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Top 4 Antivirus Programs for Tablet Computers

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If your tablet computer is able to handle an antivirus program (some OS devices do not apply), you should be on the lookout for quality programs. Just as your laptop or desktop is able to become infected with viruses; your tablet also is a target.

Take a look at your tablet PC to see what options you may have.  Here are four of the top antivirus programs for tablet computers.

  • AVG Free

AVG is a leading provider of antivirus software. This is the same program that you would be able to use on your laptop or desktop. If it is available for your tablet computer, you might want to consider it.

  • McAfee VirusScan Mobile

Another leader in computer protection, this offering from McAfee is made especially for wireless devices. It also offers protection for emails, instant messaging and other useful features. For instance, are your tablet computer’s SMS, MMS, Bluetooth, and other entry points protected? This is a program that will take care of that.

  • AVG Mobilation

Smartphone and tablet users can take advantage of this antivirus program. There is also a dedicated version for Android users. If it applies to your device, it is definitely worth a look.

  • Avast Free Antivirus

Another free program, Avast has become a prime competitor in the world of antivirus software. You will notice that this program is also available for standard computers, as opposed to other antivirus applications specifically for a certain OS (again, some tablets have operating systems which limit these types of programs). This is a great choice if it is available for your tablet.

Filed Under: Security, Technology, Tips Tagged With: , ,

Protecting yourself from identity theft

Each year, identity theft results in an estimated loss of $52 billion nationwide. Protecting yourself from becoming the latest victim is more important now than ever before, especially on the internet.

Here are some tips on how you can prevent online identity theft:

  • Shop on secure websites

Shopping online is safe only when you browse for merchandise on secure web pages. Always check for a lock graphic on a site or check to see if “https” shows up in the address bar. This indicates your web page is secure and your data is encrypted. A connection that is not secure allows hackers to quickly grab your private information.

  • Avoid phishing scams

Identity thieves use phishing in spam emails or online chat rooms to draw out personal information from unsuspecting victims. They usually pretend to be anything from your bank to your credit card company and try to convince you to send information or click on a link. Never respond even if it seems legitimate. Responsible organizations will never contact you in this manner.

  • Use current anti-virus and anti-spyware software

If your computer becomes infected by a virus or trojan horse program, it can do tons of damage quickly. These malware programs are designed to scan your hard drive, gather private information and send it back to identity thieves. Fighting off these threats requires installing an anti-virus program and an anti-spyware program to identify and eliminate suspicious files and programs. These act as a first line of defense against identity theft.

Filed Under: Internet, Security Tagged With: ,

Blocking cell phone spam

Spam isn’t just limited to email these days. It has expanded its reach onto mobile phones in the form of unsolicited text messages. This can be a major issue if you have a coverage plan where you get charges for each text message received.

You have a few options in trying to limit unwanted texts from overwhelming your phone.

 

  • Block all internet based messages.

 

Most spam texts originate from online because spammers can reach you for free when they access your mobile phone through the internet. Major cell phone service providers such as T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon will block all texts originating from cyberspace for free if you request it.

 

  • Block specific numbers, websites or email addresses.

 

This is another option provided by most phone companies. It can be useful if an unwanted text consistently originates from the same number or email or URL.

 

  • Dispute your cell phone bill.

 

If spam messages still make it to your phone after your best efforts to eliminate them, you should contact your cell phone service provider and get them to drop the charges stemming from those texts. If you go this route, it is important to contact them as soon as you receive the unwanted text.

 

  • Do not answer spam messages.

 

Never respond to spam under any circmumstances. Many spam texts are sent to test if the phone number is working. Your response is a secret way of baiting you into getting a greater number of these messages.



Filed Under: Internet, Security Tagged With: , ,

Stopping Hackers

Protecting your computer from hackers is essential. There literally thousands of these cyber criminals working overtime to find ways to break into your system and wreak havoc with your life. So what should you do to keep your Mac or PC off limits and protect yourself from these lowlifes?

Just remember these guidelines in denying hackers access to your computer:

  • Update your software

One of the best ways to stop a hacker in their tracks is to make sure your operating system and web browser are up to date. These offer the easiest portals for an hacker to gain access. Updates will usually include new security features that more effectively block intrusions into your computer.

  • Install a firewall

Firewall protection is essential if you use an operating system like Windows XP. Without a good firewall, hackers can get into your computer as easily as walking through an open door. Most firewalls offer a 15-day or 30-day free trial period and they can be used in combination with most antivirus programs.

  • Install anti-spyware programs

Spyware is designed to gather information from your computer and hackers will use that data for their own purposes — everything from stealing your identity to sending unsolicited emails based on their illegal market research. Spyware poses less of a threat than a computer virus. Still, it is a major invasion of privacy. You should install the latest anti-spyware programs on your computer and keep them up-to-date to block it from gaining a foothold.

Filed Under: Internet, Security Tagged With: , ,

What Helps Make a Computer Password Safe?

Everyone that uses a computer has a password or two or three. The password allows us to get into our data that is stored on our computer. Whether it is a password for your banking needs, for your email account or any other specific account, making it secure is necessary. There are a lot of thieves who spend a lot of time in inventing ways to get your important data. Here are some ways to help make your password safe:

1. Make the length of your password considerably long, at least above five numbers and words.
2. Use upper and lower case letters mixed in together along with numbers.
3. Do not use the same password for multiple accounts. If one of your passwords is compromised, then you do not want thieves to have access to all of your accounts. Make a strong and different password for every account you have.
4. Do not use such things as birthday or anniversary dates, family members’ names or your pets names. These are too easy for someone to figure out. There needs to be no emotional connections to your passwords.
5. Protect your passwords as though they are the keys to your home. They are, in a virtual sense. Write them down and place them in a safe place in your home or put them in your safety deposit box in case you forget them. It is best not to carry them around in your wallet or purse. They can have the same effect as if your credit card was stolen or worse.

Take the time and do what is necessary to keep your password safe. It is the only way to help keep it secure.

 

 

Filed Under: Computers, Security Tagged With: , ,

The Importance of Antivirus Software on Your Computer

The Importance of Antivirus Software on Your Computer

Anti-virus software plays an important role in having security on your computer. Without this software, not only is your privacy at stake, but also your financial safety. There are many ways some people will try in attempting to steal your data. Unsuspecting and honest people are usually the ones that it affects the most.

Precautions need to be taken through anti-virus software so that everything you key into your computer will stay in its virtual walls. Through today’ technologies this is almost a certainty as long as you take a bit of time and make it secure.

  • A way that computer thieves can attach your information is through you answering unknown emails. Sometimes it is an attempt to commit identity theft. A computer thief will send unknown and unwanted emails to get information. This is called spamming. If you have email software, it should have an anti-virus spam filter on it. This will block out these messages from your inbox and direct it safely into your spam filter.
  • Another way a computer thief can steal information is by finding a non-secure operating system. An antivirus software is needed to keep unwanted Trojans out. They can reach into to your system and copy information before you realize it has been done.

These are only two of a vast growing number of security issues that plague the privacy and financial safety issues of our modern day use of the computer. As technologies continue to grow, so will  the efforts of cyber thieves.

Source:

“Safety and Security Center”  Microsoft www.microsoft.com/security/resources/spam-whatis.aspx

 

Filed Under: Computers, Security Tagged With: , ,

Remember Your Pet’s Life With Technology

The loss of a pet is, for most children and their parents, the loss of a family member. When children lose a beloved pet, they may recognize death and mortality, and resulting questions of continued existence, for the first time.

Dr. Stephanie LaFarge, Senior Director of Counseling Services of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(R) (ASPCA (R)) says “Parents should be honest with children about a pet’s death.  Parents should discuss the life cycle with their children”.  She recommends “explaining the facts of life–that all animals are born and grow old–we should never withhold the facts of life and death from children.”

Watching their pet age and die, or sudden death, may prompt first time questions about life and death.  “The child may ask ‘Are you going to die? Am I going to die?’”  Dr. LaFarge recommends that parents reassure children with the truth:  “While everything that lives will die one day, we are alive and not dying now.”

Parents may be surprised at how quickly the child asks for a new pet.  “Children may believe their pet is coming back, though they realize their pet is gone now. They want to know that this was not the last dog they will love.”  Parents can help the family plan for their new pet by reading books and visiting animal shelters.  There is no right or wrong time to adopt a new pet, and expressing grief at the loss of a pet is healthy and normal.

Symptoms of a child’s grief may include sleep interruptions, crying, or even seeing the pet.  If these symptoms persist more than a few days, seek your pediatrician’s advice.

Parents and children can make a booklet about the pet’s life, post pictures on the family’s computers and laptops. Use technology to remember your pet. Talk about the beauty of life together.

 

Filed Under: Security, Technology Tagged With: , ,