Showing posts with label Computer Networking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Computer Networking. Show all posts

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Internet Security Reviews

Internet Security Suites Software (Why? and What?)
Basically a suites software is used to protect your computer from all possible security threats that could destroy the data on your PC. Now to avoid this, install less number of security programs or go for these security suites softwares. This will remove all the junk, and creepy, crawly bugs waiting to make their way into your data and the electronic system, long before something gets infected badly. A user might look for several Internet security reviews and would separately purchase protecting softwares like, anti-virus, firewall, antispyware, etc. Well, you don't need to look so far, because suites softwares have already done this job. They are available as compact tools, providing everything from A-Z, that a user would require to stop the threats. Take a look at some of the Internet security reviews of suites softwares and preclude the threats instantly.

Latest Internet Security Reviews
  • Anti-virus: Anti-virus software has the capability of bringing down a virus that poses a threat to your computer. It is essential and effective. One of the best applications within it includes, advanced heuristics. It is able to spot virus type activity even before a virus program has been recognized.
  • Antispyware: As spywares are becoming a serious threat to the computer world, antispyware poses a counterattack to the spyware. Its features are capable of defeating trojans, adware, worms and any other harmful spyware over the Internet.
  • Firewall: Firewall, is in obvious terms a wall that helps in keeping away the threats from entering. Firewall is the first contact to the spyware and it should be very strong in itself to disapprove of malicious programs, even before they are detected by the antispyware and anti-virus scanners. Firewalls are known to be, prevention both ways i.e they avoid threats to enter and block information going out. This way you wouldn't compromise on your identity at least.
  • Support/Help: There should be enough help and support options provided by the software manufacturers to answer all the queries of the users regarding the protection of the computer. The programs can be made available either on the manufacturers website or can be incorporated within the program.
  • Other Security Features: Besides the above three to four pointers, make sure your suite has other security features as well. Parental control softwares can also be made part of this suite.
So now, that you know, from these free internet security reviews, as to what one should exactly look for while purchasing software suites, let us now, move on to know the kinds and names of security products.

Reviews of Internet Security Products
These reviews are of the best rated products that could be found on the internet, consisting of personal firewall, anti-spyware, anti-virus, internet security suites, parental controls, content filters and spam stoppers.

Personal Firewalls Reviews
Firewall is a device that allows or denies network transmissions and blocks unauthorized users and in addition to this protection firewall offers, a proactive security challenge consists of firewalls suites all-in-one. As described before, firewall protects your system from any sort of unwanted intruders. Thus, it is extremely vital to install certain programs that would wipe out all these malicious spywares and give you a clean computer system to use.

Best and Free Firewall Products
Online Armor, Comodo, PC Tools, Outpost, Online Armor, Privatefirewall, Jetico, Lavasoft, ZoneAlarm Pro. Out of which these are some best-free products; Online Armor Free, PC Tools Firewall Plus, Outpost Firewall Free, Comodo, Privatefirewall.

Anti-Spyware Reviews
In case your system has been exposed to some infection due to the unavailability of anti-spyware programs on your PC, don't worry, here are some tools available to help you fight the battle against computer viruses.

Anti-Spyware Products
Best Software - PC Tools Spyware Doctor 2010, Best Software (Budget) - Sunbelt CounterSpy, Best Spyware Protection (security Suite) - Norton Internet Security 2010, Best Free Removal Tool - Lavasoft Ad-Aware.

Wireless Routers Reviews
Wireless routers are routers having built in wireless access points so that a user can have a wireless Internet access anytime. Most of the times, wireless routers aren't so secured like the usual hard wires. Hence here are some programs, made available to you, to strengthen the security for your computer. Also keep in mind some technical names that might be effective to buy a wireless router. These names by themselves would help a user to set a home network wantonly.

Best Router Products - Apple AirPort Extreme, Linksys WRT610N, Linksys WRT400N, Linksys WRT54GL, D-Link DIR-825 Xtreme N Dual Band Gigabit Router, D-Link Xtreme N Duo Media Router (DIR- 855), Cisco Valet Plus, D-Link Xtreme N Storage Router (DIR- 685), Linksys by Cisco Dual Band Wireless- N Gigabit Router WRT320N.

Anti-Virus Reviews
As mentioned before, anti-virus is a program used to detect and remove worms, trojans viruses out of the computer system. Also, there are some names of lab-tested softwares, they are highly recommended because they have been tested under critical circumstances and have proven effective in ruling out the viruses spread in the computer. The names given here, will help you deal with the same.

Anti-Virus Products
G Data Antivirus 2010, Best Free Panda Cloud Antivirus Free Edition, Bets Mainstream Norton Antivirus 2010, Best Mac Intego VirusBarrier X6, Ad-Aware Pro 8.1, Microsoft Security Essentials 1.0, Norton Antivirus 2010, Panda Cloud Antivirus Free Edition 1.0, Spyware Doctor with Antivirus 2010, VIPRE Antivirus 4.0, Avast Free Antivirus 5.0 (more in Avast antivirus), AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 9.0, Double Anti-Spy Professional, Avira AntiVir Personal 10, IObit Security 360, Trend Micro HouseCall 7.1, McAfee Virus Scan Plus 2010 are some examples.

In recent times, the market is flooded with softwares that are top ranking and perform an effective job in the elimination of viruses out of the computer system. This way, the information and confidential data of the users is in the hands of softwares which are safe to use and ultimately the question never rises whether to not invest in and trust such Antivirus softwares.

Trusted Software Products
Avira AntiVir Personal, AVG 8.5 Free, Alwil Avast Antivirus Home Edition, MS Security Essentials, Comodo Internet Security plus Panda Cloud Antivirus, PC Tools Antivirus Free Edition, PC Tools Threatfire, ClamWin Free Antivirus.

Security Suites Reviews
When considering the subject, Internet Security, users have to see to it that, a complete security package is covered up. Two examples are, Best Norton 2010, Best Budget G Data 2010. A maximum security suite is an anti-spyware program which is rogue. It is mainly advanced through trojans. Once you install the security suite programs, these rogues scan your computer, and instantly give the status, whether it's infected or has high risk threats. But provided you purchase these programs, the removal of spyware is not possible. Many vendors provide best security for the Internet by scanning the computer and cleaning up all the possible threats located in the system. Vendors like A-V Comparatives Crows are known to be the best security vendors online. They offer programs which are used for low-risk threat detection, malware detection, low false positives, proactive detection, low performance impact, successful malware removal, fast scanning and dynamic protection.

These are the 2010 Internet Security Suites which are in rank order.

Security Suite Products
Norton 2010, Kaspersky 2010, AVG 9.0, PC Tools 2010, BitDefender 2010, Avast 5.0, McAfee 2010, Panda 2010, Webroot Essentials, Trend Micro 2010, F-Secure 2010, ZoneAlarm Suite, Eset Smart Security 4

Vendor Products
Symantec (Norton), Kaspersky, ESET, F-Secure, BitDefender

Spam Stoppers Reviews
Spam filters automatically protect the users email accounts, their mail box and e-mails too. It helps in filtering the spams out of the account. Spams are harmful to user's data or information over the Internet. They are able to phish for their confidential information, and can steal their identity or credit details. To stop all these malicious actions, anti-spam programs are introduced.

Spam Filter Products
Best Spam-Filtering Software - ClearMyMail, Best Anti-Spam - Cloudmark Desktop, Best Free Spam Blocker - SpamFighter.

3 Free Anti-Spam Products
Here are the 3 best ones available in the market - SpamBayes, Mailwasher, SPAMfighter.

Parental Controls and Content Filters
As we know that, in this difficult age, an open internet is really unsafe for parents and children, these are some names of the tools that parents can install and control kids from browsing the unwanted content. Also, it provides Internet safety whilst surfing the net.

Parental Software Products
NetNanny, CyberPatrol, Best Web Based - OnlineFamily.Norton, Best for Macs - Safe Eyes are some of these.

So hope these internet security reviews and products have helped you enough, to decide which product offering what, is good and safe for you to keep from all the Internet threats and risks.
By Fatima Rangwala
READ MORE - Internet Security Reviews

Email Security Tips

In today's world, everything is dependent on computers and internet. We all rely on computers and internet technology to such a extent that we often have to send our most personal information through emails. But emails are not 100% secure and there are many risks involved. We have heard of stories about credit card numbers being stolen, email accounts being hacked and personal data being altered, computer viruses erasing the entire system etc. The best defense against all these is in being aware. Let us take a look at some email security tips, which if followed can minimize the chances of someone hacking your emails accounts.

Email Security Best Practices

Create a Strong Password
One of the first tip to protect your emails account from hackers is to create a strong password and keeping it confidential. Viruses and worms have the capability of guessing weak passwords . Also to memorize them, we often create passwords based on our names, date of births etc. which makes your email account more vulnerable. The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team advises people to use mnemonics, that is, instead of a password like 'michaelsmith' you can create your password as MNIMS which stands for 'my name is michael smith'. Mnemonics generated passwords are stronger and less vulnerable to be hacked. You can read more on commonly used passwords and stay away from them.

Identify Phishing Emails
The college of New Jersey explains that phishing is a scam where a hacker sends out emails that look legitimate and like they're from established nationally recognized companies, to try to steal your information and possibly your email passwords. Mails asking to update your bank accounts, passwords are some of the common examples. These mails are not legitimate, but are made to resemble one by employing social engineering techniques. Now the question is how would you identify phishing emails? A phishing email commonly uses the following words, 'verify your account', 'you have won a lottery', 'if you don't respond within 48 hours, your account will be closed' etc. Whenever you find such emails in your inbox, don't reply immediately and instead verify with the bank/company if they have sent that mail.

Secure your Computer
Update your anti-virus and anti-spyware software. You may think that your computer is protected as you have installed an anti-virus software, but hackers think about how to break your security gate all the time. Once they find a loop-hole in your computer's security, they modify the viruses accordingly. The solution is to update your security software so that you are always one step ahead of them. Apart from this, you should always update your email security settings. For more information, read firewall settings.

Be Cautious While Opening Attachments
One of the most common ways of sending emails is by email attachments. Whenever you open an attachment, check for the URL. Be cautious even if the attachment is being sent by someone you know as many viruses can 'spoof' the return addresses. Also turn off the option of automatically downloading attachments.

Follow the Basic Safety Measures
Try using your email account at secure locations and remember to logout whenever accessing it from a shared computer. Change your passwords frequently and be aware of the latest happenings with regard to viruses, email scams, email security policy etc.

These were some email security tips, for more information, you can read :
  • Internet Security
  • Internet Safety
  • Internet Safety Facts
Along with the innumerable benefits, computers and internet have left us vulnerable to internet crimes. But the good thing is that we can prevent ourselves from being a victim, if we follow the above mentioned email safety tips. We all need to be well informed and guard ourselves against hacking, phishing etc. The hackers thrive on ignorance and casual behavior of people. I hope after reading this article on email security tips, you will surely adopt a cautious approach whenever you use your email. The fight against cyber crime can only be successful if we all are better prepared and responsible.
By Rahul Pandita
READ MORE - Email Security Tips

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

What is a Router


Are you interested in knowing what is a router? Read this article and all your questions regarding a router will be answered.

The Internet is the ultimate resource for any kind of information today. And a router is an important thing in the concept of Internet connection. It makes your web experience better. Despite it being so much important, many people don't exactly know what is a router for a computer or Internet. So I have made an attempt to explain everything I could, about a router in the following article.

Definition of a Router

A router is a computer networking device that facilitates the communication between two or more computers or computer networks. The router deciphers data coming to a computer through a network and directs it toward the right computer. It comes in various types depending upon what kind of connection you are using. Note that a router is not the same as the modem.

What is a Router Used For

The router works on the IP level. Every computer has a unique IP address and the router recognizes data requests based on these IP addresses. The router sends and receives IP data in the form of packets. Now these data packets have to go through thousands of routers on their way and every router saves some information about the sender router in a routing table. This is done so that the routers can control the incoming or outgoing packets.

The router connects only from computer to computer and does not have to deal with phone lines. It uses the RJ45 type of connection to connect with the computers. The prime responsibility of a router is to pass on signals from computer to computer so it does not convert any signals. It is also used as a means of security as firewalls are implemented through routers. Also, a router is not mandatory for an Internet connection. But it is mandatory for establishing wireless Internet access. Another important use of routers is for connecting two or more computers to a single Internet connection.

Types of Routers

Understanding the types of routers is an important part in understanding what is a router because choosing the best router for your purpose depends upon that. Actually there are many different types of routers but here I am mentioning only the major types of routers, namely the broadband router and the wireless router.

Broadband Router
There are several things for which the router is used. For example, if you want to use a VOIP service, that is Voice over Internet Protocol, you will require a broadband router. This router will let your Internet service communicate to your phone line thus letting you make calls through the Internet but from phone to phone. If you are thinking of buying a broadband router for VOIP read about router reviews to make an informed decision.

Wireless Router
If you have an Internet connection which you want to use all over the house you will need a wireless router. This way you will be able to use your Internet connection all over the house and you will be able to connect multiple computers to each other or to the Internet connection. But these wireless signals can spread across a long distance and a good hacker can break into your connection so make sure you are using a quality anti-spyware software to secure your data. Also read how does a wireless router work.

Many people tend to confuse a modem with a router but they are completely different devices used for completely different purposes. One important difference between them is that a modem is essential for an Internet connection whereas the router is not. There are other differences between them which you can check out in this article on router vs modem. I hope the above article on what is a router has provided you with some good information.
READ MORE - What is a Router

Monday, December 13, 2010

Ethernet Hub vs Switch


An Ethernet hub vs switch comparison would precisely explain what is the difference between these two networking devices. That is exactly what you will find in this article.

Have you ever wondered how the vast network of the Internet, connecting billions of computers worldwide, manages to be orderly, without steeping into chaos? It is an achievement of computer networking engineers and scientists who cleverly designed this network to be automated and established protocols for communication between machines, which made this possible. Besides the hardware constructs, what makes disciplined data traffic possible are the networking devices. It is through devices like Ethernet hubs, switches and routers, that unhindered data traffic is made possible. The aim of this article is to present an Ethernet hub vs switch comparison, which underlines the fundamental differences in the working of these devices.

What is the Difference Between Ethernet Hub and Switch?

Before I start explaining what is the difference between hub and switch, I assume that you are familiar with the basics of Ethernet and you have a rough idea about the OSI model, which forms the theoretical foundation on which a computer network is understood and designed. If you have no idea about it, check out the article which has OSI model explained. In the following lines, you will find Ethernet hub compared to switch. This will be followed by a comparison of their features and applications.

Ethernet Hub vs Switch: Basic Differences
Let us define what is meant by an Ethernet hub and a switch before we scrutinize the differences in their functioning. An Ethernet hub connects computers in a network segment together and facilitates data transfer within the network.

When a hub receives a data packet, it transmits the packet to all the devices or computers that are connected to it. Only the computer or device which was supposed to receive the packet, accepts it. The whole hub connected network functions as a half duplex, as any device cannot transmit and receive at the same time.

There is no selectivity in the destination for the data packet in a hub. They are simply broadcasters or repeaters of the data, which they receive. Ethernet hubs are operational at the first layer (physical layer) in the OSI model.

A switch is a more evolved version of a hub. They are mainly operational at the networking layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model. However, switches can function at multiple layers too. Instead of transmitting data packets to every device on network, switches are smarter devices that directly link the nodes that are sharing the data. This means that simultaneous data transfer between multiple nodes is possible. You might also want to check out the router vs switch vs hub vs bridge comparison, to get a much clearer picture about things.

Ethernet Hub vs Switch: Features
Hubs can make a computer network sluggish because of the half duplex transmission and the extra load of data transmitted to multiple devices. More the data traffic between the nodes in a network, slower the transmission becomes. However, a switch carries out data transmission faster as it directly hooks up the nodes that are part of the network.

This makes simultaneous data transfer possible between multiple nodes; achieving high transmission speed and less of lag. Hence switches are used to manage data traffic on networks, which are high in complexity. Among an Ethernet hub and a switch of the same bandwidth, a switch offers faster data transmission. Hubs cost considerably lesser than switches, which are more advanced devices.

After reading through this Ethernet hub vs switch comparison, most of your doubts regarding the functioning of these devices should have been cleared. Both Ethernet hubs and switches make intranetwork traffic possible, but they differ in the sense that both are at different positions in the technological evolution tree. As we saw above, a switch is an improvement over a hub and it reduces data transfer time, while making optimum use of bandwidth. For small networks, a switch is often an overkill and hubs are preferred. However, for large networks, there is no alternative to network switches!
READ MORE - Ethernet Hub vs Switch

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Wireless PC Headsets

Wireless field is optimal renowned for making history in 1969 when the application transmitted the famous freshman text from the lunation "That's one fine support for man, one giant leaping for mankind". Since then, it has move a prolonged way in the region of communications subject. These are now the choice for air traffic controllers, 911 dispatchers, the New Royalty Grow Mercantilism and numerous otherwise businesses that rely on wireless headset profession.

Headsets become in a wares of models which portion you to:
• Incorporate PC and desk phone study with one wireless headset
• Merge PC and transportable discipline throughout your part
• Interact to desk phones with execution, name and soothe all in one wireless headset
• Use a telephone jock for unlikely meet say and end susceptible

There are a symbol of wireless headset models which are both versatile and pliable. Compatible with most phones, igniter weight models support up to 10 hours of discourse at a reading and those with immature number stations can also be used as a charging station when you are not using the headset. Most batteries are a metal ion polymer that can be fully charged in 3 hours. The experience expectancy of most batteries is 1 to 2 eld.

They act a class of features that businesses will mature extremely good, including a better represent - the person can path or roam up to 300 feet from the screen sound. The 1.9 GHz tune frequency was formulated to reject trouble and dynamic humming no concern whether you are stingy or far from the mean spirited object. A 64 bit digital coding sign will secure privacy at all present.
Several of these bed up to quartet mic options and quadruplet articulator controls to enable a better grasp and power to o.k. set the system to your private sound and intensity needs. See for an up and downed reverse for scene the microphone fit rank which module afford you to qualify the place of sensation and reserve the individual on the another end of the parentage to focus you immoral organization that module grant you to conform the sound's clearness.

These are also fashioned for console. There are individual headband adjustments and ear pieces to choose from. The earpiece can be tattered over the ear, over the juncture or down the topic using a band. These ear pieces can be used without the headband and weigh inferior than an ounce, making them ergonomically fashioned for palliate.

 Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
READ MORE - Wireless PC Headsets

Making Your Home a Wi-Fi Internet Zone and Gain Benefits

The main reason why many choose to go wireless with their Internet access at home is because they find wires as a limiting factor. Being able to go online in any part of your house without worrying about how long your wires will reach and the likes is just an advantage that many could not resist. You can easily do this with the use of wireless routers.

A wireless router is a device that is connected to the cable of your Internet or your modem which has the capability of transmitting frequency signals to your computer so that you can access the Internet. However, this is not the only device that you need to be able to go online wirelessly at home. One basic requirement is for your computer to have its own wireless card. Most new laptops come with built-in wireless cards; but in case you don't have one, you can purchase a PCI wireless card or a USB wireless card. You can also use these cards with a desktop computer.

Basically, the wireless signals that come from the router will be received by the systems, which will then be converted to data or protocols so you can access the Internet. There are cases wherein these cards are not able to detect the wireless router, which is caused by many factors. The most common factor is compatibility issues with the version of the card, the wireless router and the operating system of the computer.

The configuration of the router and the DSL modem (if you are using DSL) is another factor to check when configuring your wireless connection. If that's the case, you would need to contact your ISP and inquire what type of connection they are using to make sure that you can set up the wireless router properly.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
READ MORE - Making Your Home a Wi-Fi Internet Zone and Gain Benefits
 

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