5 Security Tips for Computer Users

• Stop Receiving Unwanted Messages in SKYPE
• iPhone Users May be Tracked
• Checking the Validity of European Vat numbers
• Prevent Worms from Sending Emails on your Behalf
• Encrypt Documents you send out by CD or DVD or USB Key

The old saying ‘Prevention is Better than a Cure’ applies to using computers and phones too. Just like in the real world there are lots of nasty threats in cyberspace. Ensure you use the best antivirus software; that you have a firewall is in place; never share your passwords and never click to open something you do not recognise. Safe Computing....

Stop Receiving Unwanted Messages in SKYPE

To prevent this you need to ensure that your details aren’t public. ‘Left Click’ on ‘Tools’. In Options, ‘Left click’ on ‘Privacy’, choose ‘Allow Calls from People in My Call list only’. Further down in ‘Allow IMs from’ choose ‘People in my Contact list only. ‘Click ’Save’ to save these new settings.

This Privacy tab has other settings you might wish to change to suit your circumstances. (IM means Instant Messaging)

iPhone Users May be Tracked

If you use an iPhone your details and locations may be tracked. Apparently some of the apps for the iPhone have tracker codes imbedded.

PrivaCy from Cydia Saurik claims to prevent this. May be worth checking this one out...

Checking the Validity of European Vat numbers

Businesses how do you know if a European vat number supplied is valid? Simply visit European Taxation website and online you can instantly confirm the validity of the number.

Prevent Worms from Sending Emails on your Behalf

Worms work by sending out unbeknown to you, emails to all the contacts in your computer address book!

To prevent this, set up a contact called A and set up their email address at aaaaa@aaa.aaa. The worm will start by sending to this first address in the list, as it will be undeliverable it will go no further.

And if you get a message in your inbox of an attempted unsuccessful delivery to aaaaa@aaa.aaa you will know that a worm has invaded and you need to get rid of it.

Thankyou to the kind person who left this tip into A1 Computers shop.

Encrypt Documents you send out by CD or DVD or USB Key

When sending documents saved on CD, DVD or USB, would you want them to be read and used if they fell into the wrong hands?

To prevent this you should ‘Encrypt’ the documents. You can send the encryption software you use with the documents and then verbally give the receiver the password so after they install the software they can ‘Unencrypt’ the documents.

You can also do this for email too. See winzip.com or axantum.com to find out more.

ANNOUNCEMENT 1:

Your emails with computers tips you have are most welcome. Remember ‘You don’t know what you don’t know till someone tells you’. Sharing a tip, brings joy to the giver and receiver.

ANNOUNCEMENT 2:

Why not visit A1 Computers to do some computer shopping in a relaxing atmosphere.

During April 2010 mention this newsletter when buying a new laptop, and receive €40 OFF the cost of setting it up, or receive a ream of paper worth nearly €5 when buying a new colour printer, copier, scanner from €89.95.

If your Computer or Laptop needs to Fixed faster or you want to Recover your Files, Photos or Music in a hurry, then please ask for the FASTTRACK service.