Whether you like it or not computers are here to stay. It’s gotten to the point that the person who is unable or unwilling to use a computer is becoming the new illiterate of the 21st century.

All around us computer keep on doing what they do best. Process and store bits and bits of information.

They keep track of how much money you have in the bank, they track your medical history, there are bits and pieces with your personal information scattered everywhere. The new thieves do not come into your house and steal your stuff. Now they come subretitously over the Internet and steal your identity.

Technology in and of itself is neither good or bad. What determines this is the outcome or the way it is actually used. Some people wonder whether we are better off with computers. What do you think?

It is in your best interest to learn as much can about computers. Just make sure not to remain on the fringe. You should be able to take care of yourself and your loved ones. For this to happen a few abilities must be developed.

• Typing is a must. Not knowing how to type efficiently is not really that far from trying to drive a vehicle and being unable to read the signs
• Savvy internet use. Terms like viruses, spyware, phishing should be familiar to you. But better yet, you should be able to know how to avoid these threats
• Know when to ask for help. Have a dependable computer person setup a firewall to protect your system from internet intruders and to instruct you on good computing practices
• Firewall must be on to protect your computer from Internet intruders
• New computers must get all security updates the same day they connect to the Internet
• Anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-spam should be installed and up-to-date
• Know to avoid downloads from the Internet which come bundled with spyware, like file downloading utilities, games, screen savers and so on. If in doubt research the website before downloading using google
• Two password protected users should exist in your computer. The administrator or admin for short (you) and a Non-admin or regular user (you or your kids). The admin user is the supervisor and has total control over the computer. It has the ability to install and remove software and computer peripherals such as printers and scanners. The non-admin or regular user on the other hand is the account you use most of the time. By having this dual user setup your computer is better protected because it will be more difficult for malware to install when the current user has limited rights.