Tips, Tricks and Tools « Tech Lab
Tip: Use Flash Drives for Homework
Students who use home computers to work on their schoolwork should consider investing in one or more flash drives (also known as pen drives or key drives). These nifty little devices are roughly the size of your thumb, can be found for less than $20, and plug right into any USB port (which any modern computer has). They are a great way to transfer smaller documents (Word, Excel, etc.), saving students the hassle of sending attachments back and forth within emails, or having to lug around a bulky and expensive laptop.
Tip: Spyware Defense
PC users should consider the following steps to minimize their exposure to spyware and malware infection:
- Keep your system up to date with Windows Update. Turning on automatic updates is recommended for most users.
- Purchase a current anti-virus program from a reputable commerical vendor, such as Norton, McAfee, or Trend Micro. Or, try the free AVG Anti-Virus.
- Download, install and religiously update a few good anti-spyware programs. Two highly recommended tools are Ad-Aware SE Personal and Spybot S&D.
- Beware of file sharing programs. Not only do many file sharing programs install their own 'spyware' processes, but file sharing servers are chock full of trojan horses, viruses and worms masquerading as Adobe Photoshop or the latest Avril Lavigne song . You have been warned!
- Avoid pornographic web sites.
- If you have persistent problems with Internet Explorer, try Mozilla's Firefox.
- If all else fails, consider switching to Mac, Linux or BSD; these platforms are relatively virus- and spyware-free.
Tools
GRC Shields Up! Internet Security Check Tool
DSL Line Speed Test (many other useful tools available from this site also)
