Flair10's Weblog

Acceptable Use Policy

flair10 — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:26:18 +0000

An Acceptable use policy is an agreement a user must agree to before using the Internet and software. We have one which we have to agree to before we use the Internet at the college, every time we log on we have to agree to the policy. The college usage policy states that we will not try to visit certain kinds of sites, like gaming, gambling, Internet dating and any content that could cause offence. If these rules are broken then our Internet privileges will be taken away. Businesses also have an Acceptable use policy for their staff to adhere to. Before being given access to information systems they must sign a document agreeing to the company restrictions. such as not giving way sensitive information and company secrets and files. The most common restriction is not to view porn sites or any sites that would cause offence to any persons.

Security Suite

flair10 — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:54:02 +0000

The Security Suite i chose to install was Avira. Avira was very easy to install with straightforward instructions, as normal click ok when prompted and agree to the user license. After installation it was a hole different matter, as it was a free version you are limited to very little options and cannot use the system scan without the license key. All you really have is a very basic firewall with very little options unless you are willing to pay for the full version. I would not recommend this product as there are better ones out there that give you more options with the free trial version. I would give this product 3/10.

Peer 2 Peer Sharing

flair10 — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:31:21 +0000

Peer 2 Peer sharing is basically a network of users that have some kind of Peer 2 Peer software such as Azureus, UTorrent and others. This software allows users to download files and upload files between each other. Although it can be used to share files and information between computers, it is widely used to transfer movies and music which is illegal in most cases. Peer 2 Peer users can get all the latest movies, music, software, pictures and games for free. Many of the Peer 2 Peer websites that host the torrent files (that is what the downloadable files are called) have been closed down or are under pressure to close and reveal the IP addresses of the people downloading the files which break copyright laws. While most people that use Peer 2 Peer don’t see a problem with file sharing, it is open to abuse because it is not monitored by anyone official. This leads to people being able to transfer indecent images and files, such as child pornography and viruses. So in the Peer 2 Peer debate it is split 50% in favour and 50% against.

Installing a Firewall

flair10 — Wed, 28 May 2008 09:36:52 +0000

I installed Zone Alarm firewall on my virtual PC. The whole installation process was straight forward and very easy to do. All that was required was to follow a few quick and easy prompts, and as required with all software agree to the user license agreement. Once installed the settings can be changed easily and quickly to the specific requirements of the user.

Installing Windows XP

flair10 — Wed, 28 May 2008 09:21:38 +0000

I installed windows XP using Virtual PC to do so. Once Virtual PCwas installed and set up i then put the installation in the cd drive. The setup process is mostly automatic with the user having to only choose a few different options, for example the user license agreement and amount of Ram to be used. Once the setup has finished copying the files from the cd the installation is almost complete. All that remains to do is to enter the product key and register your copy of windows, after this is complete choose a timezone and the installation is then finished. The total installation time is approximately 2 hours.

Hoaxes

flair10 — Wed, 14 May 2008 09:04:33 +0000

Virus hoaxes are false reports about non-existent viruses, often claiming to do impossible things. Unfortunately some recipients occasionally believe a hoax to be a true virus warning and may take drastic action such as shutting down their network.

These hoaxes are nothing more than a nuisance trying to scare people into deleting files and folders. If you are not sure you can always consult websites that have detailed lists of all the known and current hoaxes.

Phishing

flair10 — Wed, 14 May 2008 08:57:31 +0000

The act of sending an e-mail to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft. The e-mail directs the user to visit a Web site where they are asked to update personal information, such as passwords and credit card, social security, and bank account numbers, that the legitimate organization already has. The Web site, however, is bogus and set up only to steal the user’s information.

A forged email which links to a forged web page or site. The email text urges you to complete an essential procedure by using a link which opens a forged web page. That essential procedure has included account verification, invalid credit/debit card details, attempted hacking of your accont, prize draws and account suspension, to name but a few

Spam

flair10 — Wed, 14 May 2008 08:46:36 +0000

Spam is junk email that is sent to millions of user’s with the intention of trying to sell something. People that give their email addresses on-line by filling out quick forms that are not on a secure websites are targeted by spammers. Also if a person gives away their email address on on-line forums, they are unwittingly setting themselves up to be a victim of spam.

The vast majority of people have software which intercepts spam before it gets to their email in box, this is a very effective way of dealing with spam. With this software an individual can set exact email addresses or key words on the settings to block unwanted email. For instance i would block words like viagra, sex, xxx, and anything relating to that kind of content. if you don’t want these emails blocked you can set them to be sent to your junk folder to be checked before you personally delete them. Spam software is very easy to install and getting to grips with it is pretty straight forward.

Adware

flair10 — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:51:13 +0000

Adware is a type of advertising software that once on a user’s computer will display advertisements or try to download shareware for many different software products. Basically it is nuisance software that companies use to advertise their products to internet users. The companies that use it see it as a means of recouping some of the costs of e-commerce. A couple of Anti-Adware software packages that i have found are Adaware 2007, Oceanside Adware spyware remover and Spycleaner Gold 9.5.

Spyware

flair10 — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:37:50 +0000

Spyware is a program which tracks and monitors a user as they visit websites and enter personal information. Not only can this program monitor a user’s activity, but it also has the means to redirect a browser to unwanted websites and advertising locations. Spyware can also change the settings on a user’s PC and lead to the loss of programs and files. Anti-Spyware software is now widely used and reconized by the vast majority of computer users. A few examples of Anti-Spyware software are Bazooka Spyware scanner, Advanced Spyware Remover and Spyware terminator.