Basic rules for Surfing Safe
When you keep these basic rules in mind while surfing the web you severely reduce the risk on infection, hacking, spyware/adware or other malware. Click on the linked words for more information, more advice and/or downloads.
General rules (links will open in a new windows so you can read on here):
- Keep you browser and windows up-to-date
- Keep your firewall and antivirus protection up-to-date
- Scan your computer regularly with your antivirus program and anti-spyware program
- Beware of rogue software
- Configure your browser for safe surfing
Surfing rules, spyware, adware and viruses:
- The first and most basic rule: trust nothing and trust no-one. This may sound paranoid, but try it, you'll notice a seere decrease in problems
- Don't pay attention to pop-ups, click them away but don't click on the advertisement itself unless you're interested and know you can trust the company
- Some pop-ups play on your feeling and tell you your computer isn't safe, also ignore these, if you follow the tutorials and advice on this site, you are safe
- Don't execute scripts/install controls you're not sure you can trust. Even when you're sure you can trust a publisher, try to reject them, most sites work fine without scripting
- When a download window appears when you don't expect it, cancel
- Don't download and install software 'too good to be true'. To give an example, a nice calendar which is offered for free, or a 'what's the weather near you' program for free. These contain spyware 90% of the time. If you really want to install the program, read the license agreement, when you read anything about '3rd/third, parties' cancel installation.
- When a site tells you to disable your antivirus or firewall, don't
- When your computer acts 'weird' while surfing, or you get popups, go here
- On the web an offer 'too good to be true' always is, so don't fall for smart advertising/spamming tactics