If it's there and you can see it — it's real.
If it's not there and you can see it — it's virtual.
If it's there and you can't see it — it's transparent.
If it's not there and you can't see it — you erased it ! 

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On the Web

Some Simple Tips for a Happy Computing/Internet Experience

Today you got your new computer, you take it out of the box, check the quick set up guide, plug it in and away you go.... welcome to the wonderful world of Information Technology. 

But... before you even think about connecting to your shiny new broadband, or installing all that interesting looking software you must first get to know your computer. I know it probably seems naff, but take the windows tour, find out how to set up different user accounts for your family members, learn how to navigate your system, where to find your programs and how they work.

Most computers will come pre-installed with a certain amount of software, some of it is a nuisance, for instance, if you have already arranged your internet services then you don't really want AOL or Wannado do you, so go to Add/Remove programs and uninstall the programs you won't need.  One of the programs that will probably be pre-installed is a trial version of a popular anti virus program, unless you have already bought a full anti virus program to install on your computer then leave it for now, but you must remember to replace it as soon as you can as it will only protect you for a limited amount of time. Please make sure your anti virus is activated and running.

Lets Get Connected

If your Internet Service Provider has provided you with a router to set up a wireless network then you must make sure that your network is secure, otherwise any Tom Dick or Hacker could jump onto your connection and gain access to your computer or use your connection for illegal downloads. It's worthwhile remembering a router is usually unsecured by default when you first set it up, please refer to your instruction manual for guidance on how to secure your wireless network.  Further information can be found all over the internet but here is a Microsoft page to get you started.  How to Secure Your Wireless Home Network with Windows XP

Did you know that an unprotected computer can be infected within 10 minutes of connecting to the internet on a broadband connection? Your new computer should have Service Pack 2 (SP2) installed, if it does then you will see the Windows Security Center in Control Panel.  The Windows XP firewall will be enabled by default.  If you don't have SP2 on your machine then I recommend that you install a firewall before you connect to the internet, see my Favourites page for a list of free ones.  Please make sure you only run one Firewall program, running more than one can cause conflicts and may cause your computer to crash.

Once you have connected to the internet, the very first thing you must do, before you even try out the browser, is to update your anti virus.  This may take a couple of goes the first time.  Once it is updated, make sure that it is configured to automatically update on a daily basis.  If you don't have an anti virus program or if yours is a time limited trial version then there is a list of free ones on my Favourites page that will keep you going until you decide which is best for you.  Once again, please make sure you only run one Anti Virus program as running more than one can cause conflicts and may limit the effectiveness of your anti virus program.

The second thing you must do is check for updates to your operating system.  Even though your computer is new it will need updating.  Microsoft release regular security updates on a monthly basis. You may find that Windows has downloaded and installed some or all of your updates as it is set to do this by default, you can check your settings in the Windows Security Center.  Follow this link to check that you have downloaded and installed all of your system critical updates Microsoft Windows Update.

So now you are ready to have a look around that big beast called the internet, you will need some anti spyware and system maintenance applications to keep your computer running in tip top condition.  There is a list of freely available and effective application on my Favourites page.

Where to Go?

Not such a daft question, when I connected to the internet for the very first time I sat there and thought to myself 'now what'?  Here are some sites that I recommend you visit to get you started on your surfing experience and that will provide useful information to help keep you and your computer protected.

Get Safe Online - A site sponsored by the UK Government and leading businesses to help you protect yourself against internet threats.  And excellent site and well worth spending some time browsing around it.

Bank Safe Online - Provides advice on steps to take to bank safely online, plus a whole lot more. Make sure you check out the Helpful Sites page.

Stay Safe Online - A US site similar to Get Safe Online, well worth a visit.

Think U Know - Teenagers know it all.. and this is an excellent site aimed at them to make sure that they do know it all when it comes to staying safe and having fun on the internet.

Chatdanger - It's an exciting world out there and our kids are going to chat whether we like it or not.  This site has been produced by the charity Childnet International.  Another great site for teaching kids about online safety.

Microsoft Security at Home - This is Microsoft's security site and is another great place to start to get information about how to keep yourself, your computer and your children safe and secure online, it will also keep you up to date with all the Windows XP related news.