|
A collection of useful links:
AntiVirus Links
If you've got a connection to the Internet, regardless of whether
it's DSL, 56k modem, or carrier pigeon - you *NEED* to have anti-virus
software installed. Hands down, the best site for
anti-virus information is Symantec's Anti-Virus Research Center
(SARC), but there are several very good anti-virus software programs
available. If you're not using Windows, or if you don't have software
readily available, the Housecall online scanner is worth using for
spot checks.
Spyware/Adware Links
If you've got a fast connection to the Internet, you
may notice new toolbars in your Internet Explorer that you didn't
intentionally install. If your browser crashes or runs extremely
sluggishly, or if your browser's home page has changed without your
knowing, you probably have spyware hiding on your system. Here are a
couple of scanners that can find and remove spyware and adware from
your computer.
Firewalls
Like anti-virus software, firewalls are becoming a necessity these
days. You can choose from a variety of hardware or software
firewalls. Software is flexible in that it can be frequently updated
and tends to be more user friendly from an administrative point of
view. Hardware firewalls tend to be more effective, more expensive,
and somewhat harder to set up. Firewalls are a good idea for everyone,
but especially folks with high speed or dedicated internet connections
such as ISDN or DSL.
Spam & Ads
Seanet filters personal E-mail addresses for both spam and viruses, but we don't always get everything. Most e-mail programs have some sort of spam filtering capabilities
built in. The program may refer to these as "filters" or "rules" but
the end effect is the same. However, stopping spam usually requires
more work than just filtering out objectionable content. The first
thing to keep in mind is that it's rarely worth using the remove
request that spammers put on their ads. Most of these either don't
work or simply confirm that you're a person with an active e-mail
box - this will cause you to actually get more junk as your address
is sold to other spammers.
Here are a few links to help you combat spam.
DSL Links
DSL is great - especially when it works. While just following the
recommended setup is fine for most people, a few minutes spent
tweaking your connection can be helpful, particularly if you're
using Windows 98 or Millenium (ME).
PPPOE Routers
Verizon utilizes a form of DSL called "Bridging" or "RFC 1483
Bridged" which requires either PPP over Ethernet (PPPOE) software or
hardware. Here are a few manufacturers who make hardware PPPOE
routers. Currently our favorite is the SMC Barricade.
Privacy Links
Microsoft Stuff
Miscellaneous Links
More Miscellaneous Links
Security Related Sites
What could be more fun than visiting the FBI?
| 
