Making Headlines

Over the past several months, Fort Lauderdale computer repair groups have fielded a rising number of complaints - the bulk of which originate from citizens victimized by various Internet scams.

The FBI is now warning the public against scams that continue to flourish through spam e-mails and has issued a new set of tips on how to protect your computer. It's a succinct but thorough list that any Broward computer service would recommend. Take a look:

-- Turn Off Your Computer. Here's one that you really don't have to be a Fort Lauderdale computer repair expert to get the hang of. Turn the thing off! With the growth of high-speed Internet, many people elect to leave their computers on for easy access at all times. The downside? That easy access makes computers susceptible to attack. Turning one's computer off effectively severs an attacker’s connection — be it spyware or a bot that employs your computer to reach out and hurt others.

-- Keep Your Operating System Up to Date. Computer operating systems are periodically updated to stay in tune with technology requirements and to fix security holes. Ft. Lauderdale computer services recommend that you install updates to ensure your computer has the latest protection.

-- Be Careful What You Download. Carelessly downloading e-mail attachments can circumvent even the best anti-virus software. Never open attachments from people you don’t know, and be wary of forwards too.

-- Keep Your Firewall On. A firewall helps protect a computer from hackers who might try to gain access to crash it, delete data, or steal passwords or sensitive information. Software firewalls are widely recommended for single computers. For multiple computers linked together, hardware routers typically provide firewall protection. Call our network support department for a free consultation if you have any questions.

-- Install / Update Anti-virus Software. Anti-virus software is designed to prevent malicious software programs from embedding on your computer. If it detects malicious code, like a viruses or worms, it works to disarm and inoculate it.

You don't have to be a Fort Lauderdale computer repair guru to know that viruses can infect a computer without the owner or user's knowledge. Keep your protective software up to date!

-- Install / Update Your Anti-Spyware Technology. Spyware is just what it sounds like — software that is surreptitiously installed on your computer to let others peer into your activities. Some spyware collects information without your consent or produces unwanted pop-up ads. Some systems offer free spyware protection, and inexpensive software is readily available for download on the Internet or at your local computer store.

NOTE: Be wary of ads offering downloadable anti-spyware programs. In some cases these products may be fake and may actually contain spyware or other malicious code.