| So, you've bought a new Macintosh, and now you | | | | as others. Some say that Safari is not as safe from |
| may be wondering how to make it safer. There are | | | | hackers as other browsers. Safari can also be a |
| several things that you can do which will protect your | | | | problem if you are going to a web page that requires |
| Mac from viruses and hackers. Macs are already very | | | | a version of Internet Explorer or Netscape to view it. |
| difficult to hack, but don't let that fact allow you to | | | | You can download Internet Explorer and Netscape for |
| become lenient with your security. | | | | Mac, but again, some believe that these browsers are |
| 1. Download all of the software updates available. This | | | | not as safe from hackers. Many people believe that |
| seems like a no-brainer, but some Mac users forget to | | | | Mozilla Firefox (my personal favorite) is the safest |
| download the newest updates. You can even set your | | | | browser to use because of its customizable features. |
| computer to automatically download new updates. | | | | Firefox is available for downloading on the Macintosh. |
| However, some dial-up users encounter trouble when | | | | 4. Don't be afraid to buy anti-virus software. If you |
| trying to downloaded updates. If you are a dial-up user, | | | | have to download files from the internet as part of a |
| the best suggestion is to leave your Mac on overnight | | | | job or hobby, then it is probably a good idea to have |
| and let it download. Apple releases many programs | | | | some sort of anti-virus software on your Macintosh. |
| that fix bugs in iLife applications, and in Mac OS X. | | | | Apple provides a wide-variety of anti-virus software |
| Probably the most important of these updates are the | | | | that is constantly updated. |
| security updates. Apple periodically offers security | | | | 5. Finally, keep an eye on those e-mail attachments |
| updates for its operating systems (Panther and Tiger). | | | | and instant messages. Some hackers have |
| 2. Be careful what you download. Some people use | | | | programmed viruses to IM you from one of your |
| P2P downloads for Macintosh (I.E. Poisoned). Be | | | | friends' screen names. Don't click on any link without |
| careful when downloading using a P2P because you | | | | knowing what it is first. Most e-mail providers use virus |
| do not know where the music or file is coming from. | | | | scans automatically, but you should always be extra |
| Some P2P users specifically make corrupted files to | | | | careful when downloading an attachment. If it is from |
| send via music downloading programs. Generally, it is a | | | | someone you do not know, don't trust it. |
| good idea to stick to iTunes, because those files are | | | | Apple computers are very safe from hackers, but |
| ACC Protected and offered through Apple so they | | | | they can always be improved. Keeping a computer |
| certainly won't have viruses. | | | | safe, and running well requires a great amount of time |
| 3. Choose the best and safest Internet Browser. Safari | | | | and energy. Just remember that if your computer is |
| comes standard on all new Macs as part of iLife. | | | | safe, your Apple experience will be much more |
| However, some people do not enjoy Safari as much | | | | rewarding. |