Okay, In response to this article:
http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/58727
I didn't know waht to do!!
I have Limewire in my computer! and I think, i have downloaded some stuff like weird trash songs!
and our PC 2 years ago, caught a virus, and beforehand, we have been using credit cards to pay for an online game called "Ragnarok Online" !!!
but then, we bought another PC, and I installed Limewire.... again. and maybe, i've downloaded all these cheesy virus songs.. OMG!!!
Our Pc has a firewall, and I've use my debit /credit card to pay for SAT, order stuff online, and what not?
and I have entered my social security in applying for a job online, and some of my friends have used our pc to apply for a job too!!!
how do I know if my computer is safe from hackers? or from Identity theives?
Please! My social security is at stake here!!
2007-11-14 10:54:43 · 6 answers · asked by Cholorophyll 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
to jibbarba:
I'm sorry, but you are not helping at all, your response was just a mere way to make me feel perfidious! sorry!!
2007-11-14 12:22:04 · update #1
Couple of tips:
One, you can easily prevent hacking and viruses. Most hackers don't target people on their personal computer, they go for websites and servers. Your data is as protected as the websites you leave it on..
Don't enter your SS# or CC#'s on random sites. If the deal sounds too good to be true, it is. Always.
Never give your CC# or SS# to a site that you reach through a link in an email.
Don't pay for porn. Ever. If you need to surf it, find the free sites.
Most Job apps are safe. Just make sure you don't follow an email link to them. Type the site's address into your browser, the way you KNOW it is correct.
Don't believe any email that says it needs to verify your information. They are almost always scams. If they are legit, they will not include links, they will ask you to go to their site manually.
When you download songs, check the file size. If it is smaller than one MB (anything that ends in KB is not legit), don't download it. Better yet, download your songs from itunes or somewhere else that offers a legal avenue to get your stuff.
Finally, stop freaking out. Federal law says that as long as you keep up on your information, you aren't liable for most identity theft. Also, it isn't as common as the media would have you believe.
You mention getting viruses from Limewire...and that is understandable. Anything that involves illegal software transactions or pornography is a bad place to leave your personal information or to download things.
Think about it: if they are offering free songs/software (illegal), how big of a stretch is it to stealing your personal information?
Be a smart surfer and you will not have anything to worry about. In fact, if you follow these kinds of rules, I'd bet that you'd be safe without running any always-on virus protection software.
2007-11-14 11:07:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your so unsure its easy to clean your computer of any personal info to make sure hackers can't steal any thing like cc#s and the like. Take my tip and don't store that stuff on your computer. It's alright to do banking on your computer as long as you memorize your passwords and such.
2007-11-14 11:49:31 · answer #2 · answered by Belgariad 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a life lesson if you try to get a free lunch (music/movies) it'll come back to bite you in a big way pay for your stuff like the rest of us do.
2007-11-14 13:58:04 · answer #3 · answered by triton 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congratulations! You have joined the millions of others that have sucessfully infected their computer by a Limewire download!
It's funny, but normal people that actually BUY their music, software, and movies instead of stealing them with Limewire seldom have problems with viruses, trojans or other malware.
Wonder why?
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And from the millions of us that do not steal copyrighted material, we thank you for helping to raise the prices for us honest people who actually PAY for our stuff.
2007-11-14 11:45:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Try opening the task manager and check all the proccesses... get a cool antivirus like Kaspersky 7.0
2007-11-14 11:13:04 · answer #5 · answered by Alexander 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Microsoft security essentials. Google it and download it for free. My bro is an IT and says its legit and has it on all of his comps and I use it on all mine.
2016-03-14 13:40:37 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would install the Zone Alarm Pro. The firewall is pretty good.
2007-11-14 11:36:13 · answer #7 · answered by kently_us 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋