Where Am I? - Internet Basics

4. Security

Security is an important consideration when using your computer.  There are many machines and humans engaged in trying to steal personal information or damage sensitive data via the Internet.  There are dozens of ways that your computer can be hacked or corrupted and some of these techniques are sophisticated and difficult to understand.  As an individual user, be aware that any time you are visiting a public area on your computer (the Web, a social network, email) you are vulnerable to attack.

There are a few simple steps that will help you to keep your computer and your data safe.

1. Make sure you have virus protection software installed on your computer that will regularly check for viruses in your software updates and in your downloads. 
2. If you are using your computer device in a public area such as a wireless cafe, make sure your device is password protected.
3. Adjust your browser security settings.  The higher you set the security level, the safer you will be but your searches will be more limited.  Security levels are adjusted by going to the Control Panel/System and Security.
4. Delete your cookies, clear your cache and delete your browsing history.  The definitions for these terms are in the glossary but basically, you are just erasing the record of where you have been on the Web.  The items are grouped together in your Control Panel/Internet Options.