Using OpenDNS to Prevent Access to Unwanted Websites

Although this article focuses on keeping kids safe on the Internet, the same technique can be used in a business setting to prevent employees from accessing unauthorized sites.  There are also a host of other advantages to using OpenDNS, including: typo correction, phishing protection, and added security.  See OpenDNS’s features here.

Protect Your Kids Online Using Open DNS

This week I have been covering tools to use within Windows Vista to help keep your kids safe using the PC and while being online.  This article will apply will show how to use Open DNS with any Operating System to help filter undesirable web content.  Simply put DNS (Domain Name System) translates IP address to an easy to remember hostname.  For example if you were to type “216.239.51.99” without the quotes into your web browser you will be directed to google.com.

I wrote up an article previously that basically introduces you to Open DNS and how to add it to your router.  Here we will look a bit deeper into it and show you how to best use it to your advantage.  There is a lot of web content filtering possibilities which include specific sites, specific content, and adult website filtering.

Read the rest of the article here.

Hotspot Shield

http://www.hotspotshield.com/

Public networks (both wired and wireless) are great. After all, what would life be without connecting while at airports, hotels and coffee shops? However, the danger to your personal data exists even if you connect to a fee based open network. Your passwords, credit card numbers, and any data you send can be seen and associated with you personally. Standard antivirus software won't protect you as this threat is on the network, not your laptop or iPhone.

That's why AnchorFree is pleased to offer Hotspot Shield. Our application keeps your Internet connection secure and anonymous on public networks.

100% Security Through a VPN

Hotspot Shield creates a virtual private network (VPN) between your laptop or iPhone and our Internet gateway. This impenetrable tunnel prevents snoopers and hackers from viewing your email, instant messages, credit card information or anything else you send over the network. Hotspot Shield security application is free to download, employs the latest VPN technology, and is easy to install and use. So go ahead - Get behind the Shield - Try Hotspot Shield today!

* 3GB of free bandwidth is offered within a rolling 30 day window. Additional bandwidth may be purchased thereafter. See Terms and Conditions for complete program information.

Hotspot Shield runs on:

• Windows Vista
• Windows XP
• Windows 2000
• Mac OS X (10.5 Leopard)
• Mac OS X (10.4 Tiger)

CNN recently broadcast an exposé calling action to broadband users at hospitality and coffee chains to secure their session while exclusively highlighting AnchorFree's Hotspot Shield

PC Magazine recently named AnchorFree's Hotspot Shield as one of its "Best Free Software Downloads"

Get Behind the Shield! Hotspot Shield by AnchorFree

Best Free Antivirus Applications

Excerpted from: Five Best Antivirus Applications

The internet is a glorious and exciting world, but unless you're properly protected with a good antivirus application, it can also be a dangerous one. We've come a long way since the days of Norton, with handfuls of excellent freeware software that can keep your computer safe from malware just as well as their bloated, more expensive counterparts.

AVG Anti-Virus (Freeware and Shareware)

The lightweight AVG Free provides protection against the various nasties floating around the internet. Like many of the options in the Hive Five, AVG provides freeware (with limitations) and commercial versions of their software, but most users find AVG Free is all they need.

 

Avast Antivirus (Freeware and Shareware)

Available in both freeware (Home) and shareware (Professional) flavors, Avast Antivirus is the happy home of many an AVG-switcher. Avast is slightly heavier on system resources, but users argue its excellent protection more than makes up for the increased footprint. The freeware version will cost you an email address to get a free registration code from their website.

 

 

Avira AntiVir (Freeware and Shareware)

According to many of its users, Avira is the go-to freeware app for detecting viruses and other malware that other antivirus apps miss. Like several of its peers, Avira is available in both freeware (Personal) and shareware (Premium) versions, and most people find the freeware alternative plenty to suit their needs. One downside to Avira on install is pop-up ads enabled by default (adware, anyone?), but you can disable the ads with a couple of clicks.

Hive Five: Five Best Antivirus Applications

Best Free Ways to Protect Your Private Files

From Lifehacker:

When you're saving sensitive files on your computer meant for your eyes only, make sure you've got the right tools on hand to keep them private. Whether you want to shield your brilliant startup business plan from the Pointy Haired Boss, or hide your stash of Gillian Anderson photos from the kids, there are several free tools that can encrypt, password-protect, or obscure files and folders from others who might use your computer. Let's take a look at various methods, tools, and levels of privacy and security you can use to lock up your sensitive data:

Click to read entire article:  Privacy: Best Free Ways to Protect Your Private Files