Broadband For Dummies

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2024-11-25 19:00:06

1. Foreword: why you need to read this. 2. Is there a brief history of the internet and the web? 3. What about email? 4. Connecting to the internet. 5. How do I set up my computer(s) for broadband? 6. How do I avoid getting viruses and spyware? 7. What web browser should I use? 8. What email program should I use? 9. How can you really maximize safety? 10. What about wireless in the home? 11. How about a concise summary? 12. Glossary: what are all those TLAs and FLAs? 13. Appendix: why do you need enough random access memory?

The target audience for this primer is the vast majority of computer users; namely, people who are mystified by computers, email, Windows, and the web, and who are concerned about computer viruses and malware and hackers. You are welcome to download it, edit it, and give it to your friends and family who are using (or wish to use) a high-speed connection to the internet.

Especially if you are using a computer with Windows, and to a lesser extent if you are using another operating system (such as Apple OS X), you need to be aware that the internet is a dangerous place and your computer is at risk, both from within (e.g., from the Microsoft software) and from without. The threats from the outside are well-known: hackers getting into your computer; viruses and worms sent to you by email or accidentally downloaded from web sites; malicious "adware" and "spyware," generically known as "malware," which, when downloaded from web sites, will essentially take over your computer; and "phishing" scams set up by con artists to fool you into giving personal information so that they can steal your money. The danger from within is due to the fact that the bad guys have designed their invasive programs to take advantage of security flaws in the software. If you're going to spend any time in this environment, you will need a survival manual to keep you safe.

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