Ask Me - THRComputer Solutions

Web Browsers are your key to the Internet.  With a browser such as Internet Explorer, you can find almost anything you need by surfing the Internet.  However, there are dangerous locations online – those that are looking to hijack your computer and use it for their own good.  The problem is, you may not even know when you visit a website that it could be potentially dangerous to your computer.

Many users are not even aware how vulnerable their systems can be simply by viewing a web page.  Visiting a malicious web page with an insecure browser opens up your entire computer to potential problems and viruses.  Some sites only have harmless cookies, but other like to download executable programs that will allow the hacker complete control over your system.  Scary, isn’t it? (more…)

There are three types of malware – that is, malicious software designed to harm your computer:  viruses, Trojans and worms.  Of the three, worms are the most harmful because they can function without human intervention.  While viruses attach themselves to a program, worms do not need to do that to be harmful.  They can spread independently.

Worms can be designed to destroy computer programs and files, but they are often designed to attack networks.  Because networks are comprised of servers and routers, this can be most damaging.  The servers are used as resources by many individual computers and the router is a specialized server that is used to route network traffic.  If nothing else, a worm can cause damage by consuming precious network bandwidth. (more…)

AceSpy is flagged by many of the spyware removal programs including Spyware Doctor as a keystroke logger.  AceSpy monitors the computer by recording screenshots and maintaining log files of keystroke activity including email program, instant messaging and chatroom conversations.  This application is sold commercially as “Spy Software” for the use of monitoring another person who could be your spouse or even a child.

Legally, it is a federal and state offense to install monitoring or surveillance software on a PC that you do not own.  The reason that many spyware removal programs monitor for this program is just because it is illegal to install it in certain cases, it doesn’t mean that someone won’t do it.  Personally I am in full agreeance of doing what it takes to make sure that my children are using the internet in a safe way so in this situation I would highly recommend this type of  program.  But on the other hand, you need to be careful that you don’t have these types of applications running on your computer without your consent so I am definately a fan of monitoring for this software.  Keep in mind that most spyware protection programs give you the ability to flag a program as being safe so you would just update your spyware program for this program.which means that a person would usually purchase the program to monitor the activity of another person using a computer. 

The bottom line is AceSpy is the type of application that can be both good or bad.  You need to be aware that their are many other types of logging programs that are not sold commercially that can be installed on your computer without you evening knowing it.  If you are looking for a safe way to monitor your children, then download a free trial version of AceSpy.  Also make sure your are properly protected against having one of these programs installed on your computer without your knowledge by installing Spyware Doctor.

My 14 year old nephew was over the other day using one of my computers on the home network.  I worry sometimes about all the problems that children can get into using the Internet, whether it’s in chat rooms or on web sites we might say are “inappropriate” for teenagers.  I don’t think my nephew is doing anything on the Internet like this – yet!  I wanted to make sure I showed my nephew that his father has the ability to keep track of where he has been on the Internet.  Now his father isn’t the most experienced when it comes to using the Internet and computers, but what I showed him isn’t complicated at all and anyone can do it. 

While my nephew was using the computer, I went to my router to open up the outgoing log file which I have activated on my router.  I asked my nephew to take a look at the log and I explained to him that this was all of the websites that have been visited by people using that computer while surfing on the Internet.  He never realized that you can find out (very easily) what web sites have been visited on a computer.  I then casually “mentioned” to him that his father can also do the same thing on his home computer. 

My point is this - I strongly believe it is very important for parents of children to be educated about the Internet.  Computers aren’t all that complicated, and there are many resources available on line that explains in plain terms how to make your computer safe for your children.  As children get older they begin to get more and more curios about things.  The Internet is a place where a curious, inexperienced child can get into trouble with predators on MySpace or in a chat room.  Don’t forget that teenagers are often curious about sex so all the easily accessible Internet Porn sites might be places they want to visit.

Take the time and educate yourself about your computer and the Internet.  You don’t have to be a computer whiz to be able to monitor your children’s Internet activity or to install proper Internet protection tools for children.  This doesn’t mean you’ll be able to protect your children from all the dangers on the Internet, but it certainly will be a positive step towards safe Internet surfing.