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1/12/2012 4:46:44 AM
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Protecting Yourself on the Internet + PC Safety (Last Update: Jan 7)

Every now and then, a user comes along and posts a suspicious link. You don't know where it goes or what will happen once you go there. I have created this guide to hopefully help with this problem. [quote][b]1. HOVER OVER THE LINK[/b][/quote]If you're not sure about the link that random guy just posted, [url=http://www.static.nextlevelgamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/hover-scam-example.jpg]HOVER OVER IT[/url]. Usually you will be able to tell what website was just posted. [url=http://www.google.com]Go ahead, hover over this.[/url] See what it says? It says http://www.google.com. Be aware that links can be disguised as other links. Ex. [url=http://www.imdb.com]www.bungie.net[/url] *[url=http://www.bungie.net/Forums/posts.aspx?postID=69261952]Tips from dazarobbo[/url]* [quote][b]2. HAVE AN ANTI-VIRUS[/b][/quote]Let's say you clicked a link and it lead you to a really weird website. You may not think anything of it. Sometimes nothing happens and other times you won't even know what happened. Always make sure you are using an anti-virus when using the Internet. Not only is downloading unknown items a bad idea, but so is visiting websites you normally wouldn't visit. There are many anti-viruses out there. A lot of good ones are free. Here are some (test your hovering abilities by hovering over these links): [url=http://windows.microsoft.com/mse]Microsoft Security Essentials[/url], [url=http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download]Avast Antivirus[/url], [url=http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage]AVG Antivirus[/url], [url=http://www.clamxav.com/]ClamXav[/url] [quote][b]3. NEVER TYPE IN YOUR INFORMATION[/b][/quote]Some websites are designed to steal your information. See that website you just clicked on to get free Microsoft Points? All you have to do is type in your Windows Live ID and password. DON'T DO IT! First off, nothing is free. If it's too good to be true, it is. Secondly, I assume the majority of you are already connected to Windows Live ID. Almost always you will not need to enter your information again. If you are ever unsure if you are actually inputting your information into a secure website. [url=http://images.brighthub.com/b0/8/b08e16a50302396bcd2671c803d404e0b2553b23_large.jpg]Look at the top in the address bar.[/url] If it's green, It is secure. If it's not, I suggest getting out of there! Also, where you are on these connections, try to make sure you are using [url=http://www.eff.org/https-everywhere]HTTPS[/url]. HTTPS is always secure, and when you input your information it goes through an encrypted connection to get to where it needs to go. Your address bar (or part of it) should be blue. [quote][b]4. CHECK OUT SHORT LINKS[/b][/quote]I'm sure you've seen people post a link that really short, but it gives no information as to where it's going. Fret not, there are ways to check! Firefox has a number of add-ons to automatically expand shot URLS: [url=http://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/long-url-please-mod/]Long URL Please Mod[/url], [url=http://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/expand-short-url/]Expand Short URL[/url], [url=http://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/xpndit-short-url-expander/]Xpndit Short URL Expander[/url] Chrome does as well: [url=http://www.makeuseof.com/dir/viewthru-expand-short-urls/]ViewThru Expand Short URLs[/url], [url=http://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/oldnehmjgfcannmkgkojafngdkhfkdpd?hl=en]LongURL[/url], [url=http://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/eclilalbnmdonojgjmkekinflhodgoii?hl=en]Miniscurl URL Expander[/url] There are GreaseMonkey userscripts as well: [url=http://userscripts.org/scripts/show/32115]LongURL Mobile Expander[/url], [url=http://userscripts.org/scripts/show/40582]TinyURL Decoder[/url], [url=http://userscripts.org/scripts/show/52584]LongURL[/url] You can also use websites: [url]http://longurl.org/[/url], [url]http://www.expandmyurl.com/[/url], [url]http://expandurl.com/,[/url] [url]http://www.longurlplease.com/[/url], [url]http://www.prevurl.com/[/url] When clicking on links, ALWAYS make sure you know what you're clicking. If you are unsure where you are, RUN YOUR ANTI-VIRUS & DON'T TYPE IN YOUR INFO! [quote][b]5. REMOVE/DISABLE ADOBE ACROBAT READER[/b][/quote]Adobe Reader has been under security attacks for [url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-10224449-83.html]years[/url]. It is best to be rid of it and download something that isn't under constant attack. For Mac, just use Preview. It comes with free with OS X. If you wish to edit PDFs, use [url=http://skim-app.sourceforge.net/]Skim[/url] or [url=http://www.scribus.net/]Scribus[/url]. Both are free. For Windows, download [url=http://www.nitroreader.com/]Nitro Reader[/url] or [url=http://www.foxitsoftware.com/Secure_PDF_Reader/]Foxit Reader[/url]. Both are free. [quote][b]6. UPDATE YOUR OS AND OTHER SOFTWARE REGULARLY[/b][/quote]With updates come bug fixes & added security (if any). Always update whenever you can. [quote][b]7. DISABLE JAVA/ADOBE FLASH/USE A FLASH BLOCK ADD-ON[/b][/quote]Adobe is a very popular company, and because of that their software is always under attack, especially Adobe Flash. Flash is used EVERYWHERE on the web. From those annoying animated ads to fun games, it's always been Adobe Flash. If you want the best protection, however, you should remove it. Since a lot of sites still use Flash, though, you should download a Flash block plugin. This causes all Flash to be disabled on default until you click the Flash object to allow it to run. This way only Flash that you authorize to show will be shown. Here are some add-ons for various browsers: [url=http://hoyois.github.com/safariextensions/clicktoplugin/]ClickToFlash for Safari[/url], [url=http://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/gofhjkjmkpinhpoiabjplobcaignabnl]Flashbock for Chrome[/url], [url=http://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/flashblock/]Flashblock for Firefox[/url], [url=http://noscript.net/]NoScript for FF[/url] [quote][b]8. DON'T INSTALL SOFTWARE YOU DIDN'T ASK FOR[/b][/quote]It's quite simple: if something pops up on your screen and asks if you want to install some software that you didn't download or request, DON'T DO IT! [quote][b]9. PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SHOCK/BAD SITES[/b][/quote]People can be malicious, especially on the Interwebz. Some will try to cause harm to your system for seemingly no reason. Some also will send you or post links to websites that are utterly disgusting, with the sole intention to get a laugh at your reaction. With that in mind, you should protect yourself. Of course, reading the steps above this section will help tremendously, especially if you actually download a few items. For security, follow these steps:[quote]A. Within your browser is the option to block pop-up windows. Turning this on will not only block some ads, but also some rather crude stuff that could cause your browser to stop functioning until you restart it. This setting should be located somewhere within your browser's settings.[/quote][quote]B. Download [url=http://adblockplus.org]Adblock Plus[/url] (Firefox/Chrome/Safari Only - Don't Fret! Look below). Not only will you be able to block basically whatever you want (images, videos, frames, etc.) but you can also subscribe to lists. [url=http://shockblock.rewq.org/]On this website,[/url] since you've followed the instruction already, click "Subscribe here." You will get a confirmation window to confirm this subscription. Click "Add Subscription." Then, [url=http://adblockplus.org/blog/blocking-malicious-sites-with-adblock-plus]Go here,[/URL] and at the bottom of the page (full page is an interesting read by the way) select, "click here to subscribe to the list in Adblock Plus." When the confirmation window pops up, click "Add subscription."[/quote][quote]C. [url=http://www.mywot.com/]Web of Trust[/url] shows you which websites you can trust based on millions of users' experiences. This add-on is available for all browsers. You can remove certain options as well to give more flexibility. It really only works in search results and when you're on the bad sites, so.... Firefox users, [url=http://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/greasemonkey/]download Greasemonkey[/url], then (Chrome and Firefox users) [url=http://www.bungie.net/Forums/posts.aspx?postID=27428424&viewreplies=true&postRepeater1-p=443#70216375]download this user script from dazarobbo[/url]. When you hover over a link on Bungie.net, it will give a SAFE or UNSAFE rating. [/quote][quote]D. Download a website blocker extension. You'll be able to block any website from showing up just by adding the site to the blocker. Some even feature the ability to import documents so make sure to take advantage of that. [url=http://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/blocksite/]Blocksite[/url] & [url=http://www.stardrifter.org/refcontrol/]RefControl[/url] for Firefox, and [url=http://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/hclgegipaehbigmbhdpfapmjadbaldib?utm_source=chrome-ntp-icon]Website Blocker[/url] ([url=http://chrome.google.com/webstore/search/website%20blocker?utm_source=chrome-ntp-icon]or this[/url]) for Chrome. I'm sure Safari and whatever else has extensions for this.[/quote][quote]E. Still feeling uneasy about clicking that link? Try [url=http://safeweb.norton.com/]Norton Safe Web[/url]. Just input the link, hit search and it will give you a rating for the site, as well as a full Threat Report.[/quote] [quote][b]10. DON'T DELETE SYSTEM 32[/b][/quote] [quote][b]11. SANDBOXIE[/b][/quote]Unsure about that file/software? Run it in [url=http://www.sandboxie.com/]Sandboxie[/url] and it won't affect your PC. You can also do this with [url=http://wikihow.com/Partition-a-Mac]Partitions[/url]. - I hope this guide has somewhat helped you all along your travels of the interwebs. Remember, you can never be too safe ;-) [i]If you have any suggestions for this guide, please post below. Thanks![/i] [Edited on 01.07.2013 8:57 AM PST]
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  • Is this just a reminder not to click bad links? This should be pinned. It would probably help newer members. [Edited on 01.11.2012 8:54 PM PST]

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  • 2nd or you could just enjoy the gyrating phallic motions like a real man. [Edited on 01.11.2012 8:49 PM PST]

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  • tl;dr version: [quote][b]Posted by:[/b] Duardo Common Sense[/quote] also, Duardo, you linked an unsafe link: McAfee edit: A section on Firewalls (and which ones are the best) would also be helpful for people with minute computer and safety knowledge [Edited on 01.11.2012 8:52 PM PST]

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  • I remember I posted such a warning in my Floodian Handbook guide which is locked now, but this is expanded much more. Good guide.

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  • I'd like to add that using an addon like NoScript would also be a good idea, tho, of-course, complete avoidance of bad links is best.

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  • Pin it!

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  • You should probably put something about Encryption in there to, I'm not a computer expert, so I have no idea if it's relevant or not...

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  • Did you just make it Pin it uptop [Edited on 01.11.2012 8:50 PM PST]

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  • If you have doubts about a website but still feel the need to go there, you can try running it in [url=http://www.sandboxie.com/]Sandboxie[/url]. Seriously, I purposefully Last Measure'd myself to test it. Though it did hijack my browser, etc, I was able to terminate it with Sandboxie, and all malware was gone as soon as I chose to empty the sandbox. Edit: also, don't use McAfee. It's glorified bloatware that has the nerve to charge you. Use MSE and have Malwarebytes as backup in case you need to run a scan in safe mode. This has more to do with you "yar har fiddle dee dee" types out there: beware of where you download from. You're best off avoiding any "leaks", especially if it was leaked from Russia or one of the surrounding countries. [Edited on 01.11.2012 8:53 PM PST]

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  • Good job, this will prove useful.

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  • I propose a rule: Don't click Cena's links. [Edited on 01.11.2012 8:54 PM PST]

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  • [quote][b]Posted by:[/b] Duardo [b]3. NEVER TYPE IN YOUR INFORMATION[/b] Some websites are designed to steal your information. See that website you just clicked on to get free Microsoft Points? All you have to do is type in your Windows Live ID and password. DON'T DO IT! First off, nothing is free. If it's too good to be true, it is. Secondly, I assume the majority of you are already connected to Windows Live ID. Almost always you will not need to enter your information again. [/quote] wow guys this kid just wants all the free M$ points for himself, report and move on

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  • I'm surprised the mods didn't make this a few years ago.... You shouldn't always bet on the Flood's intelligence to come through in a pinch you know.

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  • I suppose for new users this would be really helpful.

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  • I have a suggestion: Use common sense. If the thread title sounds sketchy, then any link within is probably bad. Refer to the first tip for more info. In all seriousness I thought this was another one of those pseudo-mod-OP threads, until I saw it was actually Duardo.

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  • This topic should be pinned. :D

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  • Here's a suggestion. Add [url=http://www.sophos.com/en-us/products/free-tools/sophos-antivirus-for-mac-home-edition.aspx]Sophos for Mac. [/url]It's free and (from what I can tell) effective. If anyone else knows good AV for Macintosh, throw it in the thread. [Edited on 01.11.2012 8:57 PM PST]

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  • Common sense is the best protector out there folks.

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  • [quote][b]Posted by:[/b] WjB456 [quote][b]Posted by:[/b] Duardo [b]3. NEVER TYPE IN YOUR INFORMATION[/b] Some websites are designed to steal your information. See that website you just clicked on to get free Microsoft Points? All you have to do is type in your Windows Live ID and password. DON'T DO IT! First off, nothing is free. If it's too good to be true, it is. Secondly, I assume the majority of you are already connected to Windows Live ID. Almost always you will not need to enter your information again. [/quote] wow guys this kid just wants all the free M$ points for himself, report and move on[/quote] ... Wait, what?

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  • Something I'm not sure very many people know, but Avast! has a boot-time scan. It will scan your harddrive before anything else on your computer can run; helps to catch the stuff that manages to avoid being found.

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  • Please Pin for safety.

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  • Apologies on McAfee. It used to be good. Removed. I've added Sophos for Mac, as I too use it and find it does the job nicely.

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  • [quote][b]Posted by:[/b] WjB456 [quote][b]Posted by:[/b] Duardo [b]3. NEVER TYPE IN YOUR INFORMATION[/b] Some websites are designed to steal your information. See that website you just clicked on to get free Microsoft Points? All you have to do is type in your Windows Live ID and password. DON'T DO IT! First off, nothing is free. If it's too good to be true, it is. Secondly, I assume the majority of you are already connected to Windows Live ID. Almost always you will not need to enter your information again. [/quote] wow guys this kid just wants all the free M$ points for himself, report and move on[/quote] I lol'd

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  • [quote][b]Posted by:[/b] Unit 076 [quote][b]Posted by:[/b] WjB456 [quote][b]Posted by:[/b] Duardo [b]3. NEVER TYPE IN YOUR INFORMATION[/b] Some websites are designed to steal your information. See that website you just clicked on to get free Microsoft Points? All you have to do is type in your Windows Live ID and password. DON'T DO IT! First off, nothing is free. If it's too good to be true, it is. Secondly, I assume the majority of you are already connected to Windows Live ID. Almost always you will not need to enter your information again. [/quote] wow guys this kid just wants all the free M$ points for himself, report and move on[/quote] ... Wait, what?[/quote]

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  • This is all extremely good information but... I feel like I did back in 8th grade sex ed class for some reason. It's like Duardo's version of "safe Flooding." ...At least there isn't any bananas this time. Still scarred from Mr. Christiansen showing everyone how to do that.

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  • [quote][b]Posted by:[/b] Duardo Apologies on McAfee. It used to be good. Removed. I've added Sophos for Mac, as I too use it and find it does the job nicely.[/quote] Im not sure how long ago this happened, but wasn't there a user who somehow was able to link a "safe" site (I am not sure which site, it was a popular one) when in actuallity it turned out to be a shocksite? (in other words, the link we clicked did not actually revert to what was shown when we hovered over it.) I may be thinking of something entirely different (or it happened on a different forum), but I remember something similar to this happen. Anyone else remember? Or am I just imagining things?

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