PC Do’s and Don’ts. . . ideas that hold true over time, Part 2

Today is as good as any other day to discuss part 2 of my computer Do’s and Don’t.

Let me know your thoughts as we move through this next series. 

And remember to share this with a friend.  It’s easy and it’s the right thing to do. 

Do #3 Anti Malware Software

This is a critical line of defense against nasties that invade your computer.  If I have worked on your PC you already have two of the best tools out there.  Remember to run them once a month.  Just put a reminder in your calendar and run them before you go to bed.  If you do this you won’t have as many problems with your PC.

Don’t #3 Pirate music and videos from the internet

This is an easy one.  If you don’t own it don’t pirate it.  And besides the sites that offer pirated content are also infected with lots of Viruses and Malware.  Just stay out. 

Do#4 Understand 2nd life, Facebook and Myspace your kids are using it

This is a critical one.  When I first wrote this I thought 2nd Life would be bigger then Facebook.  I was wrong.  Never the less, you must be a friend of your child on each of their social networks.  You must monitor what they are saying and you must talk with them before they say it.  Remember once it’s on the internet it’s there forever.  One trick kids like to play on their parents is the multiple account trick.  They friend you on one account then open another one.  If you see the activity drop off, it’s possible they opened another account.  Remember your the parent.

Don’t #4 Ever give anyone your account information via e-mail , NEVER EVER

This is an easy one.  If someone asks you to email them your account information, friend or not don’t do it.  Again this information can easily be shared with others. 

Do# 5 Understand instant messaging, your kids are into it

Texting and instant messaging is not new but it’s more prevalent today then ever before.  Texting is very difficult to monitor and control.  The best method is to talk with your child before hand as well as having a policy that says you can check their phone or PC at any time. 

Don’t #5 Never use you company computer for personal use. You are being watched

When you work for an employer and use a computer, the information on and transmitted from that computer belongs to the company.  Keep your personal life off the computer, no emails, Facebook, IMs, or shopping.  Employers can monitor each keystroke if they want.  If you need to do this kind of thing during work, then get a newer smart phone like an IPhone, or a Droid phone.

Do#6 Use parental controls on all your computers

The use of parental controls on all of your computers at home is critical.  Parental controls allow you the parent to determine what content is OK for your family.  I like K9 Web Protection, I’ve been using it for many years myself as well as many of my clients.  It’s easy to use and free.

Don’t 7 Never put anything on the net you don’t want the world to see.

Remember once it’s out there it’s out there.  The web is like a giant tape recorder.  Don’t say it, post it or talk about anything you wouldn't discuss with your mother.  Just for fun Google your name, or better yet, visit www.pipl.com and enter it there.

Be looking for future posts on Jeff’s Do’s and Don'ts by Pineapple PC

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