For Your Information

Keep your computer well-maintained

It is always important to keep your computer well maintained. One thing the inexperienced computer users forget to do is keep their antivirus program up to date. Antivirus programs are not install and forget programs. They need to be kept up to date! Check the instructions on how to have the program automatically update itself. If it does not have this feature make sure you do a manual update regularly (i.e. at least once a week, more often when there are rumours of viruses going around). Even if the program is set to update automatically it would not hurt to do a manual update every day or more often when the word is out that a virus is going around.

What Operating System do I have?

If your are using a Windows based operating system, it is very easy to find out. If you are wondering if your computer is a 32-Bit or 64-bit, your computer will tell you. The average computer user does not work with all versions of Windows so the most easiest way to determine is go to your start menu and click on control panel. Then double-click on the system icon. You will see the details in front of you.

If you are using a Mac computer it is much easier. From the Apple menu, select About this Mac and the resulting window shows your operating system version.

What is a virus?

A virus is a small program that gets into your computer undetected in order to cause havoc. This small software program has either been developed because the author enjoys causing disasters for other people or sometimes for monetary gains. Sometimes a virus is packaged in a file that is called a trojan virus. It is disguised as something else, and once it has gained access to your computer it then releases its intent.

What is malware?

Malware is a software program that has bad intentions. It can either be installed by the computer user accidentally or it can sneak into your computer through various avenues. Its not the same as a piece of software that by chance causes harm to your computer, malware is software that has been developed with the intent of causing problems with your computer.

What is Spyware?

Spyware is a type of malware program that invades your computer and basically spies on you. There are different types of spyware that collect different information. A common spyware type is a keylogger which records keystrokes typed on your keyboard. This is how people lose their bank account details. Other spyware will record your actions and browsing habits on the internet. Any information collected by spyware is usually with the intent to sell.

What is Adware?

Adware is another form of malware and is exactly as the name suggests, software with advertising. Adware can be downloaded and sometimes included in free programs. For example Windows Live messenger and Yahoo messenger contain adware. Although some programs give the option not to install the extra adware, others seem to sneak it in without permission.

How to Organize your Computer Files?

  • Make subfolders within your folders. Learning to organize your folders will help you organize your files
  • Set up your own filing system that makes sense to you
  • Always save files in the correct location. Don’t be lazy. It should not be hard if you organize your folders correctly
  • Name all of your files properly
  • Backup your files often, so they can be cleared from the computer

What is the Difference between POP and IMAP for email?

IMAP and POP are two different protocols. There are many differences between these two. The main difference is that IMAP(Internet Messaged Access Protocol) always syncs with mail server so that any changes you make in your mail client (Microsoft Outlook, Thunderbird) will instantly appear on your webmail inbox.

On the other hand, in POP(Post Office Protocol), your mail client account and mail server are not synced. It means whatever changes you make to your email account in the mail client will not be transferred to the webmail inbox.

In simple terms, if you are using IMAP and mark a mail as read, it gets marked as read in your web based inbox too (because the changes are happening on the server). However, this won’t be the case if you are using POP, because the mails are downloaded to your PC and the changes won’t reflect on the server.

What is a Web browser?

Surfing the web is made possible by Web browsers. Browsers are basically software programs that allow you to search for and view various kinds of information on the Web, such as web sites, video, audio, etc.

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer - Most Internet users are using Internet Explorer because it is easy to use and most websites are written with Internet Explorer in mind, meaning that they are compatible.
  • Opera: It is another popular browser that is easy to use; however, it can have some compatibility issues with various websites.
  • Mozilla's Firefox: FireFox is rapidly gaining ground right behind Internet Explorer because of its tabbed browsing, superior security features and fast load.
  • Google's Chrome: This browser aims to be secure, fast, simple and stable. The strength of this browser is in its application performance and processing speed.
  • Mac's Safari: Safari is an excellent choice for a browser, with a fast load and good compatibility with most websites