Have you ever
wondered something about your computer or the Internet,
but didn't know who to ask? Turn to QCS!
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Mr. Durand
asks, "How can I keep my computer safe from
viruses? I want to do a lot online, but I worry about my
personal information being in the wrong hands."
QCS Rep George
replies, "There are many ways to keep your computer safe
from the many threats on the Internet. The first thing
you need to do is run regular anti-virus updates and
scans. If you don't currently have anti-virus software,
check out the free tools linked on our site. Secondly,
get a good spyware remover. We recommend Ad-Aware
Personal. It is a free program to personal users, and it
provides your system with a thorough scan.
Running programs
to clean bad files is only part of the way to keep your
system secure however. Never click a hyperlink in an
e-mail from someone you don't know. Your banking
institution and credit cards will never ask you to click
a link and verify your information. PayPal will not lose
your data and need it re-verified. A single click will
not save a young, sick child. Bottom line here: you are
ultimately responsible for your clicking. If you're not
sure about a link, DON'T click it. It is worth a call to
the sender of the e-mail to verify its authenticity. If
you don't know who sent you the e-mail, chances are it's
not legit anyway."
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I Want My Turn!
asks, "How can I kick my family off the
computer so I can relax at night and do some surfing?"
QCS Rep Ron
replies, "Besides putting your foot down, setting
some ground rules and making a usage schedule for your
family, there are a couple of things you can do with a
little help from technology. First, consider an internet
guardian type program. It limits the amount of time
children (and adults) can use the computer. When the
allotted time is up, they're done. If someone grabbing
the computer before you can is a problem, password
protect your Windows login. Without the password,
they're not getting in. Other than those options, you
can also consider getting a second computer in the home.
Many American households have at least two computers
now, and you can set up a home network so everyone is
online at the same time."
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Don't Spam Me
asks, "I wanted to check out a couple of sites I saw
advertised, but they want my e-mail address and I don't
want spam. How can I get around this and still get the
information I want?
QCS Rep Melissa
replies, "There are several websites available that you
can obtain a free e-mail account from. Yahoo, GMail and
AIM are just a few. It's always a good idea to have a
disposable e-mail address for reasons just as this. If
worse comes to worse, you get slammed with unwanted spam
in your disposable account. Only use the disposable
account for surfing and you've still got your primary,
important e-mail address, and its still spam free!
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Got a question for the QCS staff?
E-Mail us! Your
question could be featured next!
Quality Computer Sales is much more than a computer store.
QCS serves
end-users, military, government, resellers, and educational clients. We pride ourselves in offering
low, discounted prices for every product we sell. For large
or corporate orders, please contact