If you are not completely sure what spyware is, it can be defined as a type of software that is used by individuals or companies to gain access to information about you. Whether it is your surfing habits or your private information that is being monitored, spyware is an invasion of your privacy. In many instances, spyware will also change the configuration of your computer, causing it to behave strangely.

Though people normally use spyware for malicious purposes, it is many times installed on your computer with your consent. When you download many of the readily available ‘freeware’ programs, often you get more than you anticipated. Most times, this situation can be avoided by simply taking a moment to read the user agreement. It is often clearly stated that you agree to install third party software along with the free software.

Sometimes, though, the user agreement may not state that you are downloading third party software so it is also important to carefully read stipulations on the site where you download the software. Also, you should never download software from anyplace other than the original site or a trusted source. If you download software from a torrent site, you are virtually asking for your computer to be infected with spyware.

Spyware can cause all types of problems for your system. Your operating system files may be damaged or the resources may be overloaded, which can cause your computer’s performance to slow down dramatically. Plus, certain types of spyware make it very easy for someone to steal your identity. While some companies simply want to spy on your surfing habits to improve sales demographics, the intentions of other abusers of spyware are not so transparent.

One of the most common types of spyware simply displays unwanted advertisements based on your surfing habits. Other more obtrusive types of spyware will hijack your browser’s start page and add unneeded components to your system which may cause your computer to crash. Some of the most malicious types of spyware take control of your computer and use it as part of a network to gain control of other computers containing sensitive data.

One of the most important things to understand about keeping your computer free from spyware is that you should have a complete understanding of exactly what you are installing on your computer before completing the install. Read all enclosures and agreements carefully and only download software from trusted sites. If you follow these basic guidelines, you will have a much easier job preventing spyware from taking over control of your computer.

Basic Computer Skills

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Transistors allowed a trend of miniaturization that has led all the way to our present portable small laptop / notebook computers which can run on batteries. It is hard to visualize that today’s laptop computers replace what would have been a multistory building packed with computers that would of consumed huge amounts of electric power.

In 1959 engineers at Texas Instruments figured out how to put more than one transistor on the same base and connect these transistors without wires. Thus the next step was born – the integrated circuit. The first integrated circuit consisted of only six transistors. Current computers have in the range of 100 million transistor equivalents.

In 1969 Intel introduced the 1 k memory chip. This was much larger than anything else produced at the time. Through coordination of Intel with a Japanese calculator manufacturer named Busicomp the next step was made where a generic multipurpose chip was devised. What made this step important was that no one chip could do a number of tasks. Previously each chip had a purpose that was burnt in. Now one integrated chip could do a number of different functions. One single integrated circuit chip was almost an entire computing device. The successor to this multi purpose integrated circuit or “CPU” was what went on to the basis of our whole generation and concept of personal computers/

In 1973 some of these microcomputer kits based on the initial 8080 Intel integrated chip were developed. In the hands of hobbyists these kits were put together and were nothing more than blinking lights. However the impetus was on. Many of these early hobbyists went on to become computer industry giants. With Intel introducing an even much more powerful microprocessor chip the computer industry was on its way.

First was a ground breaking kit from a company MITS which introduced the “Altair Computer Kit”. The Altair inspired other companies to write programs for these early computers. Among the early innovators and producers of software in this field was Microsoft with its first version of Microsoft “Basic”.

Now things really started moving. IBM introduced the first “personal computer” in 1975. The model 1500 was beyond piddly compared to today’s dollar store calculators and cost only $ 9,000.

In 1976, a newer California based company called Apple Computer, introduced the Apple I computer for $ 695. The original Apple 1 computer consisted of a main circuit board screwed into a piece of plywood. A case and power supply were not even included- the buyer even for $ 695 had to supply and manufacture them.

The Apple I was followed in 1977 by the Apple II. The Apple II because of its enormous success set the standards for nearly all the important microcomputers to follow, including the IBM PC.

The stage was no set for the release of the next major step in Personal Computer Evolution. The large powerful computer monolith IBM – a very profitable and lucrative company was being embarrassed by a little upstart whose very product has started from a primitive appearing home made type product screwed onto a piece of plywood.. You owe your laptop and your Personal Computer – your PC itself to basic human ego and its frailties.

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Security first depends on what operating system. The vast majority of computer users have some form of Windows. While Macs and Linux machines are LESS LIKELY to be susceptible to attacks/viruses/spyware, anything is possible and you must take that into an account. Since the majority of people use Windows, that is where this guide’s focus will be. However, if you use Linux, a handy tip is to remember what your file permissions are, make sure to set permissions to 700 (Linux users know what this means) on things that only you need to see/use.

Basics – The bare basic security of a system doesn’t come from a program, it comes from you, the user. You need to be smart and responsible about things that can potentially harm your computer. Here’s a list of things NOT TO DO: Don’t visit adult/warez sites (these sites can download malicious spyware onto your computer and even viruses), Don’t accept ActiveX controls EXCEPT from sites you trust, Don’t open email attachments that are questionable or that are from an unknown sender and finally: Don’t give people a reason to hack/send a virus/infect your computer. You’d be surprised how many viruses are sent out of spite from one user to another. Also be very wary of what you download. Just because the site appears reputable doesn’t always mean that the program or files it has are safe. Make sure you have a trustworthy site loaded on your browser before you start downloading everything in site.
Dealing with Spyware – Spyware is a plague to us all. It not only is a drain on system performance, it may contain key loggers/data miners that can see what you are typing and when. Scary huh? The first thing to avoid with spyware is to avoid getting it in the first place. However, it is not always possible and it does happen to the best of us. I would recommend that all computers have some sort of anti-spyware program. I personally recommend Spybot – Search and Destroy because of its ability to “immunize” against spyware, its quick scan times and its efficient removal. However, any anti-spyware program will work as long as it works well and can clean your system. Another way to further protect your computer from spyware is using a different internet browser. Many spyware files are only tuned to Internet Explorer, so this can be a real help in preventing spyware. FireFox, for example, is an excellent internet browser and can even be installed on your computer with internet explorer. It’s also free, which is a plus. Its ease of use and modular expandability make it highly recommended.

Keeping Viruses Away – Viruses are potentially devastating to any system. Viruses can rang from pranks, to serious ones that can erase your entire hard drive or gather important documents from you. EVERY COMPUTER CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET SHOULD HAVE AN ANTI-VIRUS! I honestly cannot stress this enough. Unfortunately, there are not many free anti-viruses that are extremely good. However, Avast! anti-virus has shown some potential and can help keep your system constantly monitored. If you only need a free virus scanner, Trend Micro offers a free online virus scan that can remove most viruses from your system. This is also recommended even if you have an anti-virus as it is nice to see if another program can pick something else that another missed. However, if you require better protection than a free anti-virus, then you should more than likely upgrade. For an anti-virus that costs money, Symantec makes a great product that is reasonably priced and will keep your computer running happily.

Firewalls – A firewall can save your butt in more way then one when you’re using a computer. A good firewall is a great defense against those who want to do harm/infiltrate your computer. In my opinion, the ZoneAlarm free firewall is one of the best free solutions there is. Though, sometimes people just don’t want to download anything or install it. This is why Windows XP has a firewall built into it. If you refuse to get a firewall, activate the XP firewall because it is better than nothing. Conversely, a firewall that you pay for is more than likely better than something that you can get for free. Trusted brands such as ZoneAlarm, Norton, Trend Micro and other big names all produce a good firewall that isn’t terribly expensive.

Updating – ALWAYS keep your security software and Windows updated. Many Windows updates involve beneficial security updates that make it more difficult for others (including programs) to compromise your system’s security. Also update all of your firewalls, anti-spyware and anti-virus software. By doing so, your computer will have the latest defense against things (and people) that you don’t want in your system.

I hope this guide has been beneficial to you and if you have any more questions, don’t be afraid to email me or visit my site: www.pvpmachine.frih.net.

What Is CPU?

A CPU stands for central processing unit, which acts as the brain of the computer. It is important when you look at computers that you purchase one with a name brand CPU with high speed. When you look at CPU brands, you want one with a well known reputation that has been in the market for quite sometime. As for the speed of the CPU, CPU speed is measured in GHz. The higher the GHz the faster your computer will run.

What Is RAM?

RAM is the acronym for random access memory, which keeps computers running fast. The more RAM you have the faster your computer will run. RAM only works and functions when your computer is on because it stores temporary files and runs your programs, operating system, etc. In other words, RAM is similar to a person’s short term memory because it remembers every task you perform until it is turned off. If RAM did not clear itself when you turned off the computer, it will store so much useless data that it will eventually overload and crash. This is why is it important to shut down your computer occasionally since you will clear the RAM. Thus, your computer will run faster.

What Is Hard Drive?

A Hard Drive stores data, which allows you to access important files. The hard drive is the computer’s long term memory. Unlike the RAM, which stores unimportant temporary files, a hard drive stores files that matter to you. Every time you save a word document, pictures, movies, etc, they are stored on your hard drive. The amount of storage the hard drive has is measured in GB, which means the higher the GBs the more information you can store.

Now, you know the basics of computer jargon. You can shop easily for your notebook or computer. The best way of getting computers and notebooks for less is by saving money with free computer coupons, computer discount coupons, computer deals, computer rebates, and computer coupon codes by visiting this link below.

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Basic Business Skills Required

I cannot possibly list all of the business skills you are going to need to suit your particular line of work. However, there are some rather basic skills you will need to effectively perform in just about any office:

* Computer skills – in all likelihood, you will need to interact with a computer somehow during the course of conducting business, whether it is to place an order, track a shipment, record your time, or to write a letter or memo. As such, you should become familiar with the basic operation of a computer. Most High Schools today do a fair job of teaching the basics, but if you missed the course, there are plenty of places you can receive training, such as at public libraries and community service associations. Of course, there are also professional training programs you can also attend.

In addition to the use of the keyboard, mouse, and monitor, one of the most important things to learn is the concept of the computer’s “clipboard” which is used to copy and paste data from one program to another; e.g., from a spreadsheet to a word processing document. When using a computer, this is one of the most common features you will actively use. Also, learn the basics of the computer’s file management system; e.g., the organization of the folders, the various file types used, and how to search the computer for its contents.

Also learn how to use the computer’s help facilities to assist you in problem areas. Most programs use similar help facilities making it easy to learn and follow.

* Word Processing – word processors are perhaps the most extensively used programs on a computer and there are a variety of programs available offering comparable features. Aside from basic typing, you should learn how to format a document in terms of setting up margins, pagination, headers and footers, and font selection (type, style, and size). More importantly, learn how to effectively use spell checkers and grammar checkers. I am amazed how many people use word processors yet know little about how to use such facilities. Consequently, a letter may look graphically appealing but is inundated with spelling errors and weak sentence structures.

* Spreadsheets – if your job requires any basic number crunching, you will undoubtedly have to learn how to use a spreadsheet. Their ability to perform basic math is an incredibly time-saver. Do yourself a favor and learn how to express a formula (such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division). You cannot believe how many people use electronic spreadsheets yet still perform the math manually. Pretty scary.

* Graphics – office workers will inevitably need to work with graphics, if for nothing more than scanning, cropping and sizing photographs and illustrations. They may not need to know how to use robust graphic design tools (unless they are in that business), but they will need to know how to perform basic graphic manipulation. Also, depending on your job assignments, you may need to learn how to use slide presentation software; e.g. Microsoft PowerPoint, Lotus Freelance, etc. Such presentation aids are useful for sales and training situations.

* Desktop Publishing – if you will be responsible for producing brochures, books, and formal reports for presentation, in all likelihood you will have to learn a Desktop Publishing tool, such as Adobe InDesign or Microsoft Publisher. You will also have to learn how to produce documents in the Portable Document Format (PDF), a popular file format from Adobe.

* Multimedia – most office workers will not need to know how to produce audio/video files, but it would certainly look good on your resume if you did, as well as making you a more valuable resource to your company.

* Internet – this is an invaluable tool for communications and research. Here you will need to know: how to send and receive e-mails (including how to attach files), instant messaging, maintaining an address book, how to use a web browser, and how to effectively use a search engine. It may also be necessary to learn how to send and receive files using FTP facilities (File Transfer Protocol).

* Other computer utilities – two common types of programs actively used in business are calendars and calculators. Calendars are invaluable for coordinating schedules on a corporate-wide basis, and calculators, of course, help us with math.

This brings up a point, most offices require their workers to have good basic math skills, to prepare such things as orders and purchases, calculate estimates and schedules, and to write a cost/benefit analysis.

* Telephone etiquette – it’s interesting, despite the elaborate phone systems companies use, people still do not know how to properly answer the telephone. First, when the phone rings, answer it promptly, do not let it continuously ring thereby upsetting not only the caller but your coworkers as well. Second, when you answer, properly identify yourself and ask how you can be of assistance; for example, “This is John Doe. How can I help you?”

If you are using Voice Mail (which seems like everybody does these days), put down a professional message that will not alienate callers; for example: “This is John Doe. I cannot take your call right now but if you leave a message I will be sure to return your call as soon as possible.” Now for the real trick, follow-up on your promise and check your messages regularly and respond promptly.

* Writing & Penmanship – there are primarily three types of writing you will be involved with: memos, business letters, and reports. I do not have sufficient space here to provide you with the tutorial needed to instruct you in this regard. I suggest you either take a course in effective writing or research examples on the Internet. Nonetheless, write professionally (avoid slang) and courteously, get to the point and do not ramble.

I realize people today are more inclined to type than to write something by hand, but if you do, write legibly so people can read it. Your penmanship says a lot about your personality, your professionalism, and level of education.

* Speaking – regardless of your job, you will undoubtedly have to meet and converse with people, attend meetings and presentations, and possibly conduct interviews. As such, it will be necessary for you to be able to articulate your ideas and positions. If you are shy and resist engaging in professional discussions, you will have to learn to overcome your fears.

If you would like to discuss this with me in more depth, please do not hesitate to send me an e-mail.

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