Help for Friends

Computer Help for Friends

Like many computer guys, even in retirement I frequently offer geekly assistance to friends and family. This is a collection of stuff I've written down over time.

Rule #1: Your computer can be dangerous to others as well as to you. You probably know about the danger of identity theft, but did you know that your computer can be used — without your knowledge — as a kind of electronic "foot soldier" to attack other computers in this country and elsewhere. Properly conducted, these attacks can bring down 911 systems, emergency rooms, power grids, air traffic control systems – you name it. Even if you don't care about your own stuff, you should be aware that one person's ignorance and negligence can cause many others to have problems.

Basic Advice for the non-geek

Consider getting a Mac for your next computer — especially if your needs consist mostly of email, web browsing, word processing, and household finance. Macs are not as large a "target" for hackers and virus makers, and their core operating system, OSX Tiger, is considered by many to be inherently secure and robust. In our household we switched to Macs several years ago and have had few regrets. (Disclaimer: I neither work for nor own stock in Apple.)
If you have been told that your computer might have a virus...

Windows users should run a special program called Stinger. Stinger is free, and is available from the McAfee / Network Associates Inc. web site: http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/. Stinger detects and removes many of the most common viruses and worms, including Bagle, Netsky and Sasser. See below for more comprehensive information on viruses.
If you have an Apple Macintosh computer, it is very unlikely (although not impossible) that you actually have a virus. Over 99% of the virus incidents today affect only computers running some version of Microsoft Windows. For example, Bagle, Netsky and Sasser (mentioned above) cannot run on Macintosh computers.

OUCH! Bad people are trying to trick you into revealing your credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, and worse. These issues of OUCH: Report On Identity Theft and Attacks On Computer Users are a must-read. These are written for the non-technical computer user, and published by SANS.

Here are a few tidbits and reference items that many have found useful:

iChat and GMail: — How to set up Apple iChat for use with the Google Talk service. Especially for the first-time iChat user.
Backups: — You know you should.
Wireless Security: — At home and away.
Viruses and Virus Hoaxes: — Protect yourself and others too.
Hoaxes, Scams and Phishing Expeditions: — Don't be fooled – keep your money in your pocket and the egg off your face.
Adware and Spyware: — Don't give away your computer while you're still using it.
Email Issues and Good Practice: — Know how to drive on the right side of the road.