New Users Guide

General Internet Tips:

1. If you have trouble getting connected once, always try again. Don't automatically assume that something is wrong with your computer's setup. At times modems just don't talk to each other correctly. It is always a good idea to reboot your machine and try again if you suddenly can't get connected when you have easily been connected in the past. This should clear out the majority of your computer's memory and make sure nothing is hindering your Internet connection.
2. Don't be afraid to go through the menu's at the top of your browser. Go through each menu and look at the different options you have available. If you don't know what some options mean, send the Helpdesk (support@foothills.net) an email and they will try to help you out.
3. Learn how to use your bookmarks, favorites, or link pages. This will help you get back to your favorite places faster and easier.
4. Practice using search engines (such as google.com, yahoo.com etc.) to find what you like on the Internet. Try different search engines and see which one gives you the information you are looking for.
5. Check your mail often. You never know when you might have received an important message.
6. Go through the help menu at the top of your browser to learn the features of your software.

For more in-depth information concerning the internet please check out this website.

Internet 101^{This link leads away from this website.}

PC Security - Keeping yourself Safe on the Internet

With malicious software (malware), such as viruses, worms, and Trojan horses on the rise, your PC security is extremely important. Make sure that you take steps to help protect your computer.

Use a firewall

A firewall places a virtual barrier between your computer and hackers who might seek to delete information from your computer, make it crash, or even steal personal information. Using a firewall is the first thing you should do to help protect your computer.

If you're using Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), the most updated version of Windows XP, you have a firewall built-in and turned on by default.

It is highly recommended that you run a second (third party) Firewall Solution as well as the Windows Firewall. Below you will find a list of a couple of well known providers of such software.

1. Norton (Symantec)
2. Mcaffee

Get Service Pack 2

If you're using Windows XP and don't have Service Pack 2 yet, your computer could be at risk. SP2 is a free update for Windows XP and can help protect your computer against viruses, hackers, pop-ups, and worms. Download it now from the Microsoft Update site.

Keep your computer up to date

The Microsoft Update site helps you keep your computer current by providing the latest updates for your computer's operating system, software, and hardware. Microsoft Update scans your computer and provides you with a selection of updates tailored just for you, including the latest updates for Office, Windows, and several other Microsoft applications, all in one place.

Install antivirus software

Antivirus software detects and removes viruses, which attach themselves to a program or file in order to spread from computer to computer. By installing antivirus software and keeping it up to date, you can help keep your computer free from these destructive viruses and avoid spreading them to other computers.

1. Norton (Symantec)
2. Mcaffee
3. AVG Free Edition
4. Avast

Install antispyware software

Spyware refers to software that does things such as tracking your Web browsing habits or making changes to your computer settings without your consent or control. Spyware can significantly slow down your computer, make unwanted changes to critical settings, and be difficult to remove.

Antispyware software helps protect your computer from spyware and other potentially unwanted software by detecting and removing known spyware programs. It can be scheduled to scan your computer at times that are convenient for you.

Spybot Search & Destroy is one such alternative (Free).

How to Prevent Identity Theft

Microsoft.com offers a Password checker, what this does is rates how strong your password is in relation to how easy it would be to figure it out. You can check the strength of your password by visiting their website here. Microsoft Password Checker

How to Protect yourself from Phishing and Fraud

Microsoft.com also offers a great resource on how to prevent yourself from falling victim to Phising and Fraud scams. Take a look at this information listed here. Phising and Fraud Prevention

^{Foothills Broadband does not provide support for any of the software listed above. For technical support for these products please refer to the vendors website of the respective software. Foothills Broadband is not responsible for any loss of data or other damages that may arise from the use of any of the programs listed above. Any views or opinions listed above are purely that, Foothills Broadband strongly recommends researching other websites as well to better equip yourself to the dangers of the internet so you can keep yourself and loved ones safe.}

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