HELPDESK
Q: Internet bloggers are saying Boxee is going out of business. I love my Boxee. I watch Deutsche Welle on my TV every night. Will I be reduced to watching it on line again? — Dan Liftman
A: Samsung acquired Boxee. From all I see and hear Samsung plans to continue the Boxee gadget for video streaming. So, there’s every chance that Boxee and support for it will continue. And with a company with deeper pockets behind the product it could be good news. Dan (like me) loves the Boxee since, unlike its competitors, allows the user to use a built-in web browser that can help you capture video from almost any website. Samsung did say that it would discontinue another service run by Boxee – Cloudee, a cloud-based DVR service.
I often hear from readers who use online banking and bill paying. Usually they’ll ask if installing some specific anti-malware program will “keep my finances safe.”
Truth is that no program, or combination of programs, guarantees you’ll be safe while making financial transactions online. Don’t take that to mean you shouldn’t shop or bank online. I do it myself.
Our goal today is to make your computer system safer for the times you do financial transactions online.
Programs that can help
Computer criminals often use tiny programs that automate the process of finding ways to breach your security. These invasive programs include viruses, spyware and other hacking tools that are lumped into a category called malware.
That's why it's important to install and use a program, or programs, that detect and eliminate viruses and spyware. Software makers such as Norton, McAfee, Kaspersky and Trend Micro offer good products. There are some excellent free programs as well including AVG, Avast and even Microsoft's free Security Essentials. If you plan to use a single program for malware protection just make sure it protects against everything — viruses, spyware and other malware. Once installed make sure the program is updated regularly. PC Magazine reviewed some of the best online security suites (a suite is a collection of programs). You can read the results here: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2369749,00.asp
Wireless security
Wireless home networks are both convenient and common. But they also create additional security challenges. It’s important that you enable all the security features built into your wireless router. If your router is more than a few years old it could be using antiquated security features.
Free wireless networks
It’s tempting to settle back with a cup of coffee and some computing at one of the free wireless hotspots provided by coffee shops, hotels and other establishments. But these networks provide a happy hunting ground for hackers. The best practice is not to use them at all. When traveling use the wired network at your hotel. Or if you must use a public wireless network investigate moving to a virtual private network (VPN).
No software required
Some of the most common ways hackers trick themselves into your computer don’t involve special programs. Instead, it’s an old fashioned con game. For instance, you may get an email that seems to come from your bank or a merchant asking you to update your account information. You’ll be instructed to click on a web link that will take you to a special page to do that. The page will be a fake one, designed to perfectly mimic the legitimate web page. Instead of updating your information, it steals the information you provide so the hacker can use it to invade your computer. Just don’t click.
Wall off the problems
Your computer comes with a security feature called a firewall. Just as the name suggests it creates a wall – a layer of defense – that makes it more difficult for hackers to reach the data in your computer. Make sure it is turned on. If you use a Windows PC just type the word – firewall – into the search portion of the help menu. You'll be guided through the process. For Mac users, here's a link that explains how to do that with your computer: http://support.apple.com/kb/PH11309?viewlocale=en_US.
Your password
When selecting a password make sure it is a random collection of letters and numbers. It should not contain words or names. And it’s important not to use the same password for each website. Change your passwords regularly, perhaps every six months. And never reveal the password to anyone – including requests by email that seem to come from a bank or merchant.
Common sense and security
Perhaps the best security protection of all is common sense. Be cautious – downright paranoid in fact – about downloading free programs or games. Avoid providing personal information on social networking sites. And if you run into an offer by email or Web that seems too good to be true, well it probably is too good to be true.
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