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*************************************** Tips for a fun & safe internet experience.

ONE

ALWAYS update your anti-virus at least once, or twice a week, and be sure to check for EXPIRATION DATES on your antivirus, your antivirus will no longer function if it is expired. A new Anti-virus must be purchased. Each time you purchase an anti-virus program, you usually have up to a year of free license of updates..

TWO

Invest/purchase a firewall software.

NOTE: The difference between a firewall and an anti-virus is that, a firewall blocks intrusion or hackers from gaining full access to your computer; an anti-virus scans, removes and prevents computer infection.

THREE

When making internet purchases, always make sure you print the receipt/invoice immediately after payment is approved. Always, always, always, save confirmation emails, they most often contain UPS tracking, accounts and return/exchange information.

THREE a.

In addition, always save packing lists and shipping invoices, these are actual receipts and can be used for warranty repair purposes.

THREE b.

All good website merchants have a way of contact/custoemr service lines. If you have any questions or issues on a particular internet order or product, customer service numbers are always available.

*FOUR*

Its always a good idea to own a second bank card with a limit of about $100; The reason for this is, if your concerned with credit card theft, any orders past that amount would be declined. Or you can just transfer the exact amount from your checking to your bank card, when needed.

FOUR a.

There are also companies that offer credit cards with insurances, that specialize in internet security/purchases for free or low cost. You should also know that most credit card theft often occurs outside the internet (example: Grocery store, Retail, Restaurant or any situation, when someone has access to, or opportunity to copy the numbers off your credit card). Make sure you are very careful and watch your cashier receipts; and make sure that your receipt does not contain your FULL credit card number. Your electronic credit card cashier receipts should only display the last 4 or 2 digits of your credit card ONLY, for example:

xxx-xxxxx-xxxxx2222

xxxx-xxx-xxxx-xx43

FOUR b.

In all honesty, do not allow your fears of what you think the Internet is all about, get so over whelming that you can't enjoy the power of your computer. However, you can not allow yourself to stay in the dark either. Don't wait for someone to hold your hand and teach you, find out how to protect your self and update your computer awareness.

FIVE

When making any internet purchase, make sure that, somewhere within or during the actual check out process it states, "secure server", or "secured"; or if you use Netscape or Internet Explorer (versions 5.0 and greater), look for a very small picture of a pad lock, usually on the bottom right hand side of your browser. This this tells you that the website you are making a purchase on, is secured; and all information you send out will be encrypted/scrambled, giving added protection against credit card theft and personal information.

SIX

Usually about every 9 months -1 year, both Netscape and Internet Explorer comes out with new versions of their browsers, make sure your up-to-date. Many of the new browser versions or revisions, also include security updates, as well as software patches/fixes for better functionality. These security features are necessary in addition to your anti-virus/firewall. This also insures web compatibility while your surfing the internet.

SEVEN

Its always a good idea to create a special email address, and dedicate that address to be used as way of contact for all your internet purchases. Why? because some companies share and or sell your valid email address to other companies, who are looking for possible customers. Although the new SPAM laws prohibit companies that do this, its a good Idea to do it anyway.

EIGHT

When sending instant messages and emails, be mind full of what information you type in, unless you truly know the person on the other end.

EIGHT a.

If your friend sends you an email with an attachment (picture, a program etc.) always scan for viruses before you use it, You can't assume that all your friends are updating their anti-viruses.

NINE

Always download from well known and well solicited websites. These kinds of sites are less likely to have files that contains viruses, example: download.com, ZDnet.com, Microsoft.com, etc...

NINE a.

You should know that on some well known websites, sometimes have spyware in there software ( with the exception of software drivers for your printer, mouse etc. ), or you may want to download a game from an advertisement and find out that several other crap/programs that you don't want came along with it (after you've downloaded it). its a good idea to know what software you have in your computer, so that if you need to remove something, like unwanted software, you know what's important and what's not.

FINALLY

If you follow these simple steps, you will have a safer and enjoyable internet experience - Yogiraj

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www.yogachakra.ORG

About the author: I've been a PC technician for about 10 years w/ about 8 years of retail experience. Recently became a poet/writer and webmaster entrpreneur; providing writing resources and information on the net. Please visit yogirajj.blogspot.com