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Computer safety is a major issue for individuals, businesses and families because of the diligent and successful efforts by criminals who want to steal and by harassers or predators who want to cause personal harm. The categories of computer safety are legion, but for the average user, there are some areas that should get the most and the most constant attention.

First of all, proctecting access to the computer itself is the first thing that a user should do. Setting up a system administrator and a trusted secondary administrator who can do the high level functions and commands is essential. The security of the computer, itself, is determined at the system administrator level. That job calls for a password that only the administrator knows.

Second of all, the password needs to be strong, stored securely in case it is forgotten, and has to be used every time the system administrator want access to the computer. A strong password (or "strong authentication") contains enough random numbers and letters to make no sense to anyone who knows a lot about the user. The pet dog's name, mother's maiden name, birth dates, and so on will not do. They can be easily figured out. But the problems with a strong password are that they are hard to memorize and can easily be forgotten, so the word must be stored where it can be retrieved, but not stolen.

Third, setting up individual accounts with user access only, rather than allowing everyone to log on at will, allows each family member to have their own activity and password. Again, there are issues with password protection and so on, but the administrator can correct them by closing and opening the individual accounts. In a normal family, it may not be necessary to set up individual accounts, but they help when friends and visitors are constantly coming and going, and they help to monitor the kid's activity to a certain extent.

Fourth, before going on line, a security software is essential! The two biggies, McAfee and Trend Micro are very easy to install and customize, and will automatically update when a new threat is being dealt with. These software also scan for viruses at scheduled times or when instituted. Customizing firewall levels and protection levels, blocking pop ups, and setting parental controls are now options that can be done to control access to problematic sites.

Fifth, learning about e-mail account provision and what security is provided by the host is essential. Reading the updates and getting to know the

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