Is Microsoft Office Software Safe?
While it is debatable whether or not Microsoft’s Internet Explorer web browser is less safe than other web browsers, one thing is for sure. Microsoft gives a lot of office software away for free with their operating systems. This probably explains why Internet Explorer is the most commonly used browser on the Web.
Is Microsoft Office Software Safe?
This makes use of all Microsoft office software, like Internet Explorer, Outlook, Outlook Express, Address Book, and MSN Messenger foolhardy. More hackers target Microsoft software than any other brand simply becuase of the very large pool of naive Web surfers who have Microsoft software products installed on their computers.
Web Browsers
The Mozilla Firefox web browser is a good choice for your default web browser. It offers a number of advantages, such a built-in pop-up blocker, text zooming, and an automatic password remembering feature. Plus, it can be customized with plugins. Best yet, all your Internet explorer data, like favorites, can be automatically imported during the installation process.
Email is a Security Issue
Email opens up your computer to a number of security issues. One of the safest approaches is to stop using an off-line email program entirely. The modern approach is to use an online email website, such as Yahoo Mail or Google’s Gmail. Online email has a security advantage in that all received email is not physically stored on your own computer. Yahoo Mail, for example, will alert users to dangerous email received. Your choice of an online email service should offer Spam email blockers, plus virus checks of both email and file attachment checks. The same advice applies to off-line newsgroup reader programs. Free online newsgroup services are available, such as Google’s Groups.
If you occassionally use an off-line email program, you should be using a relatively unknown address book. Use of Microsoft’s address book makes it easier for a hacker who gained control of your computer to send out spam or possibly dangerous email to every contact in your address book. Use of online contact lists avoids the problem of spam emails being sent from your computer.
Instant Messages Should Be Avoided
Allowing instant messages access to your computer or the use of messenger programs, like MSN Messenger, is a major security risk. They provide Spammers with a way to put deceptive messages on your computer that do a great job of mimicking authoritative notices to update software, or the common ploy of identifying a security breach, in order to trick navie surfers into purchasing dangerous software. And, instant messages provide yet another way for hackers to gain control of your computer.