Saturday, January 31, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
4 Computer Crimes That Could Destroy Your Online Marketing Business
Identity Theft:
This is the most notorious crime that could bring a load of problems on an Internet marketer's head. Identity theft occurs when customers' personal information, which includes their addresses, passport information, banking details, credit card information are leaked on to the Internet. This leakage could happen as a result of some hackers prying into a legitimate online shopping site and stealing these pieces of information. Millions of dollars are lost yearly due to this crime. This malaise has affected many online shoppers
Illegal Downloading:
Whether you are offering services or selling certain products online, sometime an illegitimate user using very powerful software can download your products without the due payment. Users who shouldn't have had an access to them have regularly downloaded thousands of music files, movies, e-books and other products. Online marketers are hugely affected by this crime, which is increasing at alarming rate around the world.
Scams:
Scams are hard to detect nowadays, because most scammers pretend they are doing a right business and lure customers to buy goods and services on their sites, but which they would never deliver. Even some scammers have filtered into well-known shopping sites and deceive gullible buyers from parting with their money but shy away from delivering the products they had purchased. There have been tales of woes on auction and trading sites recently about scams.
Creation and Distribution Of Viruses:
The rate at which viruses are being created and distributed is high nowadays. Some viruses are quite destructive that they could destroy your computers or incapacitate other software installed on your computers. Annoying spy ware could make your pc slow. If care is not taken, you could lose some vital documents in your computer if attacked by some virulent viruses.
This is the most notorious crime that could bring a load of problems on an Internet marketer's head. Identity theft occurs when customers' personal information, which includes their addresses, passport information, banking details, credit card information are leaked on to the Internet. This leakage could happen as a result of some hackers prying into a legitimate online shopping site and stealing these pieces of information. Millions of dollars are lost yearly due to this crime. This malaise has affected many online shoppers
Illegal Downloading:
Whether you are offering services or selling certain products online, sometime an illegitimate user using very powerful software can download your products without the due payment. Users who shouldn't have had an access to them have regularly downloaded thousands of music files, movies, e-books and other products. Online marketers are hugely affected by this crime, which is increasing at alarming rate around the world.
Scams:
Scams are hard to detect nowadays, because most scammers pretend they are doing a right business and lure customers to buy goods and services on their sites, but which they would never deliver. Even some scammers have filtered into well-known shopping sites and deceive gullible buyers from parting with their money but shy away from delivering the products they had purchased. There have been tales of woes on auction and trading sites recently about scams.
Creation and Distribution Of Viruses:
The rate at which viruses are being created and distributed is high nowadays. Some viruses are quite destructive that they could destroy your computers or incapacitate other software installed on your computers. Annoying spy ware could make your pc slow. If care is not taken, you could lose some vital documents in your computer if attacked by some virulent viruses.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Slow Computer Problems - Anti Spyware Might Be Your Answer
Slow computer problems are one of the most common complaints from PC users. There is no need to suffer with a slow PC. If your computer takes forever to boot or you go and get coffee while programs load, you may be infected with spyware.
At one time or another almost everyone will get some sort of spyware running on their computer, and most people have no idea they even have it. Spyware will run in the background without you knowing it using up a good share of your resources. This will cause your computer to slow down. I have seen some that were so bad it took several minuets before a program would even start to load. Processors would run at 100 percent and almost all the memory was in use.
Eventually these computers would freeze, crash, blue screen or re-boot on their own. If you notice your computer slowing down or maybe your mouse is jerky, you may have a mild case of infection. With the proper tools you can completely restore all your lost performance.
You will need a good scanner and cleaner.
While there are a lot of free ones out there you can download you are better off investing in a paid professional version. Why you ask? First of all ask yourself why are the free ones free? The answer is they are designed to not do a complete job. Their whole purpose is to get you to buy their upgraded version. Hard to believe? Try 2 or 3 free spyware / adaware cleaners and I bet each one will find stuff the others did not.
I used to run three different free programs and they all came up with bad stuff on my computer. My computer was still slow and after talking to a professional tech I bought a paid version of one of the top cleaners. The one the techs take with them on their service calls. After all, they want to do the job once and move on to the next.
My computer now runs like it did when it was new. Yours will too. Plus you can feel secure the next time you log into your bank account that there is no programs running in the background collecting your information.
At one time or another almost everyone will get some sort of spyware running on their computer, and most people have no idea they even have it. Spyware will run in the background without you knowing it using up a good share of your resources. This will cause your computer to slow down. I have seen some that were so bad it took several minuets before a program would even start to load. Processors would run at 100 percent and almost all the memory was in use.
Eventually these computers would freeze, crash, blue screen or re-boot on their own. If you notice your computer slowing down or maybe your mouse is jerky, you may have a mild case of infection. With the proper tools you can completely restore all your lost performance.
You will need a good scanner and cleaner.
While there are a lot of free ones out there you can download you are better off investing in a paid professional version. Why you ask? First of all ask yourself why are the free ones free? The answer is they are designed to not do a complete job. Their whole purpose is to get you to buy their upgraded version. Hard to believe? Try 2 or 3 free spyware / adaware cleaners and I bet each one will find stuff the others did not.
I used to run three different free programs and they all came up with bad stuff on my computer. My computer was still slow and after talking to a professional tech I bought a paid version of one of the top cleaners. The one the techs take with them on their service calls. After all, they want to do the job once and move on to the next.
My computer now runs like it did when it was new. Yours will too. Plus you can feel secure the next time you log into your bank account that there is no programs running in the background collecting your information.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Computer Defense System
Computer security is very important today. Without a great computer defense system, if you go online, you leave yourself open to all kinds of attacks both minor and very serious. Today all business and commerce is conducted by way of the computer. Additionally, once a transaction is completed, it is sent over the Internet to another computer where the transaction is verified and completed. It is very important to be aware of the steps that you need to take before you connect to the Internet to secure your computer. Those who wish to compromise systems are becoming more cleaver in their approaches everyday. It also seems with technology changing everyday, it is harder and harder to keep up.
A good computer defense system first means making sure that on a fresh install of any operating system, Apple OS included, all software updates are downloaded and any security updates are applied. In windows, set your security update options to at least "notify" you of updates even if you don't want to download them automatically. It is also most prudent to make sure all critical updates are downloaded and applied as soon as they become available. Microsoft Windows makes this easy with the Windows Update feature. Similarly there is a feature called software update in the Finder under the "Apple Menu" called software update. It is essential that you do this regularly. If you do not have options set to notify you immediately of updates, check for them a minimum of two to three times a month.
Another Part of your computer Defense System is your anti-virus software. In recent years their has been a tendency for the best know names in the anti-virus business to bloat their product with more and more features that many users will not use or use very sparingly. This taxes computer resources and slows down your computer because it is trying to do more and more background processes. There are many retail packages out there, but they are not all created equal. Also, be aware that program definition files (that tell the program about what viruses may exist on your computer) often expires at the end of a year meaning you will have to renew your anti-virus definition subscription in order to continue to receive updates. An alternative is a free antiviral software solution that provides updates for free. One of the best is by a company called Grisoft. It is called AVG. While I cannot put a link here, if you type "AVG Free" into Google, the link to the download page will be on the top of the list.
For your computer to be running properly, you also need to enable any firewalls on your system. For example, in the Control Panel of recent Windows OS versions (like XP or Vista), you will find a security section (Tab or Icon). Once there, make sure the Windows firewall is enabled. However limit the installation of firewall software because not only can this cause program conflicts and slow down your system, cryptic warnings about a possible intrusion will not benefit you and scare an inexperienced user. Instead install a router or get someone to do it for you. Even if you only have one computer because a router is a physical firewall blocking potentially harmful Internet traffic for you. Also much lower prices on computers now means having multiple computers is affordable. A router allows multiple computers to share a single Internet connection.
Another important consideration is not to install toolbars unless from a recognized and trusted source. A good computer defense system recognizes that many of these installations are actually malware in disguise that can do things in the background that may harm and compromise your system. Also, do not download email attachments. This is one of the major ways that a virus or other malicious or self-executing code actually gets on your system in the first place. You need to exercise do vigilance when on the Internet and click with care. Also make sure that things like Active X controls are not automatically set to run on a page. (Unless on a trusted site that requires it.) Additionally, think seriously about changing the browser you use to surf the Internet with. Type "Get Firefox" in Google. Firefox is a better browsing alternative than its man competitor and it is more secure because it is more of a basic browser that does not automatically execute advanced functions that can lead to viruses, malware, Trojan horses and other malicious code that can seriously harm your computer.
A good computer defense system requires more than what has just been detailed, but these steps are important and will go along way toward a more secure and safe computer system. For even more extensive information; look to the end of this article for links showing you where you can go next.
A good computer defense system first means making sure that on a fresh install of any operating system, Apple OS included, all software updates are downloaded and any security updates are applied. In windows, set your security update options to at least "notify" you of updates even if you don't want to download them automatically. It is also most prudent to make sure all critical updates are downloaded and applied as soon as they become available. Microsoft Windows makes this easy with the Windows Update feature. Similarly there is a feature called software update in the Finder under the "Apple Menu" called software update. It is essential that you do this regularly. If you do not have options set to notify you immediately of updates, check for them a minimum of two to three times a month.
Another Part of your computer Defense System is your anti-virus software. In recent years their has been a tendency for the best know names in the anti-virus business to bloat their product with more and more features that many users will not use or use very sparingly. This taxes computer resources and slows down your computer because it is trying to do more and more background processes. There are many retail packages out there, but they are not all created equal. Also, be aware that program definition files (that tell the program about what viruses may exist on your computer) often expires at the end of a year meaning you will have to renew your anti-virus definition subscription in order to continue to receive updates. An alternative is a free antiviral software solution that provides updates for free. One of the best is by a company called Grisoft. It is called AVG. While I cannot put a link here, if you type "AVG Free" into Google, the link to the download page will be on the top of the list.
For your computer to be running properly, you also need to enable any firewalls on your system. For example, in the Control Panel of recent Windows OS versions (like XP or Vista), you will find a security section (Tab or Icon). Once there, make sure the Windows firewall is enabled. However limit the installation of firewall software because not only can this cause program conflicts and slow down your system, cryptic warnings about a possible intrusion will not benefit you and scare an inexperienced user. Instead install a router or get someone to do it for you. Even if you only have one computer because a router is a physical firewall blocking potentially harmful Internet traffic for you. Also much lower prices on computers now means having multiple computers is affordable. A router allows multiple computers to share a single Internet connection.
Another important consideration is not to install toolbars unless from a recognized and trusted source. A good computer defense system recognizes that many of these installations are actually malware in disguise that can do things in the background that may harm and compromise your system. Also, do not download email attachments. This is one of the major ways that a virus or other malicious or self-executing code actually gets on your system in the first place. You need to exercise do vigilance when on the Internet and click with care. Also make sure that things like Active X controls are not automatically set to run on a page. (Unless on a trusted site that requires it.) Additionally, think seriously about changing the browser you use to surf the Internet with. Type "Get Firefox" in Google. Firefox is a better browsing alternative than its man competitor and it is more secure because it is more of a basic browser that does not automatically execute advanced functions that can lead to viruses, malware, Trojan horses and other malicious code that can seriously harm your computer.
A good computer defense system requires more than what has just been detailed, but these steps are important and will go along way toward a more secure and safe computer system. For even more extensive information; look to the end of this article for links showing you where you can go next.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
How to Find Dealers of Wholesale Computer Hardware
With the rise of large, retail electronic stores like Circuit City, Best Buy and others, wholesale dealers of computer hardware have nearly become extinct. Gone are the days when you can drop by your local mom and pop stores and pick up new parts, extra components or upgrades with great service and affordable prices. Now you may have to drive miles and even to another city to find the wholesale dealers of computer hardware that you seek. But the internet has made this task easier, as long as you know where to look.
But an internet search will yield thousands, if not millions of potential results for computer hardware dealers - so how do you know which wholesale dealers of computer hardware are the best, and which ones are just out to make a quick buck? Well, there are a number of ways you can go about doing this.
First of all you'll want to ask your friends, family members, or even co-workers for any suggestions they may have on finding a wholesale PC hardware dealer. With the rising popularity of the World Wide Web, you never know where you'll find that certain site you've been looking for - and you never know who may have personal connections in the business. They may be able to land you an even better deal than one might be able to get otherwise.
If you are a college or high school student, you might want to take some time and talk with those who work in the computer lab or technology department, or even the instructors themselves. Often times they will be able to provide you with some lesser known websites or out-of-the-way local stores that may be a little bit cheaper than the competitors. And don't forget to ask about student discounts, as well - many places offer some type of discount for those currently enrolled in college.
Also, there are many web sites that do all of the shopping and comparisons for you. You simply type in the exact kind of wholesale computer hardware you are looking for and they present you with a list of the top sites and their prices. These sites can usually provide you with user reviews of each wholesale dealer's website (and possibly the product itself). Additionally, these types of websites may also have message boards, where you can talk directly with customers and staff in real time over the internet.
Another thing to take into consideration is the location of your wholesale dealer, and their shipping and handling rates. It may be advantageous to use the internet in order to shop distant wholesale dealers of computer hardware, either in or out of the United States. Just make sure you know exactly what you're paying for beforehand, and always make sure you are buying from a trusted and secure website no matter where they are based.
But an internet search will yield thousands, if not millions of potential results for computer hardware dealers - so how do you know which wholesale dealers of computer hardware are the best, and which ones are just out to make a quick buck? Well, there are a number of ways you can go about doing this.
First of all you'll want to ask your friends, family members, or even co-workers for any suggestions they may have on finding a wholesale PC hardware dealer. With the rising popularity of the World Wide Web, you never know where you'll find that certain site you've been looking for - and you never know who may have personal connections in the business. They may be able to land you an even better deal than one might be able to get otherwise.
If you are a college or high school student, you might want to take some time and talk with those who work in the computer lab or technology department, or even the instructors themselves. Often times they will be able to provide you with some lesser known websites or out-of-the-way local stores that may be a little bit cheaper than the competitors. And don't forget to ask about student discounts, as well - many places offer some type of discount for those currently enrolled in college.
Also, there are many web sites that do all of the shopping and comparisons for you. You simply type in the exact kind of wholesale computer hardware you are looking for and they present you with a list of the top sites and their prices. These sites can usually provide you with user reviews of each wholesale dealer's website (and possibly the product itself). Additionally, these types of websites may also have message boards, where you can talk directly with customers and staff in real time over the internet.
Another thing to take into consideration is the location of your wholesale dealer, and their shipping and handling rates. It may be advantageous to use the internet in order to shop distant wholesale dealers of computer hardware, either in or out of the United States. Just make sure you know exactly what you're paying for beforehand, and always make sure you are buying from a trusted and secure website no matter where they are based.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)