Kids & Computers

Graham Roberts Home Computer Services

Reputable & reliable computer repairs and servicing for Barlborough, Clowne, Bolsover & surrounding villages.

Kids and Computers!

March 2010

What do you think is the single most common cause of computer virus and spyware infection that I encounter on my service call-outs? Opening unknown email attachments or accidentally stumbling across a dodgy website maybe? Both can cause problems, but there’s one single common threat factor that stands out above all others. That is sharing your computer with your children or grandchildren, especially when they reach that certain age when they know best, want some privacy and of course their own password protected desktop. Obviously it won’t be a problem in every household, but the plain facts are that over three quarters of my virus related calls in 2009 could be directly traced back to a younger family member’s actions.

Youngsters have no fear when it comes to technology and the internet; they have grown up with both, and as they get older, they usually become more adventurous. Some (maybe due to peer pressure), may try downloading “free” music and files, start using file share programs such as Limewire, or inadvertently visit infected websites offering free games or funny icons to download. The problem is that truly free material on the internet is few and far between, and the price paid for downloading free stuff is often serious virus and spyware infection. These rogue files and websites target younger people knowing that they are more adventurous then adults and less likely to heed any warnings from the computer but often, their real objective is to get hold of your personal information for fraud and financial gain purposes.

So what are my recommendations?

If you use your computer for business or online banking and credit card purposes, I would strongly suggest that you have your own computer or laptop and have a separate one for your children or grandchildren.

If separate computers are not an option, you can reduce the risk if you…

	Make all your family fully aware of the serious threats that you all face when they download and install “free” programs or music. It’s not just about the cost of paying for an engineer to repair your computer. Serious virus infection could result in the loss of important documents and precious photographs, gain access to your credit card and bank account details and also leave you open to identity theft.
	Remove any file share programs, like for example Limewire from your computer. The theory behind “free” file sharing programs sounds great, but the facts are that by installing them, you open up your computer to the possibility of downloading infected “free” files sitting on other people’s contaminated computers anywhere in the world.
	Only have only one user account on your computer and share the same desktop with all your family so that you notice any unusual changes or newly installed programs immediately. Downloaded programs and infected freebies may initially hide out of sight on another desktop, but the viruses will eventually spread to and infect your work area. If you are concerned about important information being viewed or accidentally altered due to sharing your work space, password protect your important documents and make sure only you and (if applicable) your partner, know the passwords for your important websites.
	Make sure that you have good quality and up to date internet security software installed on your computer to protect it. Some manufacture’s software will even advise you if a website is a threat or safe to download from.
	If you download music, always use a reputable supplier such as iTunes or Tesco Entertainment. You’ll have to pay for it, but it will in all probability work out less costly and not as stressful in the long run, then if your computer became infected.
	Habitually back-up everything that is important, or run the risk of losing it.

For the record, I think that that our children are probably no different to what we were; it’s just that due to the internet, they have bigger more varied boundaries to explore. In my experience, most will eventually pass through the phase and become more responsible computer users.

Graham

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