Protect Yourself Against Malware
The same Internet connection that lets you reach out and touch millions of Web servers, e-mail addresses, and other digital entities across the globe also endangers your PC and the information it contains about you.
Every day, virus, spyware, and adware creators come up with new, ingenious ways to gain access to your PC. These steps will help keep you safe:
Think before you click:
Attached files that end with .exe, .com, .bat, and .scr, as well as scriptable document files, including .doc and .xls, can infect your PC with a single click. Many e-mail programs block access to executable-file attachments.
Use a spam filter:
Though some malware makes its way onto your computer via drive-by browser hijacking, e-mail is its other main source. Install a junk-mail filter to reduce your chances of activating malicious scripts embedded in messages.
Update your antivirus software:
Allowing your antivirus software to continue running after its subscription has expired is actually worse than using no antivirus software at all: Not only do you lack the crucial virus signature database updates, but you expose your system to malware that targets known flaws in antivirus software.
Tips on avoiding Viruses and Worms:
Install antivirus software, update regularly, and use it regularly.
Never open unsolicited e-mail attachments with the file extensions VBS, SHS, or PIF.
Disconnect your network or modem cable when you are not using your computer-or just power it down.
Avoid attachments with sexual file names.
Antivirus software is a software installed on your computer that protects you from viruses. Antivirus software programs can contain between 40,000 - 100,000 "virus definitions" that are updated on a daily or as needed basis.
My personal favorite free antivirus app is Grisoft AVG Anti-Virus Free. In the paid programs, i do recommend Kaspersky anti virus. Its great in work.
Get a second opinion:
Install and use only one antivirus program at a time on your computer because multiple real-time scanners will conflict with one another. If you have doubts about your programs effectiveness, however, use a free online virus scanner, such as Panda Softwares ActiveScan) or Trend Micros HouseCall.
Download with discretion:
Any program you download and run on your system could potentially result in a lethal infection or zombification. Download software only from reputable online sources that first scan all of their download files for any malware.
Use a bidirectional firewall:
Windows XP and Vista each come with a firewall that blocks incoming attacks; it is enabled by default in Windows XP Service Pack 2 and later. For the best protection, you will also want to block unwanted outgoing connections made by malware on your PC that attempts to either connect to a remote server or send out spam.
Vistas firewall can be set up to do that, but configuring it is not a job for the average Windows user. Instead, get one of several free bidirectional firewall programs, such as Zone Labs ZoneAlarm Free, or Agnitums Outpost Firewall Free.
Most commercial security software suites also include a firewall program.
Use antispyware:
Anyone who uses a computer is susceptible to spyware infection. In fact, nine out of 10 Internet-connected PCs are infected with spyware. Spyware threats can be any application that may track your online or offline PC activity. If you use the Internet, its very likely some form of spyware threats are already at work on your PC.
Detecting spyware is tough and spyware removal is even more difficult. Even if you think you have successfully removed an unwanted program manually, a remaining tickler file can trigger a complete reinstallation the next time you start your PC. And as a survival tactic, malware programs often leave similar traces elsewhere on your system so the game of cat and mouse never ends.
Spyware, adware, and some browser cookies slow down your system, cause crashes, and track your online activity. Antispyware utilities work much like antivirus software, detecting and removing the unwanted software from your PC. We picked Webroot Spy Sweeper 5 and NoAdware as our favorite in our "Spyware Fighters" antispyware roundup.
Upgrade from XP:
Service Pack 2 makes Windows XP much safer, but the operating system still has security holes, and it remains a top target for malware authors. Windows Vistas new user access controls ask your permission before launching new programs, which reduces the chances that malware can leap from the Web to your PC automatically, though some Vista bugs have already been found.
Both the Mac OS and Linux offer even stronger safeguards against program launching, and they are rarely the targets of malware attacks, which makes it very unlikely that Web-hosted attacks--or any other kind--will afflict computers running those operating systems.
For more information visit
AntiSpyware
Computer Monitor Shopping Guide
The Advantages of LCD or Flat screen Monitor.
A special feature of our Consul LCD mounting arms is their inter- changeable arm lengths, their flexibility in reach with extension arms and variable height. These mounts adapt to almost all applications involving more than one flatscreen monitor, and they attach securely to any flat surface, desktop or pole. An electric current passed through the liquid causes the crystals to align so that light cannot pass through them. Each crystal, therefore, is like a shutter, either allowing light to pass through or blocking the light. LCD screen has no static, not even to raise a hair on the back of a hand, and the screen and the entire unit is only slightly warm, hardly enough for convection currents. Compare that to placing your hand over the back ducts on a CRT, nearly enough to fry an egg!
Advantage
• The main advantage of LCD displays is that they take up less desk space and are lighter.
• When the beam current of a CRT is increased to boost brightness, the beam spot size also increases, which lowers effective resolution and may yield a soft or fuzzy image.
• There is no flicker on an LCD display because, while a CRT must be refreshed, the LCD has a constant source of light over the whole screen. Once a pixel is on, it stays on until turned off.
• The power required to run an LCD is about one-third of that required for a CRT with the same screen area. In addition, the amount of heat generated by an LCD monitor is considerably less than a CRT monitor, resulting in a lower load on air conditioning.
• LCD prices have been decreasing in recent years. When the total cost of ownership is considered-including savings in power consumption and lifespan-LCDs are now less expensive than many CRTs.
• An LCD is essentially emission-free, while a CRT monitor can generate electric, magnetic and even X-ray emissions due to the high-voltage power supply necessary to drive the CRT. An LCD causes no electromagnetic interference.
Computer Monitor comes in a range of different prices. You can find some forms of cheap computer monitors from as little as Rs.5600 to over Rs.160000. Price ranges for computer monitors general depend on the manufacturers and whether it is a standard monitor, flatscreen monitor or LCD monitor. There are many quality manufacturers of computer monitors like View sonic, NEC, Samsung, Proview, Dell or CTX and many more.
How do I know what type of Computer Monitors I need?
Most of the time all monitors is compatible with your personal computer or laptop. As always check your personal computers manufacturer specifications to be sure that the monitor you are shopping for is right for you.
For more details on Computer Monitor at www.ShoppingSoLow.com
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12 Tips for Using Survey Software
I've been on the receiving end of far too many poorly constructed surveys that required way too much time and energy simply to share my thoughts. Even my favorite local brewery failed to retain my interest during their 20 page long saga of a survey. I have come up with my top ten list of how to conduct surveys without losing contact with your customer.
1. Define the survey's purpose.
Figure out exactly what you want your customers to tell you. For instance, you may want to find out if they are satisfied with your service. Then ask them.
2. Keep it short and sweet.
It shouldn't take a respondent more than 10 minutes to complete a questionnaire. Make it 5 or even 2 minutes or less, if you can manage.
3. Keep it simple.
Make sure respondents will understand the questions. Don't use jargon and don't make the questions too complex.
4. Make demographic questions last.
Keep information that is less crucial to your surveys towards the end, as people will apt to lose interest in your survey.
5. Keep it specific.
Don't ask open-ended questions that will give you a wide range of answers. That will make it difficult to analyze the results. Questions should be either yes or no, or multiple choice.
6. Make it consistent.
If the first question asks your respondents to rate your customer service on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being highly satisfactory, make sure that in subsequent questions, 5 always corresponds to being highly satisfactory.
7. Follow logic.
Make sure that one question leads naturally into another. Usually, the first questions will be broader and the follow-up ones will be more specific.
8. Do a test.
Give the survey to a group of employees or customers. This will tell you how long it takes to complete, and also what, if any, questions they find confusing.
9. Avoid weekends.
10. Send reminders.
If you e-mail the survey, set a deadline to receive the results. A few days before, send a reminder.
11. Entice.
Give your customers a good reason to answer your survey. Offer them a discount or give them a gift certificate. You're asking them to do you a favor, so show your appreciation.
12. Share.
Last, but not least, share the results with your customers and let them know what action you will take. If you need more information, do follow-up surveys. But remember, you're asking them to take the time to help you, so be careful not to abuse that relationship.
Survey software reviews are essential for most businesses. Hopefully this will help those of you conducting surveys to make fewer mistakes the first time you conduct professional feedback for your business...
