PC Maintenance and Security

Atomic Learning has short informational videos to help you learn how to use many computer programs. Today I explored the PC Maintenance and Security section and watched three tutorials to help me understand my PC better.

The first tutorial I watched was Downloading and Installing Mozilla Fire Fox. I learned Mozilla Fire Fox is more secure to use as a web browser then Internet Explorer. I still need to keep Internet Explorer for Window updates. I can make Mozilla Fire Fox as my default browser.

I was surprised how easily downloading and changing browsers was on the PC. At school we have PC's but we aren't allowed to download or install the technology department does that.  I have a MAC at home and could never get Internet Explorer to fully download I tried using Wine Bottler to help me. Now on my MAC it continually wants to update Mozilla Fire Fox but never acts like it finishes the update. I'll have to investigate what is up with that.

The second tutorial I watched was Exploring the Settings of FireFox.   In the privacy settings I learned about things that I never knew existed.

I learned that I can use the Clear Private Data tool in settings. I can indicate that I want my private data cleared. I also learned I can set  a master password. I don't want my user names and passwords to appear if somebody borrows my computer.

I was surprised in the cookies I can allow cookies for web sites I select and not allow cookies for other web sites.

The third tutorial I watched was Explaining Cookies. I never really understood what was meant by a cookie on the Internet. I knew I liked homemade cookies to eat.

I learned cookies are used by companies to keep track of what products you buy. When you log into their site the web site customizes to my browsing and buying experiences. It is supposed to be more pleasurable for me the shopper.

Large companies may have more than one cookie. One may relate to my life style one may relate to my spending habits. It is annoying how much information a cookie can give away without a person even realizing the cookie is on the hard drive. A cookie is like a mini spy. I can set my computer to block cookies.

I made a note to myself to go back and visit Atomic Learning to read the iPad. I don't currently have an iPad but I want to become familiar with the device so when I get one I will know how to use it.