Computer Tip 15-23 Passwords-Cookies-Temporary Files-Enrgy21.com

Computer Tip 15-23

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An earlier review of browsers is being replaced by an updated review.

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Creating and using strong passwords is extremely important.
This is an example of a 10 character strong password: *&8+d@%=91
If an account permits letters and numbers only, avoid common words, dates... For
more information see: Microsoft.com/protect/yourself/password/create

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Information about what Spam is and isn't, and where you can report it to...
Moved to the Home page.

20
Regardless of which browser(s) you use (K-Meleon, Opera, Mozilla Firefox, Safari,
Orca, Avant, Internet Explorer, Safari, the new Google Chrome...make sure your
anti-virus and anti-spyware programs are updated often. If you use your PC more
than 3 hours a day, it's a good idea to clean temp files every few days. If a PC
owner does nothing else as far as maintaining the system, at least clean
unnecessary temp files using a third party utility.

If you use free support and applications that protect against spy-ware, viruses and
keep your computer in good operating condition, or free services and web site
tools, it's good to support them with donations.

19
To keep a desktop/laptop screen free of unused icons, right clicking and viewing
it's properties will reveal whether to delete it or not. The left over installation files of
successfully installed applications can be deleted immediately after installation.

18
Related to personal computers, temporary files and cookies considered safe to
remove by the system and a third-party application, should be deleted often.
How often depends on how much you use your computer. On the other hand,
you could leave the temporary files on/in your system(s) until it becomes unstable.

17
Desktop computer owners (as well as to laptop/notebook), risk of damage by
sudden impact and liquids.

So, backing up your files and documents (or entire system), is important, whether it
be a desktop or laptop. But, cleaning the registry properly (Windows), cleaning
the disk, using a reputable 3rd party temporary file and cookie cleaner, or enlisting
the support of someone you can trust to do these things, is also very important.

Keeping your computer safe with the right anti spyware, anti-virus and firewall
software might be considered by some, a daunting task, especially if one doesn't
enjoy the fun of maintaining it, but it's worth it.

16
If one has an interest in learning more about PC systems, in relation to a browser's
access to the Internet, for comparison's sake, some systems come with browsers IE
(Windows) and Safari (Mac) installed. No costs versions for some systems are
stand-alone applications K-Meleon, Mozilla Firefox and Opera and Safari. All are
stable, in a relative way, depending on your preferences and knowledge level
regarding the system, applications and security; all have their weaknesses and
strengths. For these and a few other browser alternatives, the world wide web
provides an abundance of information.

An expert's understanding of a computer is the last thing many users are looking to
achieve. But, having a computer is like a car; if one doesn't know the
maintenance procedures and follow them, it will break down, sooner rather than
later. For novices, remember to "Save to Desktop" to keep in prominent view until
pre-installation review, and use a system's Add/Remove (Windows) programs to
uninstall applications (see system Help section for all other systems).

15
If you're concerned about safety when accepting cookies, in theory you can
simply refuse all cookies. All standard browsers allow for this option. However, this is
not a very practical solution. Many sites use cookies for useful or benign purposes.
Also many sites require cookies to be enabled before a purchase and log-in
security reasons.

Session cookie is cookie that is erased when the user closes the Web browser. The
session cookie is stored in temporary memory and is not retained after the browser
is closed. Session cookies do not collect information from the user's computer. They
typically will store information in the form of a session identification that does not
personally identify the user.

Persistent cookies are stored on a user's hard drive until it expires or until the user
deletes the cookie.
Excerpts from:
Surfthenetsafely.com