Network Security

Archive for November, 2011

Which is the best antivirus software for your home PC? When asked this question, I believe no one can give us a clear and persuasive answer. Different products have their own advantages and traits. They may have different layout, performance, functions, etc. There are thousands of reviews on antivirus and security software; here I just want to share my own experience.

I used to install Kaspersky Antivirus, which is well known for its fast performance and amazing security capabilities. It is described as no slowing down the computer at all, but in actual use, I found my computer ran a little bit slow after installing it. The protection I received from it for 13 months had kept my computer free of all invasions, and infections. I have to admit its good performance, and multiple functions, but I also hold a view that the price is a little expensive. So one year later, I tried BitDefender Antivirus.

The price of BitDefender Antivirus is quite affordable. It is said to be among top 10 antivirus list. You may hold the view: you get what you pay for. But to BitDefender Antivirus, the logic is totally wrong. BitDefender Antivirus is cheap, which does not mean it is less functional or worse performance. With its advanced technology algorithms and methods to identify security risks and blocks threats even before they try to harm your computer, BitDefender Antivirus offers advanced proactive protection to your computer. However, it’s still not that perfect, because BitDefender does not have a substitute, and it is generally incompatible with third-party Anti-Spyware, Anti-Trojan software.

Now I’m using ESET Smart Security 5. It performs a really good job, as evaluated by someone: ESET offers the world’s fastest and most effective proactive antivirus and antispyware protection for your computer. However, as nothing is perfect, the price of ESET is also a little expensive.

No matter what view you may hold, they are all good products. They have their own traits, what you need to do, is choosing the one you like best or trying one by one to seek for a more perfect one. Hope you will have a good working mode and never be interrupted by virus invasions.

You may wonder who would want to break into your computer at home and how they make it. Below is an overview of the security risks and countermeasures associated with Internet connectivity for the average home user.

Intruders (also named hackers or crackers) are motivated by a multitude of reasons, including profit, protest, or because of the challenge. You may not be their final target, but still intruded by them. One purpose of gaining control of your computer is to use it to launch attacks on other computer systems. Coz the control of your computer gives them the ability to hide their true location as they launch attacks. Once your computer is intruded by a hacker, all your actions and activities are under control of them, they may cause damage to your computer by reformatting your hard drive or changing your data.

The efficient way to solve this problem is to keep your OS and applications updated, install a network security and vulnerability scanner that allows auditing and monitoring network computers for possible vulnerabilities. For an average home user, there’s no better way.

One friend told me his computer got a blue screen when he tried to open a PPT, which annoyed him a lot. I recalled my own experience of getting this system crash.

The words “A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer” displayed on the screen, and the fail of Microsoft Windows almost drove me crazy.

What the hell is blue screen of death? So many reasons may lead to this system error. I think what people really concern is how to fix it, not the cause of it.

Here’s one simple tip:

Start your computer in safe mode, and possibly eliminate the virus file, driver, or device that is causing the system to lock up.

There is a video tutorial for this, which may be helpful if your PC is not start normally.

Here’s the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oITxnPGSHvM

Hope this simple guide on how to fix BSOD will put you in the right direction for putting a stop to this most annoying crash.

Below are sone quick tips for not getting hacked .

1. Don’t accept pop-ups or prompts for software unless you’re armed with web scanner software.

2. Don’t post or submit confidential personal data.

3. Change password at least once per month.

4. Don’t let others access their social networks on your computer.

5. Don’t auto save your password, and clear your history at least weekly.

6. Don’t accept friend requests or request friends that you don’t know.

Reference: http://blogs.hightechhigh.org/bscott/category/science/

I have a very naughty 8-year-old boy. He likes playing, hates study, he doesn’t listen to anyone, and even the teachers complain about him, I’m a totally out-of-control mother.

Recently he is so addicted to video games. My concerns are that some games tend to have some extreme violence and sexuality. It’s hard for me to control over this. As for social networking site, I have even less control over what he is seeing and sharing with others. He may easily trust others and post his personal information in public spaces, which may bring unknown potential risks.

BUT his teacher advises that children who have computers at home are more likely to be technologically literate than children who do not. Things are changing quickly, especially the tech world, and we have to keep up with this cyber world to make sure we are not falling behind, especially the children. Practical tips for parents are: guide them not monitor, listen to them not order, and encourage them instead of blaming.

As very coin has two sides, despite all these potential risks, it brings something good too.

There are some useful educational software such as student tools and science software, which may help with his study and improve his knowledge.

As for games, I download some brain games, such as plants vs zombies, angry birds, and Ballance, which may cultivate his analyzing ability, cognitive skills, and improve his memory, while bringing him happiness and fun.

My son loves me so much, and he is willing to listen to me, for I respect him, care about him, and understand him.

Notwithstanding her naughtiness, I love my little boy.

I’m sure his naughtiness will soon become a history.