Ravi Saive: A Technology Blog For Newbies

The virtual world of internet is a mystifying and complex place. While you enjoy surfing the numerous websites available, your computer may be inflicted by viruses and worms which are potentially damaging. You may be ignorant of the abundant ways which can adversely affect your computer only to trouble you in various ways later on. You may refrain yourself from visiting an apparently unsafe website which can actually be an authentic place to surf and benefit. Being clever enough to remain anonymous may not work. The web browser can play foul. It can reveal significant information about your computer to the websites surfed, opening up the Pandora’s Box of troubles.

Your web browser furnishes most of the information by design. Business portals can gain insight from the information to improve the way the web works. For instance, knowing that 50 percent of a site’s visitors have a screen measuring a specific unit, could be helpful for the designer of that page. However, this information can be misused without any second opinion.

1) Be Pro-active - Act before it gets too late. You can effortlessly get some of the best anti-virus tools installed in your computer. Operating without anti-virus applications is inviting trouble with acceleration. Be careful to use only credible anti-viruses, such as Norton Antivirus Tools. You may want to get one freely available on the internet, but ensue to check its reliability.

2) Think before clicking your mouse - When searching a site, you may be immediately redirected (or asked to redirect) to another location. This can be an indicator of a potential hacking or infection. Avoid such sites; even if you have browsed it, close down as fast as possible. There are tons of pop-ups displaying alluring “prize money” or advertisements only to track your personal data. These are strictly prohibited. Websites displaying multiple pop-ups on their home-pages are supposedly a host of viruses.

3) Check the security factor - The security level should feasibly remain medium or moderate. Websites prompting for reduced security to display specific features can be harmful. If the content is worth browsing, it can accommodate within the firewall. Web browser stores information about the web page visited, to expedite surfing. This essentially avoids downloading information multiple times. You can clear your browser storage regularly for safety.

4) Avoid the unknown - Just as you would follow in real life - avoid the unknown in virtual world. If you receive a file download window appearing on its own, consider it to be a warning signal. Do not access the file. Sometimes, the files (or file name) may be too alluring to discard or ignore. Think logically
before acting. Your system follows commands and does not work on its own. It can be a Trojan or a virus which would reveal your computer to damage in multiple ways.

5) Be extra careful when working on a public forum - When you are in a public forum, many sources can easily track you. Take caution when dealing with one. Avoid sharing confidential information publicly. Do not rely on changed identity or anonymity. The hacker is cleverer than you to divulge the hidden information. Be particular about sharing your bank details, password, etc. which are extremely confidential.

Simple tools, when accompanied by logic and common sense, can provide safe and fruitful surfing.