It could happen to you (if it hasn't already!)

Over the last couple of weeks I've had a couple of customers with systems which have been infected with "Malware" - or malicious software and somehow or other I've gotten caught up in trying to remove it. This is not something I'd normally do and frankly I don't have any real experience of it. Having said that, because of what I do, I've got a much better idea of what I'm doing than the average lay-person.

In the course of attempting to clear these systems I've learnt a great deal and spend a lot of time and money. So I thought it might be an opportune moment to give you a few ideas about how you can avoid getting yourself into the same situation. With a bit of luck it could save you a great deal of time, trouble and expense! (Hence the title!)

Rather than try and put everything into what is effectively a newsletter I've published a couple of new pages on the web site as below:

• Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe and secure on the Internet
  Hopefully a layman's guide to some of the things you can do to help keep your computer a little more secure from some of the latest threats (maybe some you weren't aware of!)
   
• Spyware, Adware, Hijackers, Diallers and Trojan Horses
  Much the same as the other article but with a little more explanation of these threats which are becoming more common all the time.

I've done my best to avoid "Techie Speak" and I've kept the whole thing so it should print out. Also this is more geared towards your home computer on a dial up or broadband connection. If you use the Internet via a corporate or company set up then, be aware, but please check with you IT department or systems administrator before you actually DO anything! If you are unsure of any of the advice in either of these articles then seek the help of someone who is qualified! Also it's very general and some ISP's (AOL for example) use proprietary browsers which minimise the risk anyway. Also it doesn't really apply to Mac's (PC's are the biggest target! Therefore at the highest risk!)

The idea is more to make you aware than to resolve problems. I know these are long articles but in the interests of your own sanity, and bank balance - PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ THEM!

'nuff said!

Just a few things you learn along life's rich highway:

I've learned that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is stalk them and hope they panic and give in.

I've learned that no matter how much I care, some people are just arseholes.

I've learned that it takes years to build up trust, but it only takes suspicion, not proof, to destroy it.

I've learned that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you'd better know something.

I've learned that you can keep throwing up long after you think you're finished. 

I've learned that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades, and there had better be a lot of money to take its place.

I've learned that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones who do.