Serving a Cookie While Surfing Really Is Possible

When hearing the terms “surf the net”, or “cookies” and”servers”, many users may begin to wonder if they will need a glass of milk or a wet suit to make it through the confusion of the internet. However, these terms can be easily explained so that everyone can understand even the most technical terms.

Server

A web server is essentially a host computer that serves up the web pages that are being requested through a user’s browser. When a web address is typed in to the address bar of a browser, the server retrieves that page from the web and presents it to the computer that is requesting it.

Cookies

The simplest definition of a cookie is a message that is passed from a website’s server and placed on a user’s computer hard drive or browser. There has been a great deal of publicity about cookies and privacy issues, however these pieces of information are generally used by a website in order to make the browsing experience more enjoyable. Cookies will tell a website if the viewer has been to the site before, and remember their preferences. Some cookies will expire on their own, meaning that if the visitor does not return within a set amount of time, they will appear as a new visitor. Others will remain unless they are manually cleared, so that the visitor will always be seen as a returning visitor.

Surf the Net

Surfing the net really does not require any special skills, and most importantly, no special wet suits or gear. Basically, surfing the net is much like flipping through channels on a television. When a user connects to the internet with their browser, they can type in an address or search term that will bring up a website. As the user goes from one site to another, this is what surfing the net means.

These are just some of the many terms that will be heard when using the internet. Understanding what they really mean can ease some of the confusion for many users

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Filed Under: Internet, Security Tagged With: , ,

Understanding Computer Viruses

Attack tree for computer viruses. Here we assu...
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Computer viruses are a real concern for anyone who has a computer connected to the internet. No one is immune to a virus attack, whether it is a large corporation or a small personal computer at home. Viruses can spread quickly and cause major damage to infected files and computers.

A virus is a manmade program that hides and then replicates or copies itself onto other programs on the user’s computer. It isn’t the replicating that causes a problem on the computer, but the fact that each virus can be programmed to do certain tasks, such as delete certain files, corrupt programs or overwrite something on the hard drive that making it inaccessible. It can cause a computer function poorly, and can take over an entire email system that sends out the virus in emails to everyone on the contact list.

Some viruses will hide on a computer until a certain scheduled time, or may act immediately. They may act only when the specific file is being used, or can continue attacking at all times. Even the simplest viruses can cause problems by taking up space and memory, causing computers to slow down and even stop working.

Viruses can spread through attachments on emails, or when downloading an unknown file from the internet. They are designed to replicate and spread quickly, causing as much damage to as many computers as possible.

While it is almost impossible to protect a computer from a virus, there are steps that can be taken to keep it safer. Files should only be downloaded from places that the user are familiar with and secure, although even that isn’t foolproof. Email attachments should never be opened unless the sender is well known and the attachment is expected by the user. Using a good virus protection program is a must, and backups should be frequently made on the computer in case of any problems.

Viruses will keep getting more advanced, but doing all that is possible to secure a computer can help prevent the further spread and destruction of these manmade attacks.

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What is Internet Spyware?

Spyware is fast becoming one of the biggest problems facing internet users today. Historically, viruses have received a great deal more attention, but the fact is that spyware is a huge problem that needs to be addressed as well.

In order to understand it better, it is important to make it clear that spyware is not the same as a virus, and in truth, is not the same as adware or malware, although it is often lumped together or used interchangeably with those terms. Because of the confusion between all of these definitions, it can be difficult to even know what to call it.

Spyware, in its simplest definition, is a rogue application that is installed on a user’s computer meant to collect personal information. It is most often done without the user knowing, except in the case of keylogger software that can be installed by an owner of a public or shared computer that will monitor the usage of others.

Most of the time, this information is sent back to a central server and used for marketing purposes. Distributors claim that the information is gathered to create better products and services to their clients. But, there are still many opponents to spyware who state that it is an invasion of privacy.

In addition, some spyware can cause more problems for the computer user, such as taking over the Web browser and redirecting to other sites, or slowing a computer down to a crawl. Other problems that can be encountered include changing computer settings and causing the loss of other Internet or computer functions.

Spyware is often installed on a user’s computer by piggybacking on software that they are already installing. Other methods of infection include tricking the user into believing it is something else, known as the Trojan horse method and often disguised as security software, or by searching for holes in the Internet browser to sneak in.

Thankfully, there are now many anti-spyware software programs which can help detect and get rid of the unwanted spyware on a user’s computer.

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Symptoms of Spyware Infection

Example of firewall function: Blocking spyware...
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Spyware is normally installed on a user’s computer without their knowledge. It can remain hidden for a long time before the person notices that something isn’t quite right with their computer. There are some common signs that can be watched for to let the user know there is a problem.

New homepage setting – If a user notices that their homepage has been changed, it is likely that there is spyware installed in the background. Often, when the user tries to set it back to the original page, it will reset to the new one again.

New toolbar – A common symptom is having a new toolbar installed on the browser.

Unknown advertising popups – Spyware can cause unexpected popups to come onto the screen, even when the user is not searching on the internet. Often, the popups are difficult, if not impossible, to close.

Sluggish computer- Spyware can use massive amounts of resources, often slowing a computer right down. Sometimes a user may notice that tasks are taking two to three times as long as normal.

Unknown shortcuts -Desktop shortcut icons may appear that were not previously there, indicating that spyware is involved.

Error messages – Unknown error messages that keep popping up for something the user does not remember installing is often a clue to spyware.

Hard drive working overtime – Spyware can be working in the background, even when the user is not working on the computer. If they notice it making noise as though it is working for no reason, it can indicate that something is working behind the scenes.

New favorites -Spyware can save favorites that the user does not remember saving.

Firewall alerts – When alerts appear that an unknown program is trying to access the internet when the user is not, then it shows that something has already got onto the computer, and is now trying to get back through to the internet.

Although many of these problems can be symptoms of other issues, when two or more show up together, it is likely that spyware has infected the computer.

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Important Lines of Defense for Internet Users

It is important for computer users who will be going onto the internet frequently to understand the most crucial software and programs needed to ensure that information is safe, and no unwanted or destructive forces are able to get through to the user’s computer.

Firewall

Firewall software works as a barrier between offensive sites and destructive viruses or hackers and a computer network. It essentially works the same as a physical firewall that is designed to prevent the spread of fire in a building, except in this case it stops the spread of unwanted problems and personal information. Firewall will be placed at every possible opening that needs to be protected from the outside world, preventing any unwanted forces from gaining access.

Antivirus Software

Antivirus software is one of the most important programs to be installed on a computer that will be accessing the internet. It acts as a defense against viruses and other malicious programs that try to get onto a user’s computer. In addition, because there are always new threats and viruses being sent out, it will also scan and identify any threats that may have made it through all the lines of defense.

However, antivirus software will only work if used properly. The software manufacturer will often send out updates whenever a new virus is identified online, which requires the user to check and update their software immediately. Scanning the computer frequently is also important to ensure that nothing has found a way through all the barriers that are in place.

Anti-Spyware Programs

With the increasing amount of spyware and other malware, installing anti-spyware software is becoming much more important. There are more being created every day, and as with the antivirus software, it is important to keep them updated and do frequent scans of the computer.

Many of these software programs will tackle multiple tasks, and may offer all three areas of protection. There are free versions available online, and it is important for the user to research and understand which will be the best solution for their own needs.

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Basic Email Security Tips

As email becomes more mainstream and a part of our everyday lives, people need to be aware of basic steps they can take to ensure that their computers are secure and their information safe.

Opening Attachments
Never open an attachment that has come in an email unless the sender is well known and the attachment is expected. Viruses and malicious programs can hide in attachments on an email and infect a user’s computer as soon as it is opened. Since email can be the target of hackers and viruses, it is important to be sure that the message has really been sent from the person it states, as a virus can infect a computer and send emails out to everyone on their contact list. If the message does not seem like something the contact would send, just delete the email or get in touch with the person to be sure that they did send the email.

Clicking on Links

When an email comes in that instructs the user to click on a link, it is always advisable to just go directly to the internet and type the site address into the browser. Sometimes, an email will come in that states it is from someone who it actually has no affiliation with at all. When the user hovers over the link in the email without clicking on it, it will bring up the actual address that that link is directed to. This is a common tactic used to get sensitive information because when the user clicks on the link directly, it will take them to another site that may or may not look like the real one. If the user needs to log in with a password, it will record that information and be able to use it. These emails often say something about being from the user’s bank or credit card company, and they need them to log in to check on security or some other “problem”.

Being careful while reading and opening emails can prevent a host of future problems with both sensitive information, and the user’s computer itself.

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