5 Ways to Use the Internet Safer
By Timothy Tibbettson 06/16/2023 |
We want to share our 20 years of computer experience with you to show you just how easy it is to be safer on the internet based on the most common, repeated mistakes we have seen, including hundreds of thousands of posts in our support forums.
5: Due diligence
We all love to surf the web, but you can be a little more careful with your everyday habits. Don't download something unless you trust the source, for example, Majorgeeks. com.
Don't type in a web address but use a trusted search engine like Google that can suggest what you are looking for or correct a misspelled website. If you make a typo, and I make many of them, you could go to the parked domain and get infected. Use your bookmarks.
Did something just pop up on your screen? Don't be in such a hurry to close it because sometimes clicking anywhere on a popup type of window could execute whatever it is. Often this includes a fake X button. Instead, look for the actual close button.
We usually are opposed to toolbars unless it is something you really need. WOT is a toolbar that attempts to warn you if you are safe or not. The downside is that the readers determine these results with what appears to be no system of making sure the information is accurate. Majorgeeks, for example, is rated a 93 out of 100 because mixed in these reviews are people who just don't know what they're talking about. Overall you can count on WOT to warn you of dangerous websites.
4: Downloading
I love downloading stuff, and I bet you do too! If you are downloading the latest, greatest movie or MP3’s from your then odds are they cost money. If you are not sure, don't do it. Many years ago, I used to love to remind people that free is not accessible, especially with adult content. The times are changing, and now free adult sites are available. Majorgeeks tries to stay PG-13, but I must at least point you in the right direction - google it because if we type the name, Google hurts us on search ranking and bans the page... Thanks, Google. File-sharing programs are usually not sharing free downloads but pirated software. Don't make a mistake that could cost you your internet connection or a lawsuit.
If you like arcade games, we keep a small website going called DemoNews.com that has a ton of safe arcade-style games.
3: Manage your email account better
Keep two email accounts. Use one email when unsure and another for trusted friends and companies. That friend who forwards you links all the time? Guess which one he or she should be in?
Use the unsubscribe link carefully. Again if it is a trusted company or website, it is usually ok. If it isn't, your email went to one of those spammer lists we just mentioned to be shared forever.
We used to suggest different spam filters or email programs, but the spammers are fast, intelligent, and aggressive. If you have a decent email client, then the odds are you already filter some of your emails. If you want our recommendations, try our Top Freeware Picks.
Do not open file attachments unless you were expecting them, even from a trusted source.
Never click links in your email. These can be phishing attempts meaning they look like a good link but will take you to a rogue website. If your bank emails you, open your browser and log in yourself to be sure.
Finally, you didn't win an overseas lottery, some prince is not sending you 14.1 million, and Viagra is expensive (I mean, that's what I hear). It is what it is.
In this video, I had some fun opening up spam emails just to show you how quickly you can lose control:
2: Your passwords probably suck
Are you using your pet's name, birthday, nickname, or some word you like to remember your passwords? Are you using the same password on multiple sites? Do you think adding 12345 to your pet's name makes it secure? Many of us have heard about using 6-8 letter passwords with a combination of letters, numbers, and cases, but very few take the extra steps.
At the risk of sounding like I am advertising this program, I LOVE Roboform Desktop. It generates passwords, automates website logins, and ensures you are on the appropriate website that you are logging into. This is AWESOME if you forgot everything that I told you above. There are other programs; there are even some free ones for ten bucks a year. I stick with RoboForm. Do you know what my bank password is? Me neither. RoboForm generated it, and it's too complicated to remember. You need one master password to get into the program, which can then log you into all your saved accounts that you generated passwords. Using your pet's name would still suck as the master password.
Here is a video I did on using Roboform. It is one of our older videos, and the program is even more advanced now.
Worst case scenario at least protects your accounts that have any of your financial information. Write those passwords down and keep them in a drawer somewhere.
1: Pedal to the metal baby! (Not)
Did you see a recurring theme above? I hope so. Slow down! Many of the problems we have written about come about because people click too fast without reading what they are clicking on. People also love to both deny and ignore this simple advice. You decide.
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5: Due diligence
We all love to surf the web, but you can be a little more careful with your everyday habits. Don't download something unless you trust the source, for example, Majorgeeks. com.
Don't type in a web address but use a trusted search engine like Google that can suggest what you are looking for or correct a misspelled website. If you make a typo, and I make many of them, you could go to the parked domain and get infected. Use your bookmarks.
Did something just pop up on your screen? Don't be in such a hurry to close it because sometimes clicking anywhere on a popup type of window could execute whatever it is. Often this includes a fake X button. Instead, look for the actual close button.
We usually are opposed to toolbars unless it is something you really need. WOT is a toolbar that attempts to warn you if you are safe or not. The downside is that the readers determine these results with what appears to be no system of making sure the information is accurate. Majorgeeks, for example, is rated a 93 out of 100 because mixed in these reviews are people who just don't know what they're talking about. Overall you can count on WOT to warn you of dangerous websites.
4: Downloading
I love downloading stuff, and I bet you do too! If you are downloading the latest, greatest movie or MP3’s from your then odds are they cost money. If you are not sure, don't do it. Many years ago, I used to love to remind people that free is not accessible, especially with adult content. The times are changing, and now free adult sites are available. Majorgeeks tries to stay PG-13, but I must at least point you in the right direction - google it because if we type the name, Google hurts us on search ranking and bans the page... Thanks, Google. File-sharing programs are usually not sharing free downloads but pirated software. Don't make a mistake that could cost you your internet connection or a lawsuit.
If you like arcade games, we keep a small website going called DemoNews.com that has a ton of safe arcade-style games.
3: Manage your email account better
Keep two email accounts. Use one email when unsure and another for trusted friends and companies. That friend who forwards you links all the time? Guess which one he or she should be in?
Use the unsubscribe link carefully. Again if it is a trusted company or website, it is usually ok. If it isn't, your email went to one of those spammer lists we just mentioned to be shared forever.
We used to suggest different spam filters or email programs, but the spammers are fast, intelligent, and aggressive. If you have a decent email client, then the odds are you already filter some of your emails. If you want our recommendations, try our Top Freeware Picks.
Do not open file attachments unless you were expecting them, even from a trusted source.
Never click links in your email. These can be phishing attempts meaning they look like a good link but will take you to a rogue website. If your bank emails you, open your browser and log in yourself to be sure.
Finally, you didn't win an overseas lottery, some prince is not sending you 14.1 million, and Viagra is expensive (I mean, that's what I hear). It is what it is.
In this video, I had some fun opening up spam emails just to show you how quickly you can lose control:
2: Your passwords probably suck
Are you using your pet's name, birthday, nickname, or some word you like to remember your passwords? Are you using the same password on multiple sites? Do you think adding 12345 to your pet's name makes it secure? Many of us have heard about using 6-8 letter passwords with a combination of letters, numbers, and cases, but very few take the extra steps.
At the risk of sounding like I am advertising this program, I LOVE Roboform Desktop. It generates passwords, automates website logins, and ensures you are on the appropriate website that you are logging into. This is AWESOME if you forgot everything that I told you above. There are other programs; there are even some free ones for ten bucks a year. I stick with RoboForm. Do you know what my bank password is? Me neither. RoboForm generated it, and it's too complicated to remember. You need one master password to get into the program, which can then log you into all your saved accounts that you generated passwords. Using your pet's name would still suck as the master password.
Here is a video I did on using Roboform. It is one of our older videos, and the program is even more advanced now.
Worst case scenario at least protects your accounts that have any of your financial information. Write those passwords down and keep them in a drawer somewhere.
1: Pedal to the metal baby! (Not)
Did you see a recurring theme above? I hope so. Slow down! Many of the problems we have written about come about because people click too fast without reading what they are clicking on. People also love to both deny and ignore this simple advice. You decide.
comments powered by Disqus
