Posts Tagged ‘security’

Spyware, Adware and Antivirus

Monday, January 18th, 2010

Adware, spyware and anti-virus software share some similarities, one of which is that all three are major nuisances for computer users. Let’s make a distinction between the three.

Spyware is software that does not necessarily harm your computer. What it does is build links whereby someone else apart from the computer owner can communicate from that computer. Normally spyware records the different kinds of web sites you go to and sends that information to web advertisers, who then later send you unwanted emails and pop-ups.

Which is why spyware is unpopular and avoided. It is more invasive than adware. Spyware has its own separate executable programs, which allow it to record your keystrokes, scan files on your hard disks and look at other applications that you use, including but not limited to chat programs, cookies and Web browser settings.

Spyware then sends the data that it had gathered to the spyware author. The author will then use this information for advertising and marketing purposes. They also sell the information to advertisers and other parties.

Adware, on the other hand, is a more justifiable form of software.. It is similar to spyware but adware is advertising spyware which is packaged into free software or a free program and is installed automatically once that particular program or software is loaded into your computer system.

Some forms of adware, on the other hand, download advertising content when a particular application is being run. Some adware acts like spyware in that it tracks and reports user data to the program’s writers.

The signs of spyware infection include pop-up ads that seem to be unrelated to the site you are viewing. Sometimes spyware pop-ups are advertisements about adult contents. Furthermore, if you become aware of your computer slowing down, there is a big chance that spyware and its components have found their way into your operating system. If Windows desktop takes a long time to load, it is best to scan your computer for spyware infections.

Viruses, on the other hand, are a destructive kind of software. They were designed and created for one reason alone and that is to cause chaos on your computer. They may destroy whatever data they come in contact with, can initiate self replication and then infect as many components of the computer’s operating system or network as possible.

These days, a lot of anti-virus software also offers spyware and adware scanning and removal utilities. They then remove it as well as its components located in the system registry and other places on your computer. It is therefore, good practice to regularly update your anti-virus and anti-spyware scanner to ensure that your computer is protected from the thousands of spyware and viruses in the Internet. Beware of free add-ons or free anything really.

Adware might be spyware in disguise and could be just waiting to be deployed for its writers to gather your data. Learn how to set up a firewall and pop-up blocker in order to minimize the risk of computer infection and ensure the security of all your computer files.

Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with researching the best virus protection software. If you have an interest in such software, please go over to our website now at Computer Antivirus Software

Child Safety Online

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

What is there to say about the world children live in these days? Sexed-up television, pornographic Internet sites and videos and violent board games. A world that is lowering its standards, values, and morals every day, surrounds our children.

What makes it even worse is that we cannot use Parental Controls any more to prevent our children from accessing websites of an adult nature. These days children are knowledgeable about technology and often more so than their parents. How can we keep our children safe from online dangers? How can we as parents provide safety for our children, while still battling the corruption going on around the world?

Parental Controls are available on most types of Internet software, yet today, children are skilled at by-passing these Parental Controls. So, what can we do? We can protect our kids by monitoring their time spent on the Internet closely.

How to use parental controls: It depends on which Internet provider you have, however, I will speak only of the Internet providers I know about, since not all programs are the same. To use AOL Parental Controls, you will have to go to ‘Safety’ on the toolbar and click on ‘Parental Controls’.

Once you get there, you will see a list of usernames available. Search for your child’s username and click on it. You will see a popup window appear. Click on ‘Edit Web Control’ and then click ‘Kids Only’, and close. Now your child is protected against dangerous sites.

Chat rooms pose very serious threats to children, since anyone can go into these rooms. Often predators frequent these areas, in order to entice children into their dangerous network. In the AOL browser, click on ‘Safety’ and then click on ‘Parental Controls’.

In the same way, click on the ‘Edit IM Controls’, ‘Edit E-mail Controls’, and ‘Edit Chat Control’ and complete the same steps as you did to instigate the ‘Parental Controls’.

It is wise to setup passwords. Passwords will offer additional protection and safety to your child. Do not give your child the passwords, since this will give the child control of your Internet connections, and the child might reset the controls.

It is also wise to activate your ‘Popup Controllers’ too, since if you do not turn on the controls, pop ups could corrupt your system, or popup adult content, which your child will see if online. You can go into ‘AOL Safety’ at the toolbar to start these popup guards.

If you use Internet Explorer; open a page. Click on ‘Tools’ at the top menu, then click ‘Popup Blocker’ and then click ‘Popup Blocker Settings’. Read the details carefully and set the program at medium. Medium is the norm and will block most pop ups. If you put the settings higher than medium, you could find it difficult to open websites for browsing.

Some of the dangers presented to children online include: Internet Porn; Child Porn; Child Sexual Abuse; Mobile Porn; and more. So, your child is in danger, and if you want to master safety, you will have to monitor, and take steps to safeguard your child against online dangers.

According to recent surveys, students have encountered sexual malpractices through webcams, instant messengers, and mobile phones. Additional studies show that pornographic websites are making more profit than each of CBS, ABC, and NBC television channels each year. The studies claim that the largest group that views porn sites are children. These children are between the ages of twelve and seventeen.

The statistics revealed that about 74% of all the porn sites had uncontrolled banners, while another 66% of the websites did not give ‘adult content’ warnings. Moreover, another 11% of the sites did not have ’sexually explicit content’ warnings and 25% trapped their visitors by not letting them leave their websites. Only 3% of the websites out of more than 14 millions adult websites requested adult permission for minors to visit. So, protect your child now!

If you are concerned about Child Safety Online or Child Safety in general, please visit our web-based resource.

Keeping Children with Mental Disorders Safe

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009

Who are the predators? Predators are Cyber Stalkers, serial killers/rapists, rapists, paedophiles, women beaters, child abusers, thieves et cetera. Predators often have mental illnesses that keep them from behaving correctly in normal society. Children with mental disorders are often the prey of these predators, and sometimes children with mental illnesses are the predators themselves. In fact, the creator of one of the most serious viruses online came from an eighteen-year old from England.

Dangers mental illnesses: Not everyone with a mental disorder is a threat to society. In general, predators with mental disorders are the victims of sociopathic, psychopathic and anti-social disorders, oppositional defiance, conduct control disorders, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorders (BPD), and psychosis. While there are a few other mental illnesses that present danger to our society, this is a list of the most common potential dangers that wait on the streets and on the Internet.

How to save a child with mental disorders from dangers : Never treat your child as if he/she has a mental disorder. Treat your child as special, yet avoid treating the child as if he/she is mentally ill, because a lot of mentally ill patients are extremely intelligent. Teach your child the same rules that other children have to live by and stick to those rules. Do not leave room for movement when danger is present. Teach your child respect by showing respect yourself.

Children with dangerous mental illnesses will often want to watch pornography, violent images, content, and so forth. This makes it difficult as a parent to protect your child. However, it is important that you enforce the laws. Never put yourself in danger while enforcing these laws, since some children with dangerous problems can be violent.

If the child won’t listen to you, bring in the police and make sure that they do their job to help you enforce the rules. You may have to pay court fees and go through all sorts of rigmarole, but I can promise you that it will benefit you in the end. As a mother who has raised two boys with dangerous mental problems, I can tell you it isn’t easy but it can be done.

Children with mental disorders often have brilliant minds that can usually get past any parental controls and will do so without you even knowing. Take extra time than normal to monitor your child’s behaviour online. Teach your child that divulging personal details is dangerous and encourage them to request your permission when considering giving name, phone number, or other information online.

Allow your child to take some responsibility and always encourage your child to participate in family discussions that involve them. Furthermore, encourage the child to be safety conscious by telling them to report any wrong committed against them.

One of the most difficult things you’ll ever have to do while raising a child with mental health issues is teaching him/her to stay away from violent images and pornography. It is next to impossible to keep them clear of this trash. Still, it can be done if you set a good example for the child to follow.

It is important that you keep talking and listening to your child. Allow your child to express concerns, opinions, ideals, theories and so forth without demeaning the child. You will be astounded at the knowledge children with certain mental disorders have, if you will only listen to them.

The best advice I can give you for dealing with children with major mental illnesses, such as psychopathy, is to seek help and stand firm. For additional child safety advice for children with mental disorders seek advice from a qualified professional.

Note Well: Children learn what they see and hear.

If you are concerned about protecting Children with Mental Disorders or Child Safety in general, just go along to our web-based resource.

Pool Safety For Children

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009

Owning a swimming pool on your property can be a great way to have fun for yourself and your entire family. However, despite that, it can also be very dangerous if you have children about. If you have the patience, you should wait until your kids are at least five years old or more before you put a swimming pool on your property. On the other hand, if you already have a swimming pool, there are ways that you can protect your children.

You should always remember to never, ever, allow your children to be on their own, unsupervised near your pool. Children tend to be attracted to water and it only takes is a second for them to be in the swimming pool. If you and your children are at your pool side and you need to leave the area even for a second, you must always take your children with you.

To be on the safe side, you must always ensure that you have plenty of safety gear around your pool at all times. Safety gear is essential to have on the poolside, as they could save the life of a child or in deed, anyone else who can’t swim.

You should invest in a shepherd’s crook too, as you can use it to pull someone out of the water. Having a phone at your pool is also a wise investment, as you can quickly ring for help in the event of an emergency.

If you don’t already have a fence around your pool you should look into making one. A fence is a great way to keep children from your pool. If you have a protective fence up, you won’t have to worry about little children falling in, while you are away from the pool. When you put your fence up, you should always make sure that it’s at least 6 foot high, with a locking gate. This way, no one can get into the pool without a key, which you should keep on you at all times.

You should learn CPR too. Even though you hopefully will not ever need to use it. It is always good to know artificial respiration in the event of someone falling in your pool that is unable to swim. Whenever you have people you know can’t swim at your pool, you should always stay within reach of them, so you can react instantly if they fall in. A minute can be all it takes to save someone’s life.

Always keep in mind that swimming is fun, although you should always think in terms of safety first. Once you have finished using your pool for the day, make sure that you lock up the area well – and lock the gate up tight so no one can get in.

If you are concerned about child pool safety or Child Safety in general, just visit our web-based resource.

Travelling On A London Flight With A Bomb In My Luggage

Monday, October 19th, 2009

When you check-in for your London flight or in fact any flight from a UK airport since the security concerns have been heightened you are asked a few simple questions. These simple questions are for everyone’s safety.

To make sure you know what is in your case the check-in staff usually ask whether you packed your luggage yourself. This is to make sure you know what is in your bags

This question is asked to see if there was the possibility of anyone putting anything in your cases without your knowledge. It is in everyones benefit that these checks are done and most people appreciate the extra safety precautions.

Despite the many publicised events at airports around the world people still think it is funny to joke about it. Surprisingly there are arrests every month for the passengers who jokingly say, There is a bomb in my bag

There are arrests at airports throughout the UK each month because someone has said ‘there is a bomb in my bag’ The check-in staff have to take these comments seriously and contact the airport police.

Jail sentences are not uncommon and at best a fine and community service is the normal result for people who make these stupid comments. Most people have no sympathy for people who do this kind of thing especially as security is such a sensitive subject these days.

Once a bomb comment is made it is possible for airport and aircraft to be evacuated, which will cause severe disruption and could cause other passengers flights to be delayed thus missing onward connecting flights and facing long waits.

Make sure your luggage is safe at all time and that nobody can interfere with it and make sure anyone travelling with you keeps their jokes to themselves.

Find out about all the different London flights available from all the five London airports and also which airlines have flights from London and to what destinations. Article by travel expert Gordon Brightman of Bargain Sun