Home
Getting Started
While getting connected to the internet might be fun and intriguing, there are some very important and basic things that new users must understand in order to get the most out of their online experience. Without the knowledge of basic terms and programs often used on a computer, it could surely be a detriment to ones own internet safety.
Understanding What a Web Browser is
The first thing that will be important to know is exactly how surfing the web works. Any novice who has used a computer before will surely know that by double clicking the Internet Explorer icon (a blue lower case e), will give them access to the web. This is because Internet explorer and other programs alike are Web Browsers. A Web Browser is a software application used for gathering, presenting, and sending stored information over the world wide web.
How Browsers Work
The purpose of the browser is to bring the desired information to the user. The user will input a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) into the browser, and this will retrieve the desired information from the web. A URI is simply a string of characters used to identify information resources over the internet.
Understanding the Use of Firewalls
A firewall is quite simply a method of protection. Firewalls are part of a single computer or a network of computers, and are designed to block unauthorized access while still permitting access to the appropriate users. Firewalls are typically configured to permit or deny access to certain computer applications due to a certain set of determined standards. Firewalls are most commonly used to prevent unwanted internet users from accessing private networks. If unwanted users were to gain access to private networks, they could potentially view ones web activities and have access to other files on that network.
Anti-Virus Software
Understanding Anti-Virus software is very important. If the user is not properly protected from known viruses or does not have the proper education about online safety, it can be catastrophic when it comes to protecting oneself on the internet. Anti-Virus software enables users to safely browse the internet without having to worry about viruses or other malicious content that is often used to gather information from ones computer.
Choosing Anti-Virus Software
There are several different kinds of Anti-Virus software on the market today, and choosing which one to use, can be just as laboring as getting rid of a virus itself. The user should take time and do some research on which software is best to use. The user could Read website forums or get information from top Anti-Virus sites or visit a store and ask a professional; there are really several different ways to get the software. Typically most new computers come with some type of Anti-Virus free trial already equipped, so the user might not even need to consider looking elsewhere for a product; they could just simply update it online, or buy the same software from their local electronic store.
How and When to Use Anti-Virus Software
Once the user has chosen the right Anti-Virus software, it is important that they learn how to use it. It is also important that the user understand that Anti-Virus software is not always 100% guaranteed to work; meaning that the user can still get a Virus even with their new software. To prevent this however, there are a couple things new users can do. They should always update their software, and always have the software installed and running when browsing the web. This will usually prevent Viruses or other malicious content from attacking ones computer.
Adware
Adware is an advertising software which will automatically download, play, or display advertisements to the users computer after being installed. It is typically not a malicious software, meaning it doesn’t usually steal information, and most Anti-Virus software will detect Adware.
Spyware
Spyware is a malicious program that is typically installed onto a computer through unregulated downloading, opening browsers, or playing videos. Typically an Anti-Virus software will detect these viruses, but it is not guaranteed. Spyware collects bits of information about users when installed onto a computer. Spyware can monitor the users internet habits, and can also interfere with the users control of the computer by adding unwanted programs or destroying functionality of programs altogether. Most Anti-Virus software will get rid of Spyware, but if not particular software may have to be purchased.
