PSMail Quick Tip: It’s a good idea to regularly delete cookies and remove temporary Internet files from your computer. In Internet Explorer you can do this by going to Tools->Options and then Delete Cookies and Delete Temporary Files. For other browsers, consult the “help” function for specific directions.
Category: Quick Tips
Advice and tips from PSMail.net.
Administrative Users
PSMail Quick Tip: Though it may be convenient to give all users on your home computer the same privileges, for security purposes it’s best to create not more than two administrative users, especially in this age when home users have in-house networks. Give younger children and teenagers basic user level access only. Both Macintosh and Windows PC allow you to create non-administrative users for basic computer functions like playing games, word processing, and surfing the web. Restricting the use of administrative users on your PC helps keep your family and your information safe.
Spyware and Adware Threats
PSMail Quick Tip: Threats of spyware and adware are real. Do not install any software that is blocked by spyware protection or adware protection in your antivirus or anitspyware program. Also, keep in mind that “free” software may come with strings attached in the form of adware and spyware; be sure you know what you are installing before accepting a download.
What is BCC – Blind Carbon Copy
PSMail Quick Tip: Most email providers offer a BCC option when composing an email. BCC is a throw back term for typists meaning “blind carbon copy.” When you send a message to a large group of people using BCC rather than CC (carbon copy), recipients cannot see everyone who received the email. This protects recipients’ privacy by hiding their address from your contacts who they do not know as well as from some email clients that automatically add all addresses to a recipient’s address book.
Forwarding SPAM
PSMail Quick Tip: Forwarding SPAM, such as emailed chain letters or bizarre consumer warnings, seems harmless but may have negative repercussions.
Strong Passwords
PSMail Quick Tip: Poor passwords are the weakest link in your security. To have the best password, it’s best to think of it not as a password but as a passphrase. A good passphrase is easy to remember but it is also long and contains a mixture of letters, numbers, and/or special characters that make it difficult for anyone to guess. Also, keep in mind that a long passphrase you can remember is better than a short, complex password that you will forget or have to jot down on paper (where it can be lost or stolen).
Portable USB Drives
PSMail Quick Tip: Portable USB drives are very convenient, but caution is needed in order to use them securely.
Email Attachments
PSMail Quick Tip: Before opening any email attachments, be sure you know the source of the attachment, and even if you do, make sure you run your own virus scan on all attachments. It is not enough that the mail originated from an address you recognize, as the “from” address can be spoofed (faked!).
Up-to-Date Virus Protection
PSMail Quick Tip: We recommend the use of anti-virus software on all Internet-connected computers or computers that share information with others. Be sure to keep your anti-virus software up to date! We recommend receiving automatic updates for both the operating system and the antivirus software. Also, make sure you remember to keep your anit-virus turned on.
At PSMail, we are serious about stopping viruses before they get to your PSMailbox. Read more about viruses and about what we do to stop them here.
Phishing
PSMail Quick Tip: To understand Email Phishing, think fishing. The bad guys are fishing for your personal and financial information. Don’t reply to requests for such information by email! Read more at What is Phishing?