I'm sorry but this is MY computer.

I have just caught my 11 year old attempting to download a 3d chat program onto my laptop. I'm glad I caught it just as she clicked the download button and was able to stop her from potentially adding what could be harmful software to my laptop. I've had this argument with the girls for years.

Okay, so here I'm talking about their computers, but do you have any idea just how many times my girls have yelled "Mama!!! My computer is messed up, come fix it for me." And the number of hours I have devoted to doing just that. Once it even cost me my youngest daughter. (No, I'm not blaming that child, just if I hadn't went to fix the computer she messed up, well.....ya know.) Anyway. It's been a standing rule that the kids aren't to install any programs on Daddy or Mama's computers, because we end up spending more time fixing them than being productive on them. They can download anything legal they want to their computer, as long as they know what they are doing. But when it messes up, they better be learning how to take care of their messes. So far it's not happened. I've tried teaching them what to look for but things still get past them since they are in such a hurry to use the programs they are downloading. Even innocent music or ringtones that they download can harbor a virus or spyware that will mangle the usage of their computer.

If you have this same problem with your computer, either on your own or because of kids having access, let me give you couple of brief tips that will lessen the chances of infection.

Ringtones: Make your own!! There is a website called Phone Zoo that you can upload your own music to, then create the ringtone that you want. A weblink will then be sent to your cell phone in a text message. You can download your new ringtone through that weblink. I have used this and it appears to be safe so far. My 16 year old has made dozens of ringtones and has avoided the need to download to the computer first then send the ringtone to her phone via an email. Be aware though, if you pay per kilobyte for internet usage on your cellphone, there will be a small charge (our carrier charges 1 cent per kb.)

Downloading Music and TV Programs: Okay let's just say you are downloading original music material that has not been put on a recording label yet. Hopefully then you are not violating any recording industry rights. If you use peer to peer to programs to download this type of content (Such as kaaza, limewire, emule, etc), be aware that you should always look for wma or mp3 extensions. I suggest this because most full songs are going to be more than 1 1/2 mb in file size. If you are finding songs you want to hear that are under 1mb, avoid downloading them. Many, many viruses are only approx 75kb at the most. And many more are even less. But to be on the safe side, I personally never download any media that is under the projected file size for the specified content. For instance, if I'm downloading an episode of Lost. I know that it should average around 350mb. If I find a file that says "Lost Season 4 Episode 5.avi" and it's only 255kb. I'm pretty sure that is NOT what I'm looking for.

So stay out of the 'byte' range unless you are absolutely 100% sure that the file being delivered is what you are trying to get.  

Downloading Programs: There is a lot of freeware and shareware on the internet and often times it is bundled with spyware. When you are downloading the software, you may not be aware that it is a bundled installation file. The biggest no-no in my opinion is to begin installing it and just click OK or Next, without actually reading what is on each installation window. In most cases you have the option of NOT installing the bundled software.  I mean really, how many times do you need to install google toolbar? And do you even want google toolbar?  Are you sure google toolbar isn't sending your browsing habits back to their server? I'm not sure, so I don't install it. Ever.  There will be other bundled software that can and will be installed if you aren't careful. Spyware.  And sometimes it can be a real pain in the rear to remove it from your computer.  Also, I suggest always try to download a zipped file rather than an "exe" file.  And ALWAYS run a virus check on any downloaded software. BEFORE you install it.

Firewall: Okay, some of you who are less computer literate, are going to say, but my computer is protected by a firewall. Isn't that supposed to keep that stuff off of my computer?  Well a firewall is only as good as the settings that are being used. If you are opening specific ports, you are opening a vulnerability to your computer.  With these peer to peer programs (mentioned above), allowing them access to a port for incoming data, opens your computer up to any hacker who has the ability, to sneak in unnoticed.  I'm not sure what the answer to this is.  Someone with more firewall experience is going to need to give out tips in this area.  My suggestion is to just be careful what programs are on your exception list. If you are running a version of Windows, utilize your Windows Help and Support, and read up on your Windows Firewall. If you have another Firewall such as ZoneAlarm or and Internet Security package such as Norton. Don't be afraid to read those help files to understand what you want your security to do, and how to maximize it while still enjoying your access to the World Wide Web.

I've probably got more suggestions that I use, but at this time, this is what I'm trying to teach my kids. Spyware and viruses are not fun, and the more you can do to lessen the opportunity of them reaching your computer.  The better your few minutes or hours of computer time will be for everyone in the house.  Trust me, frustration tends to spill over until everyone is freaking out. Ever seen the insight commercial where the kid shows what dad looks like when he can't get on the internet?  LOL  Don't let it be you that the kid is doing an impression of. ;)