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Home PC Protection and a Lot More [1]

Have you wondered what approach to take to reliably protect your home PC systems from threats?

Consider Windows Live OneCare an all in one type service from Microsoft. OneCare takes care of ”. viruses, spyware, hackers, and other unwanted intruders. It also goes beyond security, regularly backing up all your important files and cleaning up and tuning up your computer to help keep it running at top speed.”
COST: Get always-on protection and maintenance for up to 3 PCs for $49.95 a year. Check it out / signup

OneCare Features include:
Antivirus

  • Removes viruses, worms, and Trojan horses
  • Scans and cleans attachments, downloads, and other files
  • Updates automatically to counteract new threats

Antispyware_
Helps protect your PC against pop-ups, slow performance, unwanted programs, and security breaches

Anti-phishing
Monitors whether you have Microsoft Phishing Filter in Windows Internet Explorer 7 installed and turned on to help protect your personal information from phishing Web sites

Two-Way Firewall

  • Helps protect your PC from hackers when you send or receive data over the Internet
  • Updates continuously to block harmful applications

Performance Tune-ups
Automatically defragments your hard disk, cleans and compresses temporary files, and installs operating-system updates from Microsoft

Backup and Restore /Photo Backup

Helps protect your files by regularly backing them up to a CD, DVD, external hard drive, network drive, or other USB-enabled data-storage device. Can also purchase a one-year subscription to 10 gigabytes of Online Backup for photos for $50.00 extra.

Who are my kids talking to? What sites can they visit?

https://fss.live.com/images/contact_buddy.png You can manage or just monitor your children's contact lists.

  • When you manage the lists, your children ask you for permission to communicate with new people.
  • Contact list settings can help you make instant messaging safer in Windows Live Messenger, blogging safer in Windows Live Spaces, and e-mail safer in Windows Live Hotmail.
  • You can block all sites, or all except kid-friendly sites and those you specify.
  • You can view activity reports to keep tabs on the sites your children visit.

HELP: For help with PC Security, Business Continuity Planning, Disaster Recovery planning, Storage and Backup, Security Issues or general IT support, give us a call or email EBS and we will be glad to be of assistance: 713.522.3480

Sources:
[1]Microsoft@http://onecare.live.com/standard/en-us/default.htm?sc_cid=mscom_sah/?sc_cid=sah
[2]Microsoft@ http://www.microsoft.com/protect/yourself/email/imsafety.mspx
INTERESTING BITS
Holiday Safety: Candle Safety [excerpted from Winter Holiday Safety]

Remember that a candle is an open flame. It can easily ignite any combustible nearby:

  • Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.

  • Keep candles away from items that can catch fire (e.g.clothing, books, paper, curtains, Christmas trees, flammable decorations).
  • Use candle holders that are sturdy, won't tip over easily, are made from a material that can't burn and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
    • Don't place lit candles in windows, where blinds and curtains can close over them
    PART 1 of 3 Instant Messaging Security [2]

    Communicating by using an instant messaging (IM) program has some of the same security and privacy risks as e-mail, but there are a few unique dangers that you should be aware of:

    1. Be careful when creating a screen name. Each IM program asks you to create a screen name, which is similar to an e-mail address. Your screen name should not provide or allude to personal information. For example, use a nickname such as SoccerFan instead of BaltimoreJenny.

    2. Create a barrier against unwanted instant messaging. Do not list your screen name or e-mail address in public areas (such as large Internet directories or online community profiles) or give them to strangers. Some IM services link your screen name to your e-mail address when you register. The easy availability of your e-mail address can result in your receiving an increased number of spam and phishing attacks.

    3. Never provide sensitive personal information, such as your credit card numbers or passwords, in an IM conversation.
    For professional, cost effective help with your computer and network issues - Windows, Novell, Exchange, VPN, security, email, backup and Auto-Tech services, for all of your systems needs; please give us a call.

    3311 Richmond Ave. Suite 317
    Houston TX 77098
    Toll Free: 800.524.9095
    Tel: 713.522.3480
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