Internet Security - A Guide.

Hello, we all know that surfing the Internet is fun, but it can be dangerous if not done right.

In this guide we will go over the basics of what you need to do to stay safe!

Your Operating System.

Its important to keep your OS up-to-date, this will help in covering up the holes that are used by virus and spyware to infect your pc.

Refer to the documents for your OS to find out how to do this correctly.

Your Internet Browser

Like your OS, you should keep your browser up-to-date as well, there are also more secure browsers on the Internet, Like Mozilla Firefox and Opera.

 

Most browsers will check when you open them if there is an update.

Links to other browsers

Opera
Mozilla FireFox

Note: If you download FireFox its advised that you also download 3 plugins, NoScript, Add Block Plus and Filter Set G, you can find all these in their Addon Section.

Software

Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware Software will always be needed if you surf the internet, Below you will find links to free software that can be used but we recommended that you buy an Anti-Virus program as they will do a lot more than the simple scans found here.

Anti-Spyware

• SpyBot S&D
• AdWare

Anti-Virus

• Trend Micro Housecall
• Panda
• AVG

Email

One of the biggest problems with email these days is Phishing, Phishing is when you are sent an email and it is made to look like an official email from places like a Bank, but when you click on the link you are taken to a site that looks just like an Online banking site and asked to enter your information.
The information is then sent back to the person who sent the email who can then log into your account and steal your money.
So to prevent this happening always remember to check the site your on check the url and make sure it is the correct url for the site.
Always remember that your bank will NEVER! send a request for you to change your information.
Another way to stay safe by email is never open links from people you don't know, they could take you to a site with a yet undiscovered virus.

Buying On-line

Buying on-line is risky, but can be done safely, always try to use big name sites like Amazon.co.uk or Play.com these sites have SSL protection, also, sites using PayPal are safe to use as they work through paypal and never see your details. There are also services such as google Checkout which are smiler to PayPal.

Chat Rooms and Forums

The biggest tip we can give for chat rooms and forums is to never give out your personal information and never leave it in any of the Private Message system.

Guides for Chating

BBC Guides

Internet Safety Guide for Young People

Bizzkids Internet Safety for kids