Give it time, sounds like you're doing the right things..

TR Daggett — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 02:59:33 -0500

Hi Ken,

It sounds like you're on the right track. Just like so many other things in life, it takes time to learn. Sometimes we learn the hard way, and those are usually the lessons that stick with us, but if you can learn from others and avoid some of the pitfalls so much the better.

You sought out someone experienced for advice on what programs to get, and you're careful who you give your credit card info to. Sounds like you're quite responsible. Now as long as you keep your programs updated and ask questions whenever you're unclear about things you'll be on your way towards being the guy others ask for help.

One of the tricks is to keep learning. Technology is changing so fast these days, but once you get the basics down it's easier to keep up.

These days banks protect you pretty well when you shop online as long as you keep a close watch on your accounts. The sooner you catch something that doesn't look right and bring it to their attention the better. The Internet has made doing that much easier with online banking. It's not foolproof, but as long as you know how to protect yourself and stay alert you can keep an eye on your banking whenever you want to 24/7. Pay bills, transfer money, check your credit report, all from home. The main thing is keeping your computer protected and free of anything that shouldn't be on there. The other part is making sure that you have a secure connection with the bank or online merchant, and that the site you *think* you're on is legitimate.

All the links to 'Safe Browsing' and 'computer security tips' I've provided in past postings are excellent places to start learning about what to look for and how to stay safe.

If there's ever anything I can do to help don't hesitate to contact me. That goes for others too. There's no better feeling than being able to help someone in need. One of the things about writing a blog like this is that without feedback I can't tell if I'm doing any good. Also, whenever I help someone solve a problem or have one myself, I always learn something in the process.

And as far as hitting the 'Send' button before thinking... I'm guilty of that too, but I've learned over time to think a bit more before hitting that button. It's like dropping it in a mail box, you can't reach down and get it back!

Sure you could just avoid shopping on the Internet, and you could avoid driving or anything else that's potentially dangerous, but who wants to live like that? We learn to avoid the dangers of life as we grow, this is just something else to learn about, right?

Have a good one Ken, and let me know if I can help in any way.

I'm flying blind, like most of us

Ken Braiterman — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 07:29:07 -0500

My problem is I don't know enough to evaluate these warnings even when they come from someone as public spirited as yourself. I got the best advice I could find about what security programs to buy, and I only give my credit card information to established retailers who have been in business a long time. I guess it would be safer never to shop online at all. But what's a person to do?

All anyone could learn about me from reading my other e-mail is that I'm sometimes a horse's ass who flies off the handle and hits Send too fast.

Are You One of Them?

TR Daggett — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:36:23 -0500

I'd like to bring an article from InformationWeek to your attention. The title of the article is "Consumers Think Their PCs Are Secure -- But They're Wrong". It was written by Sharon Gaudin and references a study* by the National Cyber Security Alliance.

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Give it time, sounds like you're doing the right things..

I'm flying blind, like most of us

Are You One of Them?