so forth recommending it and no complaints that it completely wrecked someone's computer.  If you see those--BEWARE.  And the latter?  The "free" software/music/films that you should have paid for?  Besides the obvious ethics issues--i'll not judge at this moment--I have heard from hackers/crackers that companies hire them to put malware, etc into some of those files on purpose to stick it to the cheaters who can't be bothered to listen to the law, let alone their conscience.  This is borne out by how many people I've heard who have horrible infestations who also download media they aren't entitled to.  Just don't do it--it's incredibly cheap to rent or buy, or get Netflix/ Amazon Prime, whatever (like 6-7 bux a month for either one) and your computer and your inner self will both probably thank you.

 

If you search on your computer issue and find a registry "hack" or free software or company who says they'll fix it, do a little research before you go ahead and do it.  A few minutes on Google checking can save you hours of heartache if the person you found the info from is malicious--and if you get a call or someone on the phone EVER offers to fix your computer--NONONONO.  This is a well known scam, as are the emails saying they'll do the same things...in fact any unsolicited email should just be deleted without opening, any email with attachments even if it's from your bank or a business, should be viewed with a great deal of suspicion.  If it asks for any personal info, skip it altogether, and call or go directly to the company's website (not the link in the email) and go from there.  Your bank will NEVER ask for any info in an email, nor will it send you an attachment. PERIOD.  Nor will it "close your account" if you don't update.PERIOD.

 

I think i've covered the major security issues that can lead to your computer being messed up or your info being stolen due to something YOU do.  It can still get messed up or your info stolen anyway, just by virtue of being a computer on the web, but that can't be helped.  We just monitor our accounts and cross our fingers on that one. :)