I found a cool new way to manage my computers start up using msconfig. Using this function I can adjust what automatically starts up on my computer when I turn it on. You do not have to go through and change system preferences for each program, rather you can just use msconfig through the windows run page and work through it all in one spot. Many programs when installed designate themselves for startup. This causes computer to run much slower. I tested this on my brothers computer that wasn't working (internet not connecting), and we found that it was because he had multiple startup programs attempting to manage the wireless card. Thank goodness we checked msconfig.
Testing your firewall using ShieldsUp®
ShieldsUp is a web based tool that checks your firewalls and basically will tell you if your computer is vulnerable to hackers getting though, and if so provide assistance in correcting such issues. Firstly, I was shocked I had never heard of Gibson (the creator of this program), as he apparently is wildly successful and his protective programs are among the leaders in each of their respective categories. This points to an ominous fact that I am not very safe at the current time. I am going to make some changes to my computer after running shields up, and this should help me from getting hacked by individuals or viruses in the future.
Using pop-up blockers
I did not realize that you could turn on a popup blocker, but make site exceptions to stop it from blocking individual popups you actually want (say from my bank). I was annoyed that for class we had to turn the blocker off, but now I can put it back on but allow my popup blocker to still load popups from angel and wikispaces! I also did not know the google tool bar added more blocking power than what my current browsers themselves provide. After watching this video, I did more independent research on good blockers and found another add-on feature that blocks popups and ads on sites. It is called ad-block. After installing it I took a look on many sites I frequent and noticed all ads had vanished. Sites look more content specif and friendly to the eye now. I love it!
ShieldsUp is a web based tool that checks your firewalls and basically will tell you if your computer is vulnerable to hackers getting though, and if so provide assistance in correcting such issues. Firstly, I was shocked I had never heard of Gibson (the creator of this program), as he apparently is wildly successful and his protective programs are among the leaders in each of their respective categories. This points to an ominous fact that I am not very safe at the current time. I am going to make some changes to my computer after running shields up, and this should help me from getting hacked by individuals or viruses in the future.
Using pop-up blockers
I did not realize that you could turn on a popup blocker, but make site exceptions to stop it from blocking individual popups you actually want (say from my bank). I was annoyed that for class we had to turn the blocker off, but now I can put it back on but allow my popup blocker to still load popups from angel and wikispaces! I also did not know the google tool bar added more blocking power than what my current browsers themselves provide. After watching this video, I did more independent research on good blockers and found another add-on feature that blocks popups and ads on sites. It is called ad-block. After installing it I took a look on many sites I frequent and noticed all ads had vanished. Sites look more content specif and friendly to the eye now. I love it!
