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Lee Koo
Community manager |
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Computer security, am I just being too paranoid?
Dear CNET members,
Happy Friday! This week's topic comes from member Al H. of Texas. Even
though he has a fairly well-protected computer, Al still feels as
though someone is looking over his shoulder. So, he's come to us for
some security advice and best practices, which can hopefully alleviate
some of his anxiety.
Well Al, first off, I personally think it's OK to be a bit paranoid
when it comes to using your computer online. I mean who wouldn't be
when you can't help but hear about the daily news of compromised data
at the personal or corporate computing level? I believe there is
balance to everything, including being paranoid. On one hand you can
be extreme and just turn off your computer and never turn it back on
again. Or on the other hand you can be completely careless, and think
that the cyber world is safe and bad things just won't happen to you.
Being somewhere in between, and even weighing a little heavier on the
defensive side probably doesn't hurt. But don't take the advice from
me as many of your fellow members mention that having some paranoia
when it comes to computing online can be a good thing. And what it
really boils down to is using common sense and keeping those security
utilities running and up to date. This way you can enjoy being a part
of the cyber world without walking on eggshells.
There is a lot of great advice this week, ranging from laundry lists
of best practices to how to make your computer even more secure.
So give them all a read. And if you haven't weighed in on the
discussion yet, come and join us. We'd all like to learn more! Thank you,
everyone, for your time and contributions. Be safe out there people!
Cheers!
-Lee
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Got suggestions? Send me an e-mail: messageboards@cnet.com |
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TOPIC OF THE WEEK |
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Q: Computer security, am I just being too paranoid?
I'm a novice when it comes to working with a PC but do know enough to
be really dangerous. Today, with our PCs being so vulnerable to cyber
attacks, hackers, and Trojan viruses, I, at times, feel a little
paranoid about what I put on my PC's hard drive that may be both
personal and financial in nature. I do run with Windows 7, have the
Windows firewall activated, and am using the Webroot AntiVirus software
but still feel like someone is looking over my shoulder. Aside from
the viruses that we can get when downloading items from the Internet
to opening an attachment in an e-mail, is there any way for a novice
to determine if their PC has been invaded by a genuine hacker who may
be watching my every move? Or am I watching too much TV? Any
recommendations or best practices you could afford me would be
greatly appreciated.
-- Submitted by: Al H. of San Antonio, TX
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 A: Featured member solutions |
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Thanks to all who contributed! |
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PREVIOUS COMMUNITY NEWSLETTERS |
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MAC NUGGET |
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SECURITY ALERTS AND UPDATES |
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NEXT WEEK'S QUESTION
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Q: Can I install Windows 8 and revitalize my old machine?
With so many expectations associated with Windows 8 and the unexpected
affordability of its price tag, options abound for its implementation.
Microsoft has made no secret of its wish to have one system to rule
them all, but if that is the case, we really need Windows 8 to
displace the XP systems out there. So, here is my question...I have a
2.8Ghz, Pentium 4 with 1.5GB of RAM and a 80GB hard drive. It has a
very good sound card and basic video card. I really want to do
something with it, such as turning it into a jukebox or a basic PC for
my son, but I really have to replace the OS. Can I install Windows 8
and revitalize my machine and, if so, what else do I need and what
should I expect? I am sure there are many other people out there
wondering the same thing. Can you help? Thanks.
-- Submitted by: Steve D.
If you have an answer to this question, click here and click the "reply" to submit your advice, suggestions, opinions, or tips.
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CNET CRAVE GIVEAWAY |
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Are you and your hands tired of typing? This week's prize, a copy of Nuance's Dragon NaturallySpeaking 12 voice recognition software, gives you a break. Click here to enter the Crave giveaway |
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