ItsGeekToMe.co

Special thanks to the Center for Lifelong Learning for hosting me at their meeting on January 13^th.  This week’s questions come from that presentation.  We talked about a lot more, but my column space is limited! 

Q: What is the downside of downloading the Plugins that are asked for so often? Along the same line, what is with all the messages that say we need to download a later version of a program we already have?  Also what can someone gain access to on our computer if we do not have our wifi connection password protected?

– Jim C.
Fort Walton Beach, FL

A: The downside of plug-ins is that unless you’re absolutely certain of what you’re installing, you could very well be putting malware on your computer.  Only download plug-ins from reputable sources, and then, only those you’re sure you need.  As for downloading a “later version” of a program you already have – new versions do one of two things:  Either they fix problems in the old version, or they add new features.  As a general rule, you should keep up with the latest version of all your installed software, because sometimes the new version fixes critical flaws.

By having Wi-Fi “password protected” I assume you mean encrypted.  If your system is unencrypted, at a minimum, someone could piggyback your signal, and use your bandwidth.  That not only slows down your connection, but there is a lot of talk from Internet providers of limiting the amount of bandwidth that people can use each month.  That’s unfortunate, as bandwidth demands are growing constantly with the availability of newer online services, streaming movies and TV, etc.  Worst case scenario, with an open Wi-Fi connection, someone could get on your computer and have access to everything you have access to when you’re sitting at the keyboard.

Q: Is there any way besides ‘Block Sender’ to prevent getting so many spam emails? 

– Jackie Y.
Shalimar, FL

A: Actually, Jackie, “Block Sender” is one of the least effective ways of preventing SPAM.  True spammers do not use their own e-mail address – they use yours, or mine, or anyone else’s they can get on their SPAM list.  The single most effective means of avoiding SPAM is prevention.  Handle your e-mail address like you’d handle your credit card or social security number.  Don’t give it to ANYONE unless they have a valid need, and absolutely don’t enter it into any web forms unless you are signing up for something that requires e-mail communication, and even then, opt-out of the little checkbox that says “Allow our company to share your e-mail address with our marketing partners.”  Also, make sure all your family, friends, and e-mail buddies know NEVER to enter your e-mail address into a form that says “Send this link to your friends” because most of those are set up specifically to harvest e-mail addresses.  If you’re plagued by SPAM, you may need to start from scratch, with a new e-mail address, and prevent the spammers from ever getting hold of it in the first place.

Be sure and join me at Northwest Florida College next Saturday, Jan 24, for the Northwest Florida Association of Computer User Groups 3^rd Annual Computer Users Expo!  For full information, visit nwfacug.org or call 850-586-0603.