Lelan's Computer Tips
Following are some tips and tools I have found helpful for safer online experiences.
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To ward off ugly creatures I have my AntiVirus and Windows set for AUTO UPDATES but I also do a manual update on my system at least weekly. |
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To get Microsoft updates open Internet Explorer, click TOOLS then click Windows Update. |
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Cleaning and Defragmenting your hard drive often is a very good idea and time well spent … I use CCleaner and Defraggler. |
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When a problem occurs … close all programs and RESTART your computer … more often than not your computer will fix itself. |
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It is VERY important to have a good ANTI-VIRUS program and UPDATED definitions. |
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There are “writers” busy creating Malware (see definitions below) around the clock and are floating around cyberspace attacking innocent computers. |
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So please keep your anti-virus software updated. |
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For more info on Basic Security Protection check out |
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So your email was hacked. Now what? |
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SOME BASIC TIPS |
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It is ALWAYS a safe practice to NOT open attachments or links from an unknown source or from a known source if you were not expecting an attachment. |
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You can and will get email notes that appear to come from someone you know and they will have had NOTHING to do with sending it to you. |
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Check websites BEFORE opening the link |
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When you get a note that seems “too good to be true” please take the time to check it out or before you pass it on to your entire address list - I trust the first one a bit more. |
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Wonder about some actions in the US Congress, check it out at |
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If you get a note that seems to come from your bank, credit card company, etc do NOT click on the link in the note. DELETE the Note. |
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Go to your bank or credit card company's web site from your browser and check it out or call them. |
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Before opening a file from a USB Flash Drive, external drive, floppy disk, etc … scan it for viruses … a few seconds can save you hours. |
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What are the email etiquette rules? |
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Most Important Rules of Email Netiquette |
www.email.about.com/od/emailnetiquette/tp/core_netiquette.htm |
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PASSWORDS |
… is your password strong enough to protect your stuff? |
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6 rules for safer financial transactions online |
www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/finances-rules.aspx |
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www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/password-checker.aspx |
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www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/passwords-create.aspx |
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How to Keep Crooks from Cracking Your Password |
www.home.mcafee.com/AdviceCenter/Default.aspx?id=rs_na_su11article1 |
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SOME TOOLS and SITES I USE - MOST ARE FREE FOR PERSONAL USE |
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Microsoft Security Essentials |
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CCleaner (freeware system optimization) |
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Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware - run this if you think something may have slipped thru |
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Panda USB Vaccine will check anything you plug into a USB port |
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Secunia Personal Software Inspector (PSI) ... this will monitor your software and alert you when they become outdated. |
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McAfee SiteAdvisor is free |
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Web Of Trust (WOT) |
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Check websites BEFORE opening the link |
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You can perform a free security check on your computer at |
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The Belarc Advisor builds a detailed profile of your installed software and hardware |
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Need more memory … check out these sites |
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I use Internet Explorer 9 for most things, but I also have the Google Chrome and Firefox browsers loaded and use them for some tasks. |
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There are many good search engines |
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TO CLEAN UP A COMPUTER … |
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Download, Install and Run Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware run it a couple times until no bad guys are found. |
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Download, Install and Run CCleaner (freeware system optimization) run both modes General Cleanup and System Cleanup |
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Use Defraggler to defrag your entire hard drive, or individual files - unique in the industry. |
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Open Control Panel and then Add / Remove Programs to uninstall programs that you do not use be careful because some are support for other software |
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Download, Install and Run Panda USB Vaccine this will scan any thumb drive you insert and clean it up |
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Download, Install and Run Secunia Personal Software Inspector (PSI) this will scan your software and let you know of any that need to be updated |
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Download, Install and Run Belarc Advisor builds a detailed profile of your installed software and hardware |
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Defrag your hard drive … a couple times |
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Make sure your antivirus software is updated |
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A very good free antivirus is Microsoft Security Essentials |
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Microsoft Fix it Center can be helpful in resolving problems |
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You can perform a free security check on your computer at |
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FREE SOFTWARE |
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Antivirus software: Microsoft Security Essentials |
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Anti-spyware programs: |
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Microsoft Windows Defender |
www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx |
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Ad-Aware |
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Spybot Search & Destroy |
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Firewalls: Zone Alarm |
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INFO SOURCES |
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The Kim Komando Show is on the radio in Amarillo 710 AM Saturday afternoon has practical and helpful tips, buying guide and downloads. |
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Free security software to protect your PC from malware |
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A comparison of Anti-Virus and Spyware software worth checking out |
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Good Source for Free Software |
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Steps you can take to improve your computer's security |
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Some really practical information can be found at |
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Good sources for computer news |
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The Microsoft Support Center- a great place to start software problem solving |
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A FEW DEFINITIONS |
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malware |
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adware |
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computer viruses |
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crimeware |
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phishing |
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rootkits |
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scareware |
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spam |
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spyware |
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trojan horses |
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worms |
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SOME RECOMMENDED COMPUTER SPECS |
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Simmons College |
www.my.simmons.edu/services/technology/purchasing/minimum.shtml |
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University of San Diego |
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University of Kansas |
Please direct any comments to: Lelan@LelanCallaway.com
Last updated: February 16, 2012