File-management

=__File Management and Security__=

**File management**

 * Understanding network drives

Checking the location of files**


 * renaming files**


 * moving files**


 * copying files**


 * working with multiple files in one project**


 * Working with removable drives**


 * Working with CDs**

**Security**
According to a recent report from research firm GartnerG2, more than 20 million people have installed adware applications (adware being a type of spyware that reports back on a subject's activities to serve up targeted advertising), and this covers only a portion of the spyware on the loose. Companies like DoubleClick use small files called cookies to track you online. Others, like WinWhatWhere, sell key loggers, which let others see your every keystroke. Trojan horses like Back Orifice and NetBus let hackers not only track your behavior but even take control of your PC.


 * AdAware**

Go to http://www.lavasoft.de/support/download/ and choose a download link to download AdAware (2.48 MB)

When you open AdAware, **always** click on Check For Updates. If there is an update available, click OK to install the update. Next, you will need to click on Start to run your scan. Click on Perform Full System Scan and then click on Next:

AdAware is a privacy tool that scans your memory, registry, hard, removable and optical drives for known data-mining, aggressive advertising, and tracking components. It then lists the results and offers to remove or quarantine the components. The program detects a wide range of adware/spyware related issues and can be updated with the latest signatures via the built-in update utility. Please be advised that removing certain components may impact the functionality of effected software applications. You should fully read the included Ad-aware documentation before removing any files!

AdAware Scan Results

I scanned a friend’s computer and notice how many AdAware found in just one scan J

Subsequent scans will find less. First-time scans always find the most.

To find out more about an item, double click on it – a window will pop up describing the item. To delete items in the list, click in the box next to the item(s) you want to delete and then click on Next.


 * Spybot-Search & Destroy**

Download: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html

Spybot - Search & Destroy can detect and remove spyware of different kinds from your computer. Spyware is a relatively new kind of threat that common anti-virus applications do not yet cover. If you see new toolbars in your Internet Explorer that you didn't intentionally install, if your browser crashes, or if you browser start page has changed without your knowing, you most probably have spyware. But even if you don't see anything, you may be infected, because more and more spyware is emerging that is silently tracking your surfing behaviour to create a marketing profile of you that will be sold to advertisement companies. Spybot-S&D is free, so there's no harm in trying to see if something snooped into your computer, too :)

You may also run the **Immunize** utility as well as the **Bad Download Blocker** by clicking on the Immunize Button.

If you want an introduction how Spybot-S&D works, please read the tutorial by clicking on Help, then on Tutorial.

When you run Spybot, always check for updates and download any that it finds. To run the scan, click on Check For Problems. If there are any problems found, look for a “Fix Selected Problems” button found at the bottom of the window and click on it.


 * ZoneAlarm**

Download: http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp

What is a Firewall?

A firewall is hardware or software that allows you to control access from outside network resources, meaning other computers connected to the Internet. There are many different firewall programs available to all internet users: dialup, cable modem, DSL, or satellite.

Why use a firewall?

There is data saved on your computer that can assist Internet criminals in emptying your bank accounts, destroying your credit rating, or assuming your identity. Use of a firewall allows you to control access to your computer. It also gives you the final word on other software and on your system's ability to connect to the Net.

ZoneAlarm RRRRR

A reliable firewall is only as good as its configuration. If the software's been incompletely or erroneously configured, it won't be as effective as one that's properly set up. Fortunately, **Zone Alarm** is relatively easy to install. Configuring and managing this firewall software doesn't require a network certificate or any special expertise. **ZoneAlarm** can provide a hefty measure of security against a variety of unsolicited intrusions, such as Trojan horses (a destructive .exe file disguised as a safe o ne), virus activity, and hackers trolling the Internet looking to enter your computer's open ports, FTP, or telnet connections.


 * Google Toolbar**

Download: http://toolbar.google.com/ The Google toolbar is an excellent way to block those annoying pop-up windows. It is a very simple install – simply go to the link above, click on the Download button and the Google toolbar will install itself. The Google toolbar is also a very convenient way to search the internet from whatever site you are visiting. Once installed, click on the drop down menu and go to Options: From here, you can customize your Google toolbar to include a “**Search Site**” button, and a “**Search Images**” button – a very valuable aspect of the Google toolbar.

Make sure you click on the “More” tab for more options such as the “**Search Site**” & “**Search** Images” options.


 * Virus Protection**

There are several good companies that offer virus protection for your computer. Typically you pay an annual fee between $30-$50/year. MAKE SURE you keep your virus detection files updated and do your scans on a regular basis. McAfee www.mcafee.com Norton www.norton.com Trend Micro www.pccillin.com – This one offers a really good free online scan as well as a paid version. To run the free scan, just go to www.pccillin.com: 1. Click on House Call 2. Then Scan Now For Free 3. Choose your location 4. The Active Update will download and install 5. Click the box next to your C: drive 6. Click Auto Clean 7. Click Scan This is a good way to detect and get rid of viruses from your computer. However, it is well advised that you go with a paid version.


 * Windows Update**

It is important that you keep your computer up to date of Windows Updates. Microsoft will release what’s called Critical Updates to keep your computer running smoothly. This does not cost to keep updated. It is essential to make sure you are always up to date on Critical Updates. Go to [|http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com] to check to see if your computer needs any critical updates. You can setup your computer to automatically detect for Critical Updates. 1. Click on Start, go to Settings, then Control Panel 2. Double click on Automatic Updates


 * ScanDisk**

To run ScanDisk, double click on **My Computer**, Right-click on the **C: drive**, then click on

Properties. Click on the **Tools tab**, then under the **Error Checking** category, click on the **Check** Now button. Check both boxes on the next window and click on Start. Windows XP users will see a notice that the scan will start the next time the computer is rebooted. Windows98 users – the scan will start as soon as you click the Start button.


 * Defrag**

To run Defrag, follow the above instructions. After clicking on the Tools tab, click on the Defragment Now button. Click on the Analyze button – your computer will be quickly analyzed and you will see a note telling you if you need to defrag your hard drive.


 * Disk Cleanup**

To run Disk Cleanup, double click on **My Computer**, Right-click on the **C: drive**, then click on

Properties, click on the **Disk Cleanup** button. Items recommended for removal will be checked. Click on OK.

AdAware Scan Once a week

SpyBot Scan Once a week

ScanDisk Every 90 days

Defrag Every 90 days

Disk Cleanup Once a month

Windows Updates Set your computer to automatically detect when new updates are available. That way, you don’t have to remember to do this one

Virus Scan Once a week (Make sure you check for and download (if available) any updated virus definition files.

Helpful LINKS

http://www.computerhope.com/ Click on Free Help http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/ Create a free account and go to the discussion boards to ask a question about any computer problem you are having. http://www.computerhelpatoz.com/ Offers free tips, articles and resources designed to help you discover and master the power of your personal computer without all the technical jargon. http://www.experts-exchange.com/ An online community of technology experts that answer any question you have so that they can earn 'points'. The questions you ask 'cost' points but you get 125 free points and 5 points a day accumulate for you. This basic service is totally free. Or, you can pay $9.95 for one month and ask all the questions you want (allotting bigger points to your questions thus getting answers very quickly). It is a really cool way to get computer help and all these guys are very smart.

When or How Often???

This is dependent on how much the computer is used. The more it is used the more frequent these need to be done. If a user doesn't add and remove software or files very often then they don't need to run ScanDisk and Defrag that often. If they don't use the internet much then they don't need to run AdAware and SpyBot much.