~~If there is something giving you trouble or not responding right on the computer shut it down and restart. Nine times out of ten this will solve the issue.
~~Do not believe everything you read on the Internet or in emails. There is a lot of useful information out there but also a lot of unreliable and potentially damaging information as well.
~~Do not click on links that are sent to you in emails even if they are from people you know. It’s more likely that their computer has been compromised. If you are unsure ‘copy and paste’ the link into the browser address bar and hit ‘enter’ to determine if the site is valid. Clicking on links directly in emails is the most popular way malware (malicious software) is distributed throughout the world networks.
~~Do not accept phone calls from callers saying that they are from Microsoft or Windows and that you have problems on your computer. They have got your phone number randomly from the phone directory and are scammers and will want your credit card number at some point to steal from you.
~~If an Internet bargain sounds too good to be true……..then it probably is!
~~Keep your anti-virus and operating system up to date. Most updates are done automatically now. This will prevent a majority of problems from happening.
~~Our computers are all part of the World Wide Web through Internet Service Providers and routers. Once you are online you are a potential candidate for all the ‘bad guys’ out there.
~~Email on the Internet travels really quickly. Once you click the ‘Send’ button there is no recall. Think before you click ‘Send’.
~~Financial institutions like Banks and Credit Card companies will never ask for your password or PIN numbers. Never give it out to anyone even if they purport to be a police officer or law enforcement agency.
~~And finally ………..a computer that is turned off can cause no harm to anyone. If you think there may be a problem shut it down and consult a professional.
Guest Blogger: John Clarke