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Surfing The Web Safely
There a number of tools that will help browsing the world wide web, here are just some - all free.
Recommended Web Browsers
Your Web Browser is the application that you will interactive with most while using the Internet, so it is important that it is up to date and safe. The majority of browsers now offer features such as popup blocking to stop those adverts popping up while viewing a site and password saving for websites that you have to sign up to and register / login with. But some are still better than others - here's our recommendations.
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Name: Mozilla Firefox
Latest Version: 2
Platform: PC & Mac
About: Firefox has become one of the most popular browsers on the Internet today, with a market share of 34% it isn't far behind Microsoft's Internet Explorer, but many will state that it is light years ahead in terms of safety (popup blocking, online scam protection) and browser experience (personalise your browser with extensions and themes).
Link: www.mozilla.com/firefox |
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Name: Apple Safari
Latest Version: 3
Platform: PC & Mac
About: Safari has until now been only available on Apple Mac's own OS X, but now they have released a brand new version for PC and have promised that Safari is the quickest and most stylish browser available. See for yourself!
Link: www.apple.com/uk/safari |
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Name: Opera
Latest Version: 9
Platform: PC & Mac
About: Hosting a series of fantastic features, Opera is a great little browser that likes to act big. It's easy to use and as with everything in this tutorial - it's secure.
Link: www.opera.com/products/desktop |
There are many other very good browsers out there, Flock (designed for Social Networking) and Camino (built especially for Mac) are just two others worth investigating.
Anti Virus
The computer virus was the first major worry to infect the Internet when surfing the web became popular and it is still a major problem, but there are simple ways of protecting yourself. Along with a good virus scanner, just being aware of what you are doing online will cut the chances of getting a virus on your computer. Don't open any email attachments from people you do not know and only download files from the Internet via reputable websites.
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Name: AVG Anti-Virus (Free Edition)
Latest Version: 7.5
Platform: PC
About: AVG is the best free anti-virus software around, with automatic updates via the web and regular scheduled scans it won't rob your system of precious memory or performance, but it will keep things safe. Also checks for viruses when receiving and sending emails.
Link: free.grisoft.com |
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Name: ClamXav
Latest Version: 1
Platform: Mac
About: If you are reading this while using your Mac, we're sure that you will be aware that Mac's don't get viruses, so why do you need a virus scanner? Well, Mac users should still be vigilant against email attachments and downloading files from the Internet as these attachments and files could end up on a PC, if you forward on an email to a friend or if you take your newly downloaded file to a PC. Better safe than sorry if you are using both a Mac and PC!
Link: www.clamxav.com |
Your Anti-virus software must be kept up to date to make the software as effective as possible.
Firewall
A Firewall will put a protective barrier across your internet connection and stop any malicious programs or indeed people trying to get into your computer. A firewall will only allow authorised software to get through the wall.
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Name: ZoneAlarm
Latest Version: 7
Platform: PC
About: Zone Alarm is one of the best, free Firewalls. It allows you to monitor programs that access the Internet - and to block any programs that you think shouldn't be accessing the Internet. It also blocks any atempt to access your computer from the outside world. Highly recommended especially if you are connecting to the Internet via a modem and not through a router which will more than likely have it's own hardware firewall.
Link: www.zonealarm.com |
Apple Mac's OS X has it's own Firewall built into the Operating Software, to activate it just click on 'System Preferences' with the apple menu in Finder, then click on 'Sharing' - the second tab is called 'Firewall' and this will allow you to set up the security functions for various scenarios.
Note: Many wireless routers will have a firewall, but this only stops malicious communications coming in, also it's not as portable as a laptop so you'll want a firewall with you at all times if you plan to connect to other networks on your laptop. A firewall on your computer as well as on your router is the best solution offering you twice the protection.
Spyware / Adware
Spyware is becoming a bigger threat to your personal computer, probably not as dangerous as a virus - but spyware (and adware) can be just as annoying once on your system. Spyware programs can collect various types of personal information, it can also interfere with the computer in other ways, such as installing additional software, redirecting Web browser activity (adware / popup's), or diverting advertising revenue to a third party.
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Name: Ad Aware 2007 (Free version)
Latest Version: 2007
Platform: PC
About: One of the most highly recommended spy ware programs around, Ad Aware will quickly and thoroughly scan your computer and remove any malicious software programs that it finds.
Link: http://www.lavasoft.de |
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Name: Microsoft Defender
Platform: PC
About: Microsoft's very own spyware detector and shield which will detect and seek any spyware on your computer making your web experience safer.
Link: www.microsoft.com |
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Name: Spybot - Search & Destroy
Latest Version: 1.4
Platform: PC
About: One of the original spyware applications, Spybot Search & Destroy does exactly that and to great effect.
Link: www.safer-networking.org
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Having all this software is one thing, but as a user you've got to be aware of what's on the Internet and only visit sites that you know you can trust.
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