With the constant threat of Internet hackers and identity thieves it is vital that your computer is fully protected and always updated for the latest viruses and malware. The Windows firewall, a default with most PCs, is a powerful anti-virus tool that can be configured to increase your computer's protection.
Instructions
Navigate to your Computer's Control Panel located in the Start Menu. Double-click on the "Windows Firewall" icon to open a new window. The Windows Firewall icon is represented by the image of a brick wall with the planet earth behind it.
Ensure that the Windows Firewall is switched on. If your firewall is not switched on your computer is susceptible to incoming viruses, Trojan horses and malicious files. Click the "On (recommended)" button to turn on your firewall.
Click the "Exceptions" tab at the top of the Windows Firewall window. You are still allowing certain programs and applications to download and transfer packages through your PC although your firewall is running. By altering the Exceptions of your firewall you can increase the protection of your PC. Clicking on the "Exceptions" tab opens a new window section.
Un-tick some of the programs that are more likely to contain or traffic malicious files. For example, P2P file-sharing programs such as Limewire, Ares and UTorrent are not 100 per cent regulated or checked for viruses.
Update your firewall with a Windows Service Pack. Windows is constantly updating the firewall software of its Operating Systems and this means that any new or previously-unknown malware will now be recognized and prevented from accessing your PC. Your computer will let you know and warn you when these new malicious files are accessing your computer.
Read more: http://goo.gl/LTpra
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Firefox Clipboard Problems
Firefox interacts with the operating system in which it is installed to utilize the clipboard functions--copy, cut and paste. As with any program that interacts with the clipboard, issues can arise that cause the clipboard to no longer function within Firefox. Fixing these issues is a simple matter of diagnosing the cause of the problem. With Firefox, clipboard issues usually arise because of a few different conflicts.
Troubleshooting
If you are having troubles with the clipboard in Firefox, it is important that you isolate what is causing the issue. Be sure to note all programs running when the problem started. Look closely at the exact scenario in which the clipboard is not working. Is it within an email program, in a text editor, in a simple comment box, in the Firefox chrome itself? Noting all of these details will aid in quickly resolving the problem.
Malware or Virus Infections
The most common cause of clipboard problems in Firefox are viruses and malware infections. These viruses and malware target the Windows registry to enable exploitation and abuse of the clipboard contents by third parties. Usually, these viruses or malware will create a registry item called AppInit_DLLs which will interfere with proper clipboard function in Firefox and other browsers. These problems can be resolved with frequent spyware and virus scans and by installing real-time virus and spyware protection software.
Multiple Windows
In Windows, the clipboard functionality is shared by virtually all applications. When running multiple windows, particularly programs that utilize the clipboard at a high rate such as word processing or spreadsheet software, it can often happen that the clipboard contents are lost when switching the window focus. As of November 2009, this bug exists at the operating system level and within Firefox. This problem is resolved by simply launching a new window of Firefox.
Rich Text Editors
Some rich text editors used on websites include toolbar items to copy, cut and paste. Firefox disables this functionality within the rich text editor as a security precaution. In opening the clipboard up to usage by websites, the possibility exists that other websites could exploit the information within the toolbar without explicit permission. Firefox does continue to allow the usage of keyboard shortcuts to copy, cut and paste thus providing a sufficient workaround to this issue.
Read more: http://goo.gl/iG4oG