If you are like me, you are probably planning to come by or give a Windows PC as a gift this holiday season. Most PC companies pre-load their PCs with a lot of applications – some of which are good but not all.

To get the best exercise out of your Windows PC, you will need to download and install additional applications or programs.

In this article, I list a few applications that I have been using for the past several years and which I assume are well-known.

I will also include some information about each of the program and where to get it.

There are several other ‘nice to have’ applications that I will cover in another article.

The best thing about this list? All the applications are freeware and won’t cost you a cent.

1. Firefox – a very considerable and capable alternative to Internet Explorer (IE) – the default web browser on Windows. Firefox is a great more secure browser than IE and is highly recommended as a replacement. There are hundreds of extensions for Firefox that add to its capabilities. Some extensions add features like ad blocking, RSS support and bookmark management while others improve upon the built-in functionality.

Get it at http://www.getfirefox.com

2. Zone Alarm/Kerio Personal Firewall – Software firewalls are applications that protect PCs from Internet threats. They inspect both incoming and outgoing connections ensuring that only legitimate traffic is allowed. Windows XP includes a firewall but these third-party products have more features.

Both Zone Alarm and Kerio Personal Firewall have received top reviews. You can’t use both of them at the same time but you can try both – one at a time – and choose to keep the one that is easier for you to use.

Net it the Kerio Personal Firewall at http://www.sunbelt-software.com/Kerio.cfm and

Zone Alarm at http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp

3. SpyBotSD – Spybot SD (Search & Ruin) detects and removes spyware from your computer. In addition it also removes certain usage tracks such as lists of web sites visited.

Free support is offered at the Spybot SD web spot in the form of frequently asked questions (FAQ) documents, a searchable web site knowledge-base, and a free user succor forum.

The software is free for personal use but the author asks for donations if you win the software useful.

Get it at http://www.safer-networking.org/en/spybotsd/index.html

4. Ad-Aware – Ad-Aware is a good product that provides protection against many spyware programs. It can detect spyware programs running in memory, examine startup settings, block browser hijackings, remove tracking cookies, and fix registry changes made by intruding programs.

It is available in free (Personal) and commercial (Plus and Pro) versions. The personal version is full-featured enough for most home users. The company behind Ad-Aware, Lavasoft, provides regular free updates for the latest spyware definition files.

You may wonder for the need for this software along with SpybotSD mentioned above. The fact is both of these spyware-fighters have slightly different features. So having them both will give you more complete protection.

Unlike the firewalls mentioned above, you can use both of these at the same time.

Get it at http://www.lavasoft.com/products/ad-aware_se_personal.php

5. 7-zip – If you ever have to deal with zipped files of varions types, you need 7-zip. It is a compression/de-compression utility that lets you execute, update, extract archive files of four most approved formats on the Internet: zip, gzip, tar and bzip2. It also supports many other compression formats. Its simple interface can be accessed via the right-button menu right from Windows Explorer.

Get it at http://www.7-zip.com

The time taken to download and install these applications will replay itself once you start using them.

Happy computing!

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As I turned on the computer, Saturday evening, August 16, I had no knowledge as to what “hell” I would have to endure. When the desk top came up, I noticed a flashing red square, in the task bar indicating an update for the AVG virus program. One thing that I always kept in mind was that if updates are not installed, then the computer may not be fully protected against viruses, spyware or malware programs.

I started to download the updates, and then shortly received an error message. Apparently, the updates would not download because of a missing bin file. Shortly afterwards, another box appeared, I presumed from AVG, which contained the missing file. I was advised to download the missing bin file and then the updates; this downloading resulted in the loss of the AVG program. The next move was to delete and then reinstall AVG, I went to the add/remove section of the Control Panel and deleted the program. After deleting, I then tried to reinstall AVG but was unable to. An error message stated that AVG could not be installed because the AVG tool bar could not locate AVG. (very strange message) Next, I tried to delete the program again, resulting in a message stating that AVG could not be installed because of an error. For some reason I could not fully delete nor install AVG.

Within seconds, a red shield with a white x appeared in the task bar. This shield is exactly the same icon stale by Microsoft Security Center, when there is a problem with security. The shield warned that the computer was at risk, and that there was also a security problem. Next, a box appeared stating that the computer may be infected with viruses, and asked if I wanted the computer scanned. (Yes or No boxes) I checked no. Apparently, the checked no was ignored, Antispyware 2009 came up, and started to scan. To stop the scanning I had to quickly reboot the computer.

After rebooting, I went to the Security Center, located in the Control Panel, to check if the firewall was still up. I found that the firewall was up, but as far as an antivirus program, AVG was listed as outdated, although the version installed was 2008. I went to Microsoft live and went to help. I entered an online chat with Nesty, who advised me to fully run a scan on the computer; we shortly lost the internet connection thereafter. Since the scan would probably take at least 5 hours and the hour was late, I decided to start the scan and then go to bed.

I checked on the computer Sunday morning and found that the scan had produced 10 items and 10 problems and had removed all except three of them. I once more tried to install AVG, but it failed. I then tried to install other antivirus programs; however they would not download since I already had an antivirus program installed. So again I went to Microsoft for befriend. I spent at least 2 hours with the Microsoft agent and nothing seemed to befriend. The agent took my name and stated a technician would call me Monday morning.

On Monday, August 18, the technician called. She asked for permission to connect to the computer so that she could get an idea of what was happening, however the connection was barred by AVG. She asked me to try different scanning programs, such as Microsoft One Care, or Micro Trend House Call, to get rid of the bug. She would have another technician call me Tuesday, and that there was nothing more that she could do. Later that day, I noticed several more changes in the computer. First of all, the computer was very sluggish and took longer to function. Microsoft Word was also affected. I was allowed to type four to five letters and then the screen would freeze. In order to keep typing, I had to click on the Word shroud after every four or five letters. Another problem with Word was that some of the typed letters would disappear after being typed on the screen. I was unable to play games off-line; the games would either freeze, pause constantly or shutdown. Lastly, my home page kept changing from Yahoo to Goggle no matter what I did. If I went on-line to a secure site such as Microsoft.com, the box with the “Your computer may be at risk” kept popping up, insisting that I scan the computer for viruses.

Tuesday came and quiet no one could get the computer freed of this malware program that had fraudulently used AVG update, and copied the Microsoft shield. The technician asked first if I had a back up copy of my files, the answer was no. Then the technician had me try to restore the computer by going assist to August 13, however that action was also blocked. Again, the technician did all that he could do, and decided that the final step would be to have a more advanced technician call me Wednesday. I was told that “at this time, my only alternative would be to reformat the hard drive” unless the technician that I talked to, had more knowledge of this type of problem.

The very first thing that the technician tried to do on Wednesday morning was to take control of my computer, but he to was blocked. Secondly, he then had me try to restore the computer, but this action was also blocked. The next step was to enter the registry to check on what programs were there. After opening the registry, I found several files that belonged to AVG. I was then told to take no action but to terminate the registry and to open my documents, where I found other AVG files. These files were what kept me from downloading any other antivirus software, by indicating that I had an antivirus program. Secondly, these files were misplaced, and not removed when I deleted the AVG antivirus program. I was then told that the last alternative was to reformat the hard drive, and to understand since there wasn’t a abet up copy, I would loose everything

.As we talked on the phone, a different box popped up stating that the computer could be scanned free by Antispyware 2009 and that they were partners with Microsoft and also recommended by Microsoft. I then reported this to the technician, who then warned me not to let the malware scan the computer. Even though, I did not choose yes or no, the program began to scan on its own, and again I had to reboot the computer. The technician stated that he would talk me through the reformatting because of the malware problems.

While reformatting, I asked several questions about the Antispyware 2009 malware program and found that the program was a few years old. It first started out with pop ups that enticed the user to download a free scanning program. Later, the malware program began to imitate updates for other antivirus programs and sought new ways of gaining access to computers.

The purpose of the Antispyware program is to gain access to computers and take control. This program will make changes to your computer indicating that there are Trojans, viruses and antispyware present. Next, the malware will offer free scanning of the computer, and often will fraudulently set that they are partners with Microsoft, and also recommended by Microsoft. If the scanning is allowed, then the scanner will find quite a few viruses and spyware programs. Next, the user of the computer will be told that the only way to remove these programs is to purchase the Antispyware or Antivirus 2009 program, which cost approximately $50-$80. These programs only removed what the malware installed on the computer and are then completely useless.

After getting control of the computer, and getting benefit online, my first action was to download all recent updates to Windows XP. Secondly, I downloaded the free 90 day trial of Microsoft OneCare, and then updated to Explorer 7.

I decided to explore and looked for information concerning the Antispyware 2009. The first site of interest that I found was from Metacafe which displays a video that explains how some of the malware programs take over computers. I found the information quite tantalizing and beneficial. Next I went to the Wikipedia site. This site gave more detail about the rogue software, better known as malware or malicious software. This software forces users to pay for the removal of the nonexistent spyware so that they can gain control of their computer. The malware is a Trojan that infests the computer. At times, if the Ok button is clicked on the box, the user is taken to a pornographic site, and if the x in the upper right corner is clicked, the malware is downloaded and activated. Wikipedia also explained that this malware does not actually remove spyware, but can add more if purchased. Wikipedia goes even further and provides a partial list of various malware programs to avoid. Another site worth interest is Sunbelt Malware Research Labs. Malware Labs points out that these malware programs can collect private information located on the computer, plus make the computer very unstable for use. The last site that I visited was Antispyware 101. This site warns that a malware program is using e-mails to gain access to computers. They sent out e-mails entitled CNN.Daily Top Ten stories. Many of the users who received the e-mails conception that the e-mail was from CNN news listing the top ten stories of the day, so they opened it. Instead of getting informative news, they received malware instead. This malware used the Trojan Downloader. Agent. El. This Trojan will fake spyware programs, increase pop ups, give fake warnings, modifies Windows Registry, take over the desk top, crash the operating system and bringing up the blue screen of death. The site goes further and explains how to protect your computer, what a Trojan is, and what can be done if you have the problem.

One thing that I did learn from all of this is that making backup copies of your computer system is very vital and can abet to support needed information and files, especially if you have to reformat your drive. Once reformatted, use your backup copy to bring the computer up to date. Don’t catch the chance thinking that the antivirus programs will protect your computer. They just may not.

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Dear Readers;

Listen to Terania and I on BBS today…

www.bbsradio.com/

Dr. Turi; Following your request to help you -

THIS IS THE PREDICTION YOU MADE ABOUT FRANCE OR ITALY (VOLCANO OR EARTHQUAKE} IN 2008. TAIL OF THE DRAGON IN LEO. YOU MAY NEED TO REFERENCE THIS IN YOUR NEXT NEWSLETTER. YOU WILL FIND IT IN THE LAST MINUTE OF THE 10 MIN INTERVIEW.
EFFIE

www.youtube.com/watch? v=5V895rsufe0

REACHING FOR THE COSMIC CODE WITH DR. TURI

I received yet another email from someone worrying, telling me a grand tsunami will take place in Asia on July 22nd 2009. Remember my predictions (and windows) are available on the Internet for the entire world to see and I heard that some of my VIP subscribers are using those dates (or finish to them) to predict world events to attract attention and traffic to their websites. Find the source of the message and search for previous, well-documented predictions from that group or this person and if you do not find any I did make my point to you.

ALL my VIP’s from all over the planets have the 2009 Plutonic, Uranic and Moonic Dragon window dates with all information available to them pertaining to the use and the timing. Note also those newsletters (and dates) are spraying like a wild tornado and that is the purpose of my work but STAY with me because my dates are the original ones and should be taken in consideration before another envious souls makes up new ones. It is obvious by now, after 15 solid years blasting the Internet that my message *and methodology is finally being heard and that is the good part. The last Moonic window produced the Italian earthquake and many more are in store for 2009 so become a VIP and have these dates if you decide to recede and use your will to avoid the Cosmic Code jurisdictions. You may pass this heeding to the world and remind all police officers to go to www.drturi.com and click on the *Cosmic Hand to get ALL 2009 Deadly Plutonic Window dates.

HERE IS THE ORIGINAL DATE FOR JULY 2009

Nature To Strike Hard
New Horizons Following Tragedy
Much to Descend Nothing Made To Last
Tears Pain Death A new Life For Many

http://www.saberfire.com/dragons/archivehigh/023.jpg

Let go to England now and see how the nasty Dragon (children) plays havoc on their young psyche.

ANOTHER VICTIM OF THE DRAGON

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1167708/Torture-boys-grilled-polic…

While we are in the UK check my good friend DAVID ICKE

www.davidicke.com/content/view/21844

http://www.wond1400am.com/barbara_altman_pic.jpg”/>

www.wond1400am.com/

Dr. Turi;

I will download the show and e-mail it to you. All the programs will soon be available by one click on our web site… THANK YOU!!! For an enlightening experience on the radio this morning. Your insight provided many listeners with a new feeling of strength and focus! I am grateful to you…and thank you so much for sharing your gift with all of us! I would like to invite you to visit the “Front Porch” on the 27th of April…the Monday after the Moon is plump! I will be listening to Coast to Fly….and again…thank you! In friendship and peace, Barbara.

Ask for the link at radio14@aol.com

WE ARE ALL ROBOTS OF THE STARS UNTIL WE ALL RISES TO COSMIC CONSCIOUSNESS AND APPLY THE WILL!
Dr. Turi

Good news – Many of you either did not know or could not make it to my last workshop in Scottsdale so here is your chance to join us again and have a blast while learning the rest of the secret.

Let me Breathe New Life and Light Into Your Soul! 2012 – The New Birthing Of God’s Consciousness Will Liberate All His Children From Darkness, Fear And Ignorance…

By popular inquire on April 23rd and 25th

Vision Quest Metaphysical Bookstore Presents Dr. Turi
2225 N. Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85257

Event type Presentation ‘Beyond The Secret”

Ticket Phone Call Apryl at (480) 949-1888 or email her at vqbooks@aol.com

FREE Lecture – Thursday April 23rd from 7:00 to 9:00 PM:

The Power Of Your Subconscious – Because the “Future is nothing else than the reincarnation of the thought” there is absolutely nothing you cannot manifest. Dr. Turi will give ample information on how the subconscious can be carved with distinct suggestions and reverse years of trauma, pain and suffering into healthy habits bringing back body mind and spirit health and harmony. There is so much more behind the movie “The Secret” and in his upcoming workshop “Beyond The Secret” Dr. Turi will recount you how to use the creative forces of the Superconscious in time and space so emotional, financial and spiritual stability will be yours. The method is simple, respectable and allows the power to flow freely through the body, mind and soul.

While a soft soothing melody glides over in the background of the room, using hypnotherapy procedures Dr. Turi will put the audience in a light trance to open the door to the subconscious’ creative forces. The dynamic suggestions used will work positive miracles and unquestionably bring about your most cherished wishes for wealth, love even health. This highly spiritual healing session while totally sound keeps the audience semi conscious and offers a fresh feeling of all-encompassing relaxation. There is no deep hypnotic trance induced thus no risks of insurance liability and the assembly is totally safe and sound. Dr. Turi’s hypnotherapy expertise enlightens, unify, comfort and purify the Astral body, mind and soul. An experience none of your patrons will ever forgets and enjoy to the fullest.

Workshop – Saturday April 25th from 1:00 To 5:00 PM: “Beyond The Secret”: This workshop will teach the attendance how to heal using hands and feet to activate pressure points to improve the immune system and bring relief to rigidity, chronic headaches, relieve problems, even vision can be altered and ultimately restored to health. Dr. Turi will also teach you how to use the subconscious for psychic purposes and read the future. Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn all about omens, psychic work, natural food, dieting while enjoying deep spiritual and physical cleansing. Bring a large towel or a blanket at the event for the foot healing session.

Important: All attendees must go through a physical/spiritual cleansing before entering the lecture room. Two mammoth crystal balls (black and white) will be placed on a small table by the door between a huge crystal pyramid on a silver tray while incense and one white candle will be burning. You must touch the black ball first with both hands for about 10 seconds then repeat the process on the white crystal ball. The black crystal ball acts as a “black Hole” vacuum that store and sucks away negative thoughts. The white crystal ball spend days in the full hot sun of Arizona and act as a “super charger” and insert life force into your body mind and soul This simple technique will not only balance your chakras but will also cleanse your spirit before the session.

“Knowledge is power; there is no room for ignorance in your life. Power means your option to establish emotional, financial and spiritual stability!”
—Dr. Turi

To schedule seminars, chose lecture / workshop topics or book signings with Dr. Louis Turi, please go to: www.drturi.com/events.php

Be above the normal human being and become an Astropsychologist and one of the most advanced souls walking this earth. Join us www.drturi.com/astroclass.php

Dear VIP Readers:

Here is a section of my new book “Beyond The Secret” explaining more about the creative forces of your subconscious. Take the time to read this long section as to understand what the TRUE Secret is all about an d finally be able to use your own subconscious creative forces at your advantage.

Important Facts About “The Secret”

Back in 2006, a new sensational movie entitled “The Secret” came out and the production was quite phenomenal, but also significantly incomplete. The movie was also endorsed by Oprah Winfrey and broadcasted on her television program. In the overpowering optimistic script, nothing pertaining to the negative manifesto of this Universal Law was exposed or explained in the Oprah show. Realize also, that I do support, understand and even promote not only the “Secret”, but also all other Universal laws that make the human experience possible.

However, the question remains after watching this well-produced movie, what will you be able to do or accomplish with it? ‘The Secret” is an overwhelmingly inspired production, skillfully shaped by wise and talented souls. However, like anything left unfinished, it can cause more detriment than improvement in the long run. Another important law well demonstrated in the movie is that we tend to attract what we fear the most. I do acknowledge the true value and purpose of the show and all the well-spoken wise participants, but there is remarkable more about the Universal Laws and their interaction with a multitude of unforgiving celestial rules. This book is designed to point out the facts, entertain, and educate the reader at the same time. Many people are in total denial and expect riches and fast results with minimum efforts, but common sense dictates otherwise. I think it’s only fair to teach both sides of the law that draws miracles and to create people aware of the cosmic regulations that interact with the subconscious creative forces. It took me many years///////////////////////////////////////////////

SORRY THIS VERY LONG AND EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL IS FOR MY VIP’S ONLY…

Get the books ” Beyond The Secret” and 2009 Moon Power NOW
Be knowing, be advised be prepared!

“There are other universes of multiple dimensions unidentified to our earthly senses, but affluent with superior forces. Behind the cosmic curtain God hides all the answers of all pre-existing things.”

Dr. Turi

Sharing Emails:

Dear Dr. Turi;

Although I have never heard of you, my mom is an avid listener of George Noory. Tonight she told me about your show last night.06 APR 09. Being a sheriff’s deputy with the Cook County Sheriff’s dept (Chicago),Il I am very concerned about the universal windows, especially for myself personally. I was born on /////. Please inform me on my personal dragon windows dates. I work in the warrant unit for the dept., and our job is very critical at times, not to mention Chicago leads the planet in murders. Please advise, any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
S///

DT – Well S, Your Mother, like mine, is very concerned with all their children safety and welfare and I am jubilant you listened to her accurate intuition…While investigating your UCI *Unique Celestial Identity would require some time I will only point out the major aspects of your Divinity. Your Sun sign in Libra (Justice) becomes your soul’s purpose for you to enforce both the laws of men and those of God. Your perceptive, highly critical, perfectionist mental aptitude will always work for you, as any type of investigation becomes your spiritual regeneration principle. Your highly advanced UCI is set by birth to learn and teach all about the Cosmic Code too. You are indeed a very valuable element to further the Police Academy’s puny curriculum by thoughtfully investigating your own personal Plutonic window dates. FYI my top students were all born in September! Thank you for working hard bringing security to all of us.
Blessings
DT

Dr. Turi;

My husband is a police officer and I want to know how to obtain the free information you mentioned for police officers but I can\’t figure out how to do so. His name is R/// and his birth date is///.
Anne

DT – Dear Anne; Like any concerned wife advising your husband and reminding him, of those dangerous days is a MUST to make clear he returns home safely after his shift! Trust me my own police officers friends have recognized this dangerous perilous and today are still alive. Tell him to be particularly cautious with foreigners, animals and anything related to religion and politics to avoid the worse. Thank him for risking his life daily to protect us. Go to www.drturi.com and click on the *Cosmic Hand in the sky and tell all your friends to do the same.

Blessings
DT

Dr. Turi;

I am a police officer in the City of Batavia, Il. I work the midnight shift and heard your program on Coast-to-Coast last night. Thank you! Finally, someone who cares about us! How do I receive the forecast? Thanks in advance, Officer ////
Batavia Police Dept, Il

DT – S, you were born within a Plutonic window right on yourself, subconsciously you feel you are in grave danger, please be VERY careful during your personal Plutonic dates. Armed with this rare wisdom you will be well prepared to avoid the worse by applying your will. Your most unsafe months are May and November during the full moon period. Thank you for your courage and dedication to protect us in your dangerous profession. I sincerely hope your Superiors will build it mandatory for all the courageous police officers out there to learn and use Astropsychology software to avoid fatalities. Blessings.
DT

Dear Dr. Turi;

I am a Police Officer in New York and spoke to you on the phone about obtaining my personal dragon window. I was born on ///// 1968 in the city of Buffalo, NY. As a law enforcement professional I greatly appreciate all that you are doing to protect the men and women in law enforcement. Thank you, and I wish you and yours the very best.
Sincerely,
R///- East Aurora Police Dept.

DT – Dear R – Your natal lucky birth node in Aries protects you from violent death my friend if you use your personal Plutonic window dates carefully but be aware of the moths October and July (for ever) as the Plutonic energy intensify then. Don’t drive too fast and be very careful doing so, your tendency for speeding could be fatal. I want to capture this opportunity to thank you for risking your life daily to protect all of us.
Blessings
DT

Dr. Turi;

I enjoyed so much listening to you on C2C. I am a disabled Faded living in Bangkok and do not score any tv over here. Since can not afford satellite, so anyway. Am interested in getting your latest and greatest book? Many of the people on C2C send them to me autographed. I am asking you for such a favor. I can pay if you like. Nominal I am on a disability income. Thank you again.

William

Hello William, I am emailing you a free copy of the book enjoy it, next time I am on CTC I will offer this book for FREE to the world.
Blessings
DT

Dr Turi;

You are fair. Thank you; what a simple thing, I hope the narrow minded, short tempered including the ‘classic trained’ in human psychology can get past this hick-up of your work, the “Dragon” head and tail terminology.

DT – Ticket the simple term “Dragon” Head and Tail is outmoded to represent the North or South Node of the Moon represent a piece of the dynamics titillating the complexity of Astropsychology methodology.
Blessings
DT

Robert commented on your status on Facebook:

Dear DT,

Excellent show last night, the best EVER!!! I wish the Coast manager had scheduled you for the whole program.

Robert

Joan commented on your status on Facebook:

George didn’t give you enough time….

Tammy commented on your status on Facebook:

I believe this to be true also, but the most important thing here is the message…. C2C was only the medium…the dates that were given were important to remember…please revisit his web sitehttp://www.drturi.com/dragon2.php for more information on where your Dragon is located and what it all means. Better till do you have his newsletter….http://www.drturi.com/newsletter/
Tammy

Dr. Turi ;

Pat commented on your dwelling on Facebook:

C2C was obliging but I wish you had been on longer!!!!
Pat

Dr T:
I have been reading for some time, your newsletters and your work on the web. Regarding this focus on our police force. Can you provide a link that is custom designed to send (via email) to those in the police departments so when the get that link, it goes to a page that will focus on your distress for their lives and as an extension, our
Neighborhoods.

DT – Here it is and I will elaborate on the rest when I have a chance my friend.
www.drturi.com/monthly.php
Blessings
DT

Hello Dr. Turi;

I recently heard you describing the dragon dates on coast to coast. I was alarmed because one of the dates falls factual before my wedding on the 26th of April. I am traveling down to new Orleans from unusual York on that Thursday. I have been aware of the importance of the waxing and waning moon cycles and chose that date because it was right after the new moon. I just ordered the personal dragon dates calendar from you. my question is, how detrimental is it to have a ceremony on the 26th? thank you for your help. I look forward to learning more and getting more in tune with the universal cycles.
Brooke

Dosha Dr. Turi and Terania,

C2C was great but I wish you had been on longer!!!! Richard and I are really looking forward to your visit here! Even our furry little children (4 cats) most likely will like YOUR attention!! The previous email I sent had the information about the 7/21 date. For anyone coming the motel information and the 701-627-5100 # can be given out if anyone needs further contact or info. I forgot too there is camping available by the Lake (contact 4 bears casino/lodge) Richard and I would be happy for you to end with us as we have a most beautiful understanding of the lake which is 350ft below us.

Also, here is an endorsement for the PD.

Many blessings to you Louis! You have millions of people who do CARE about you!!
Sue

ATTN: Chief of Police; Lieutenants, Detectives, Sergeants:

Due to the massive amounts of officers killed in the line of duty lately, it is imperative that methods even unusual as they may seem be employed to protect officers. Wait On in 1992 I worked as a victim advocate for a large city police department and was married to a K9 officer. Around 1998-99 I worked at a radio area co hosting a program which the guest was Dr. Louis Turi. Being rather ignorant of astrology, I was startled and panicked at what the good doctor had seen in my astrology chart. Amazed by this information, I began to look into it a bit more only to acquire out that Dr. Turi’s map was far more accurate than the mainstream create. I wouldn’t say he ‘predicts’ rather, I eye it as his ability to read a ‘map’ (so to speak) and thus he is able to see the ‘bridge is out’ sign and helping others detour from a deadly situation rather than ignore the sign and end up in the river. I would highly recommend him to lecture, deny and with his grief for helping others, to be a light in a dark world that is so tubby of ignorance. His talent to foresee ’something coming’ is uncanny and very accurate! If those of you in Law Enforcement took time to examine Dr. Turi’s knowledge, many families of officers may not be shedding tears for their loved ones. Personally, I have found him to be informative and intelligent thus, I do believe those who need ‘proof’ much like myself, would be impressed by how Astropsychology works!

S.k.D

A Vision For the Future Police

Hey DT,

I just had a though as I really hope your work is finally being heard by Law Enforcement. Just imagine this fictional memoir some day in the future; A police car with two officers gets dispatched to a domestic dispute between a husband and wife. The persons alive to in the domestic birth dates are entered into the police computer at the space. While the officers are en-route, an Astropsychology computer analysis is done and recommendations are made to the desk sergeant. Given the fact that the current date falls in a deadly Plutonic window and a waning full moon and the two persons involved are at a deadly intersection in their UCI’s, all officers responding to the call are required to wear heavy body armor bullet proof vests no matter how minor the argument seems.

Tag that in this future tale, all police officers UCI’s are stored in the Police database and the computer recommends that one of the officers in the patrol car is in a very bad personal window and ordered to stay in the car. A back-up car is sent and an officer with a great better UCI for today is assigned to go up to the door with the first officer. They ring the bell, the door opens, one officer takes a swear shot to the chest, but luckily his body armor saves him and they both retreat. A SWAT team is called in to subdue the man as SWAT is prepared to handle such situations and no-one dies as a roar result of an Astro-analysis computer at the place. End of Anecdote….. Some day DT…..Some day….!!!!!
I would love to see a movie based on this scenario.
Do well on C2C my friend.
Talk soon,
V

Dr. Turi,

Great to hear you on Coast to Coast AM again, two thumbs-up!!!! It was long over due Have a good week

Mark

HI Dr. Turi;

I was wondering if anyone has the email of the lady who is 68 and can barely afford her food but reads your newsletters for free. She said she couldn’t even handle a $1.00 How does she get Internet to read you? If she goes to the library or pays at home.? If she is legit, I would like to accomplish a donation on her behalf to receive your offer on the “donation” for your newsletter.. If you can find out then I will send in money for her before myself. Thanks
Nancy

Dr. Turi;

I have emailed Noory and Knapp? More than once? About bringing you wait on to C2C! Here is a FastBlast I sent while you were on the? air Mon 4/6—– Only Turi has the courage to match an event along with an actual date. While others hem and haw and give only vagaries, Turi gives real events with real dates. And I’ve seen him right OFTEN! He says the economy will inaugurate to turn in August. Inaugurate buying stocks now!

TY!

DT – Lolo, Thanks for your trust but it will take a little longer for the Fresh Dragon (another year of so after Aug to get thing back. Thanks for the befriend my friend
Blessings
DT

T commented on your status on FaceBook:

Hi DT

“Your incredible and so is Terania..send my like to her and for you as well…glad to hear you back on C2C they need to hear you…..”

DT – Thanks to all my supporters
DT

AS OF TODAY ANYONE AND EVERYONE CAN BECOME A VIP, Objective MAKE A DECENT DONATION YOU CAN AFFORD SO I CAN STILL PROVIDE YOU WITH MY VIP COSMIC CODE NEWSLETTER.

However please withhold in consideration that many people have paid the paunchy label of $100 then $75 and now BECAUSE OF THE TERRIBLE ECONOMY plaguing the US, I brought the ticket from $100, to $75 and now down to only $35. Realize it is NOT glorious to them and I feel cornered between pleasing you and upsetting them. While many of you are legit and feel the pain, many “monkeys” out there will try to get my life saving, priceless knowledge for a few bucks only. To those I say, “Be aware, KARMA is very real and in time will bite your butt”.

Incidentally I am a bit surprised and indeed very pleased that my Acquire trusting, smart VIP’s did not harass me for offering so grand for so long for FREE! I guess they do understand your situation and feel your pain too…

Thus I came up with this idea, mail me your donation and Mike will enter your name and email you the password but Mike is NOT me, he is very protective of myself, Terania and also my intellectual property and he is the one in charge of accepting or rejecting your donation. Thus you will have to be decent or rep your mail and donation befriend to you. Send your donations by mail to:

Dr. Turi
4411 N. 23rd St
Phoenix, AZ 85016

THIS *DEAL IS ONLY TEMPORARY AND OPEN AS OF TONIGHT AND IN TRIAL UNTIL THE NEXT NEW MOON OR APRIL 23RD, 2009 MIDNIGHT.

As always TYPE or PRINT your email address clearly or be build on the build pile because no one can read your handwriting.

JOIN US HERE ITS FREE
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Just a little note to let you know that a very special VIP Cosmic Code newsletter titled * “Sedona Message From Geronimo” and the Life and Fate of George Noory” will be issued IN TIME. DO NOT MISS these very important issues, wonderful pictures, predictions and 2012 visions and the future of George channeled by Dr. Turi through join us NOW!

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Using The Control Panel

Click on the start button of your task bar and you may explore an icon labeled “Control Panel”. If you’re using the classic windows menu, the icon will be labeled “Settings” with a subheading labeled “Control Panel”. Choose the “Control Panel” icon and the computer will capture you to the Control Panel interface. Here you will find a number of options that will relieve you improve the performance and reliability of your computer. Choose the option called “Performance and Maintenance”. The next thing you will gaze is a list of tasks.

Task 1: See Basic Information About Your Computer

Choosing this option will bring up a separate menu that will allow you to view basic information about your computer. Here you can peek what kind of processor you’re using, whether or not you have a printer, fax, or scanner plugged in, and whether or not these devices are working properly. It will also show you the operating system that you’re using and whether or not you have any service packs or updates installed. You can access the system restore options from here, but I wouldn’t advise that you change anything. Knowing this information is vital if you ever need to tell someone what kind of graphics card you have or whether or not you’re running Windows XP with SP2. Not all programs and devices are compatible, so it helps to know what you’re working with before you install anything new.

Task 2: Adjust Visual Effects

Here, you can decide how Windows displays its, uh, windows. It’s usually a pleasurable idea to allow Windows to settle what’s best for your computer, or you may end up with graphics overload, that aggravating state of immovable pop-ups that sometimes requires manual intervention via Control+Alt+Delete. Of course, forcing your computer to shut down this way isn’t really a good plan, so it’s best to avoid doing this if you can. Under the “Advanced” tab, you can choose whether or not you want your computer to devote more effort to running programs or your background services, like screen savers. Below this choice is a similar box for memory usage. I keep both of mine set on “Programs”. That means that my computer devotes the largest amount of its effort toward running the programs that are open on the desktop instead of the programs shown in the system tray. The final choice under this tab is “Virtual Memory”, and unless you know what you’re doing, leave this alone. Absorb it or not, your computer can resolve for itself if this value needs to be changed based on the size and type of program you happen to be using. The last tab is labeled “Data Execution Prevention”. Here you can choose how your computer protects itself from on-line viruses. If you have a separate firewall and virus program, don’t bother with this option. The default value will do fine.

Task 3: Free up Space on Your Hard Disk

Here you will find the option that will allow you to cure some of those stalls and stutters that your computer might be experiencing. When you click on this task, a pop-up window will ask you which drive you would like to clean up. Normally, “C” is the correct choice, but if you have other drives like I do, it will work for them as well. Choose the drive letter you want from the pull-down menu and click on the “OK” button. You will see another small window that will tell you to wait while the computer calculates how much space can be freed. When it’s done, you’ll see a menu showing a lot of options with check boxes beside them and the sizes of any files that can be removed. Under “Disk Cleanup”, check all of the boxes except the last one and click on “OK”. The window also has a tab labeled “More Options”, but we’ll cover that later.

Task 4: Rearrange Items on Your Hard Disk to Make Programs Run Faster

Clicking on this task takes you to the Disk Defragmentor interface. De-fragmenting your disk is important, because it takes all of the disorganized files on the drive and stacks them stop together without any empty spaces. Click on the “Analyze” button to see a visual picture of how files and programs are stored on your hard drive. You will probably see a lot of blue lines, some red lines, and maybe some white spaces. The blue lines are good files that run end to end on the hard drive. Files than run consecutively in this manner are called “contiguous files”, and it’s what your computer prefers. The red lines are “fragmented files”, or pieces of files left over from when something was deleted or uninstalled. In short, they’re trash that’s taking up space. The white areas are free space, or empty spots on the drive. You may also seek some green lines. These designate the core files of your computer, which never move. De-fragmenting removes the fragmented files and makes all other files contiguous. Basically, the system takes all of the information scattered around your computer and places it where it can be easily found, kind of like a secretary filing documents. Once you’ve clicked on “Analyze”, the computer will tell you whether or not this drive needs de-fragmenting. If it does, click on the “Defragment” button. The process could capture anywhere from a few moments to a few hours, depending on how badly the drive is fragmented. When the defragmentation is complete, the computer will display a report of any actions that were taken. The end results are programs that inaugurate faster and screens that load quicker, and less time looking at Windows’ searching flashlight as it scans the hard drive for whatever you wanted.

The Start Menu

Return to the main menu of the Control Panel and you will see an icon labeled “Appearance and Themes”. Under this heading you can change your desktop theme, adjust your cover saver, or change your start menu. Click on “Appearance and Themes” to see a list of tasks. At the bottom of the window you will see a number of Control Panel icons. Choose the one labeled “Taskbar and Start Menu”. A recent window will appear with two tabs, one called “Taskbar” and one called “Start Menu”. Choose the one labeled “Start Menu”.

The next thing you will see is a window depicting you current Start Menu configuration. Beside the highlighted choice, you will see a button that says “Customize”. Click on it and another window will appear. Click on the “Advanced” tab and look down at the bottom of the window. You will see a heading entitled “Recent Documents”. This is the list of recent documents that appears when you pause over the “Recent Documents” icon in the Start Menu. Click the button that says “Distinct List”. Clearing this list of shortcuts will also help improve your computer’s performance, and it does not delete the original items.

Internet Controls

Return to the main menu of the Control Panel, and this time, resolve the icon labeled “Network and Internet Connections”. Once again, you will see a list of tasks and a situation of Control Panel icons. Choose the icon called “Internet Options”. You will see a smaller window labeled “Internet Properties”. Look for the heading “Browsing History”. Here is where you can delete stored cookies, cached web pages, and stored password information. Click on the button that says “Delete”. The next window you see is labeled “Delete Browsing History”. At the very bottom, click on the button that says “Delete All”. If you’ve never done this, the process could take a few minutes as the system removes unnecessary information stored on your computer.

Specialized Programs

If you’re still having problems, then it may be time to use a more specialized troubleshooting software. Two good quality, inexpensive programs are Registry Mechanic and RegCure, both of which perform scans on your system to locate dreadful shortcut links, missing files, unwanted ActiveX tools, empty registry keys, and so on. These things, when allowed to accumulate, can result in abominable or quirky performance, program crashes, and shortcuts that don’t work. A few security services like Norton and McAfee have their own version of this registry cleaner that can be accessed from their own individual menus. These programs are noble of accessing parts of your system that the System Tools can’t, providing an added measure of assurance that your computer is performing well. These programs can also be scheduled to run on their own at times when the computer is not normally in use. You just have to remember to leave your computer on.

Using the Internet as a Tool for Maintaining Your Computer

Probably one of the most important things you can do to maintain your computer is to keep your firewall and anti-virus programs up-to-date. If you have a dial-up internet connection, this can be time consuming, but a dinky boredom now is distinguished better than a monstrous pickle later. If you have a cable or DSL connection, updates for most programs will download and install automatically. I use McAfee myself, which downloads needed updates as soon as they are available and installs them on its own. Other programs to keep updated are your operating system, or Windows for most PC users, and your internet browser. I like Internet Explorer, whose web site can narrate you whether or not your browser is up to date and what you need to install. If you use Adobe products like Shockwave, Flash Player, or Acrobat, you can find all of the available updates at the Adobe web region. These programs handle animated pop-ups, movie clips, and some ads through your browser, as well as opening some web pages or saving them as favorites. A failure of one of these programs can cause empty pages in your browser, blank banner ads, and can lead to trouble when viewing on-line video content such as the kind found on You Tube.

Remember, maintaining the health of your PC can go a long way toward preventing major breakdowns in the future. Make sure you use your firewall, run regular virus scans, and keep your hard drive clean and defragmented. Avoid downloading things from untrusted web sites, especially if you’re using a P2P network like Limewire or Bearshare. Individual files are harder to track and can easily slip in a virus when you’re not looking. Take the time to learn how your computer works and practice using its built-in diagnostic features. If you’re installing something new, be certain that it’s compatible with the system you already have. A little prevention in the present can mean money saved on repairs farther down the internet highway.

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E-Banking can provide many risks as well as benefits to the banker. The risks associated with e-banking can destroy the reputation of a bank, thus leading to the loss of business. Do these risks outweigh the benefits? Or is the opposite true? E-banking can save an enormous amount of money and encourage a customer to “stick” with the bank. A bank must weigh these options before deciding what is right for the institution. Banking Information Technology poses both benefits and risks for consumers. Customers have the option to pick, choose and refuse the many financial institutions that are out here today. Customers hold privacy with great value and convenience with high standards. 

Banking Software IT
Banking software and information technology are some of the core components of the unusual day banking industry. The use of online banking has transformed the landscape of the banking industry so much that there are basically three types of banking institutions recognized in the industry today, and each bank will generally topple into one of these categories.
The first type of bank that a customer can go to is a traditional “brick and mortar” institution has a building and personal service representatives, but doesn’t offer Internet banking services. These are usually smaller, community institutions; located in rural areas, which have a loyal, community customer base that does not depend upon online banking to fulfill their banking needs. 

The second type of banking institute available is a “brick and click” financial institution that has a physical structure, and also offers Internet banking services, which is the most common type of bank found today. Finally, the consumer may choose a “virtual” bank or financial institution that has no public building and is only accessible online (Federal Reserve Bank, 2006).

There are many things that banks must think when choosing the software that will ultimately become the institution’s core infrastructure. The bank not only has to consider customer needs and desires, but it must also assess its own IT needs, and employee needs, as well as security and privacy issues. As many options as there are available in banking software today, banks can customize their banking software to fit their IT needs regardless of how great or small. 

According to Grant Bowman, Branch Manager and Assistant-Vice President of Retail Banking for Scamper Bank, one of the top three banks in the nation, everything that the bank does short of assert customer contact is dependant upon its banking software (Bowman, 2006). The banking software that Move Bank uses for its IT infrastructure has many capabilities. The software offers bank management on-hand human resource databases, time management capabilities, and network email/inner office communications that are necessary for interaction with other branches, and upper management. The software offers personal bankers sales opportunities through customer databases and cross-referenced account and product information that allow the personal bankers to quickly gauge a customers lending, investment, or myth needs. This software also provides management and personal bankers with external links to outside financial institutions that allow them to assess CD, bond, and interest rates for competitive pricing. 

Finally, the banking software used by Chase Bank allows its tellers to work quickly and efficiently to relieve customers in a timely manner. Customer accounts are quickly accessible with minimal customer information input, and the expend of scanners for all checks and deposits offer fleet problem resolution for the tellers and customers (Bowman, 2006).
The turnaround time for information availability, combined with the banking options that an institution’s banking software will allow its customers, can either encourage or encumber the bank’s service relationship with its customers. With the current “real-time” mindset of American consumers, there are certain options that most customers are seeking from their banking institution’s banking software, as well as their online software. Mr. Bowman stated that most of the customers in his market are looking for Chase Banks software to provide them with access to instant “real-time” account transactions either through tellers or online; 24-hour instant access to their money through ATMs; and capabilities to transfer funds from account to account, or from their account to a vendor through Online Billpay at anytime. 

Customer’s also want to know that personal bankers are aware of their financial needs in order to assess whether or not they are currently in the narrative, loan, or investment that is going to be the most sterling for them. Finally, and probably most importantly, customers want to know that their financial information, whether in-house or online, is private and secure at all times (Bowman, 2006). 

When taking the privacy and security issues of banking software into consideration, one does not have to look far to find evidence that this is a major concern to banking customers, managers, and even federal banking regulators. In 2004, research found that nearly two million Americans had their checking accounts raided by criminals in a 12 month period. Consumers reported an average loss per incident of $1,200, pushing total losses higher than $2 billion for the year (Sullivan, 2004). The vulnerable combination of internet banking, networks used by banks to communicate within their organization, and the lure of untold millions available for pilfering to extremely intelligent and persistent high-tech thieves has left banks worldwide with a feeling of being under constant siege. Although banks are very tight-lipped regarding their security issues, reports show that even the largest banks are constant targets. 

In May of 2004, Citibank reportedly overtook eBay as the most celebrated target for phishing attacks. Phishing is an e-mail, which attempts to steal consumers’ user names and passwords by imitating e-mails from legitimate financial institutions. Citibank faced an average of 16 attacks per day, and 475 separate phishing attacks during April, an increase of nearly 400 percent from March (Sullivan, 2004). Citibank has even gone so far as to post the following ten “Phishing Protection Tips” in order to educate their customers (Phishing Fraud Alert, 2004):
• Never click on Hyperlinks within emails, instead, copy and paste them into your browser
• Use SPAM Filter Software
• Use Anti-Virus Software
• Exercise a Personal Firewall
• Support Software Updated (operating systems and web browsers)
• Always look for “https://” and padlock on web sites that require personal information
• Hold your computer clean from Spyware
• Educate Yourself of fraudulent activity on the Internet
• Check & monitor your credit report
• Seek Advice – if you are unsure, ask: scams@fraudwatchinternational.com 

According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, financial modernization and the growth of electronic commerce continues to heighten public interest in maintaining the privacy of consumer personal information in both the physical and virtual environments. Because the business of banking relies upon customers’ willingness to disclose confidential personal information, the FDIC encourages every financial institution to achieve and follow a privacy policy that addresses what are generally referred to as pleasing information practice principles, which have been articulated by a variety of governmental and intergovernmental entities (FDIC, 1999). 

Five core principles advocated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are: notice to consumers about information practices; choice for consumers about how personal information may be used; access for consumers to personal information and the ability to correct errors; security and integrity of consumer data; and enforcement and consumer redress (FDIC, 1999). The endless information that is available on this topic is a clear indicator of the impact that IT and banking software capabilities have on individual and commercial consumers alike. As technology continues to arrive, it is imperative that the banking institutions that will handle money and financial data for today’s consumers have the most advanced, innovative software that will not only provide customer convenience and market competitiveness, but will also provide cutting-edge security for those that it serves. 

E-banking
“Electronic banking, also known as e-banking, is an umbrella term for the process by which a customer may perform banking transactions electronically without visiting a brick-and-mortar institution.”(Insley, 2003). Electronic banking is often called e-banking, and is used interchangeably with PC banking, internet banking, and home banking. Companies will often utilize their own term for the same concept. For instance, Chartway Federal Credit Union utilizes the term “ebranch” to describe their electronic banking tool. Electronic services are becoming an essential tool for financial institutions from banks, to investment centers. 

E-banking allows customers to perform many different transactions without entering a branch. According to Chartway’s home page, customers are able to view current and available account balances, and account transactions. Customers may also transfer between accounts, set up recurring and future dated transfers. Recently Chartway added the ability to view Chartway credit card transactions, and customers may transfer funds to pay their credit card. Customers may also request new sub accounts or open up whole new accounts. Chartway has also introduced a new feature which allows customers to apply for loans online, which will be reviewed by loan processors and credit officers. Often, loan decision may be given to the customer on the same day. This is very convenient for those customers who are just unable to bank during banking hours. Statements may be viewed online and customers have the option to only receive their statements electronically. Chartway calls this feature “e-statements.” 

Accessing Chartway’s e-banking tool is free to all of its customers. The company’s major electronic banking feature is their Bill Payer program, which allows customers to set up electronic payments to different companies. Bill Payer is free to customers if they pay three bills or more a month, and enroll into their estatement program. If they do not meet those two features, there is a $4.95 a month service charge. Bank of America has the same online bill paying services, and does not charge a fee, but other fees for services may apply. As many banking customers discover all of the features that online banking offers, Chartway may have to consider making this feature free in order to stay competitive. 

“The bank branch remains the most important channel in terms of revenue generation” (US Banking, 2005). Many customers prefer making major financial decisions with bank associates. Call centers, and automated teller machines are also being utilized for banking transactions. However, electronic banking is viewed as a sophisticated tool for customers, and a must have commodity for banks. As dotcom hustle dissipates, the Internet is re-emerging as the priority channel for technology investments and banks are entering an e-banking technology renewal cycle, which includes functionality and usability of websites and enhancing integration with other channels (Spotlight Returns, 2005). 

E-banking may display banks with the opportunity to strengthen their relationships with customers. As more and more customers enroll in online banking services, banks are presented with the opportunity to cross-sell and up-sell to further increase fee revenue (Danglemaieur, 2005). Electronic banking may improve new account growth, revenue growth and customer retention. E-banking is considered to be the technology solution for some of the top business challenges including those previously discussed, and expanding up/down the market, and cost reduction (Danglemaieur, 2005). 

Many customers enjoy online banking for its convenience. Customers can luxuriate in the convenience of e-banking anytime and anywhere. With remark deposit and bank-to-bank electronic funds transfers, e-banking may be the only tool that customers need to do their transactions. As technological advances increase, the banking industries and other financial industries may continue to make strides to improve the services that are provided to customers. 

Bank’s Benefits and Risks
As online banking can be risky for the customer to use, is it just as risky for the banker. As mentioned earlier in the paper, phishing is one of the newest forms of Internet fraud and has become very sophisticated in the past few years. Many of these phishing scams involve emails being sent to victims containing link to their bank’s “website”. The website is usually very well designed and is easily mistaken for the real thing. Unfortunately, even if the victim does not give out the personal information being requested, these websites often fill a type of virus known as a Trojan horse virus. 

The Trojan horse virus collects your personal information while you access other websites requesting passwords and then records those pins and passwords. Joe Lopez, a Miami business man, is actually suing Bank of America because this type of virus allowed a criminal to wire over $90,000 from his chronicle to a bank in Riga, Latvia. The bank contends that it was his personal computer that became infected with a Trojan virus but Lopez states that he should have been notified that such a large transaction was being made, especially since that is a country that has a high rate of cyber crime (Accountingweb.com, 2005). 

It is important to discuss these types of activities because they can be detrimental to the reputation of a bank. Some of the ways in which e-banking can influence an institution’s reputation include:
• Loss of trust due to unauthorized activity on customer accounts,
• Disclosure or theft of confidential customer information to unauthorized parties (e.g., hackers),
• Failure to suppose on marketing claims,
• Failure to provide reliable service due to the frequency or duration of service disruptions,
• Customer complaints about the anxiety in using e-banking services and the inability of the institution’s support desk to decide problems,
• Confusion between services provided by the financial institution and services provided by other businesses linked from the website (FFIEC, 2003). 

Online banking saves the institution a significant amount of money “studies have shown that online banking customers are more profitable than offline customers—they make fewer customer service calls and are less likely to switch banks” (Winstead, 2005).  Winstead (2005) also tells us that “if you’re a bank, you don’t build money on customers who just check their anecdote balance online; the big bucks approach from other services.” It is also important to label that “as Internet users bag more experience online, they are more likely to perform activities that involve money, such as paying bills, making online purchases and travel reservations, and participating in online auctions (Winstead, 2005). Most of these services contain fees that the bank would not normally see from a customer who does all of their banking in person. 

With emerging scams, the fear of security risks grows. Although online banking could be coined as the fasting growing type of online activity, there is unexcited room for growth, which, as described above, is a revenue generator.
There is a clear distinction between the age groups of those doing their banking online. A study done by Yahoo found a “substantial difference in Internet usage patterns between users under 40 years old and those over 40. 72 percent of the younger group checked their balances online versus only 37 percent of the older consumers” (Kelley, 2005). The older generation seems to be more leery of doing transactions online for apprehension of security risks. 

There are some other risks that the bank may incur as well. The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (2003) gives some examples:

Transaction/Operations risk – Wireless services create a heightened level of potential operations risk due to limitations in wireless technology. Security solutions that work in wired networks must be modified for application in a wireless environment. The transfer of information from a wired to a wireless environment can create additional risks to the integrity and confidentiality of the information exchanged.

Strategic risk – Financial institutions considering wireless services should carefully evaluate the significant strategic risks posed by this service delivery channel. Standards for wireless communication are still evolving, creating considerable uncertainty regarding the scalability of existing wireless products. Financial institutions should exercise extra diligence in preparing and evaluating the cost-effectiveness of investments in wireless technology or in decisions committing the institution to a particular wireless solution, vendor or third-party service provider (FFIEC, 2003). 

For the time being, banks are not responsible for the loss incurred because of a customer’s PC. This is probably one of the reasons customers are reluctant to use online banking services. Avivah Litan, a member of the Gartner research team does provide some recommendations for those involved in online banking:

• Banks: Strengthen access controls (beyond just using passwords) and distribute third party “anti-malware” protection for user desktops to help maintain online-banking sessions as safe as possible. Clearly warn customers that, in some cases, they are liable for online-banking losses resulting from the theft of passwords or other credentials.

• Regulators: Develop unusual laws to better protect small-business and other banking customers against theft resulting from criminals hijacking credentials from PCs or online communications (Litan, 2005). 

Consumer’s Benefits & Risks
According to the Organization for Consumer Privacy (2001) “The Graham-Leach-Bliley Act regulates the sharing of personal information about individuals who gather financial products or services from financial institutions. It attempts to inform individuals about the privacy policies and practices of financial institutions, so that consumers can employ that information to make choices about financial institutions with whom they wish to do business. The law gives consumers limited control – via opt-out – over how financial institutions expend and portion the consumers personal information” (Consumer Privacy Guide, 1). Under this act, consumers’ information is federal regulated to keep financial institutions from marketing and selling sensitive information to third parties. This is important because it ensures that privacy provisions won’t be violated from the consumer’s point of thought. Anacomp, a multi-vendor who specializes in services and support, gives a few examples of how they protect their consumers from leaking out sensitive information. Anacomp (2006) states the following examples by “using a companies’ existing level of automation together with Internet or intranet retrieval:

• E-mails are captured and stored in an unalterable version to meet compliance regulations.
• Access to sensitive corporate e-mail is restricted to small sets of highly obtain users.
Leveraging the header information, a relational index capability is created, allowing research folders to be formed.
• Anacomp uses industry-standard Internet protocols, allowing e-mail attachments to be displayed in primary applications (such as Microsoft Word or Excel).
• E-mail documents are saved in a secure environment with redundant backup and pain recovery options.
• E-mail archive will be available to authorized users via standard Web browsers” (Anacomp, 2006). 

When it comes to online banking, having financial information readily available at a consumer’s fingertips, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, is very convenient. According to Kim Komando with Microsoft Little Business Center, “online banking has been one of the brightest online inventions. With a few clicks, people can pay their bills, check their balances and see what has cleared” (Komando, 1). Larry Freed (2006) agrees with Komando and states that “customers are increasingly satisfied with online banking, which is wonderful news for banks seeking increased loyalty and fraction of wallet. Findings of the second Forbes.com/ ForeSee Results online banking study include:

Satisfaction with online banking is 5.5% higher than it was last year, surpassing satisfaction with the overall banking experience, as recently reported by the American Customer Satisfaction Index

Online bankers who are highly contented are nearly 40% more likely to purchase additional products and services from their bank (Freed, pp. 2-4). 

Converting online bankers to online bill payers is a huge opportunity, as customers who pay bills online are 17% more likely to rob products and services from their bank and 34% more likely to recommend their bank’s website
Credit unions outperform substantial banks and community banks when it comes to satisfying online bankers. (Freed, pp. 2-4)
The automated teller machine, or also known as the ATM, is “a machine at the bank branch or other location which enables a customer to perform basic banking activities even when the bank is closed” (Investor Words, 1). According to Citibank, “It’s been 25 years since ATMs were introduced, and consumers have embraced the idea of ‘remote access’ to their accounts for deposits and cash withdrawals, and the convenience it affords. The electronic banking center represents the next technological wave in which far more products and services are available…” (Citibank, 1). 

The advanced ATM’s will be incorporated with the web browsers that are known today as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. Michael North and Paul Kennedy of Banking Information Technology Secretariat states that “the advanced ATM will also be a multimedia ATM, using shapely, natural motion video and stereo sound in multiple languages, smooth dimensional animation. It will be capable of live video teleconferencing with a remote teller at a video call center, using eyes and ears in a video camera. It will be able to scan, compress and transmit signed documents, printing MICR-encoded checks, send and receive email, read barcodes and smartcards, capture biometrics such as fingerprints and iris images, and print exact, full-size copies of any document. All of these features are available now on commercially-available products” (North & Kennedy, 1). 

The new features of the advanced ATM will allow customers not only to do monetary deposits into their accounts, but customers will also learn about different kinds of IRA’s, the best suitable savings view and other e-commerce solutions that banks have to offer. People use ATM’s for economics, flexibility, convenience and acceptance. Wells Fargo explains that “this is a whole current reach to ATM software architecture…a greater ability to accommodate unique technologies. And because software applications are independent of the delivery channel, they can be leveraged across multiple channels, including information kiosks, telephone banking, personal computer banking and web sites” (Wells Fargo, 1). 

Ethics in Banking IT
Information has no ethics and does not care how it is used (Haag, 2006, p. 236). This premise makes many banking customers cautious about e-banking, and as a result the banking industry has gone to great lengths developing ethical e-banking practices. “Electronic banking (e-banking) is defined as the automated delivery of new and traditional banking products and services directly to customers through electronic, interactive communication channels. E-banking includes the systems that enable customers, individuals or businesses, to access accounts, transact business, or obtain information on products and services through a public or private network, including the Internet” (Bahamas, 2005). In this section we will explore the ethical responsibilities of financial institutions that provide e-banking services to customers. 

Before thoroughly analyzing the ethical responsibilities of e-bankers it is important to identify the associated IT risks to the customer and the bank. Transaction, compliance, and information security risks are the three major risks of online banking. Transaction risks are those risks resulting from fraud, processing errors, negligence, or the inability to maintain expected level of service. These sorts of risks are higher for new online services or when unusual systems must become interoperable with legacy systems (Ramakrishnan, 2001). 

Risks associated with banking policies and transactions that are not compliant with laws, regulations, and ethical standards are considered compliance risks. One of the most recent Acts requiring all financial institutions to be compliant is the earlier mentioned Gramm-Leach Bliley Act. This Act requires the safeguarding of customer information, and those institutions who fail to be in compliance after July 2001 face hefty fines (Secure Computing, n.d.). Other recent regulations include the Electronic Funds Transfer Act and the Truth-in-Lending Act. 

Another risk important to customers and bankers are information risks. These risks result from inadequate security processes (Bahamas, 2005). Online banking services that are vulnerable to hackers, viruses, or data theft and they put customers and the financial institution at tremendous risk. This risk can be the most damaging to customers and banks. Viruses may disable online services or internal electronic banking transactions affecting many simultaneously. Hackers and data theft normally seek customer’s personal information to commit fraud and potentially ruin the financial standing of many.
After identifying many of the risks associated with e-banking it is determined that the financial institutions carry the ethical burden of ensuring that strategies are developed which outline the policies, practices, and procedures that address these risks. Most institutions publish ethical computer use standards and information privacy policies to educate employees and inform customers (Haag, 2006, p. 238). Due to the unique risks of online banking many banks require senior management input when developing ethical standards and practices for this form of banking (Ramakrishnan, 2001). This involvement more closely aligns strategic objectives, ethical standards, and IT operations. Bank websites have become an effective means of communicating the policies and procedures to customers. 

The final section to understanding ethics in e-banking is identifying what type of security measures can be implemented to actively mitigate the risks. In order to maintain the trust of customers most financial institutions mitigate transaction risk by preparing contingency arrangements and aggressive training programs to maintain skilled staff. These practices ensure customers will continue to receive expected services in spite of system failures, processing mistakes, or isolated cases of fraud (Bahamas, 2005). 

Periodic moral audits of published standards and practices reinforce proper activities and reduce compliance risk. Financial institutions publish disclosure statements and transaction practices for customers review and to demonstrate an effort to maintain compliance with required laws and regulations (Chicago, 2006). Banks commit a large amount of resources to sever the risk of unauthorized access to information. Online banking requires customers to provide usernames and passwords before access is granted to services or sage information. In fact, most require bank employees to also provide authentication before gaining access to the bank’s IT network. Authentication is a simple yet effective means of protecting sensitive bank and customer information. Data encryptions during electronic banking transactions also protect customers and banks from hackers and data theft. Separation of bank employee duties is another technique used to prevent fraud and protect information (Bahamas, 2005). 

Banks and other financial institutions are built on trust and as a result customers have always expected the highest ethical standards from these organizations. With this trust comes noteworthy responsibility. Banks handle and execute sensitive customer information and activities everyday and must maintain high standards of conduct to remain successful. To maintain such standards banks and customers must realize the risks associated with online banking and methods to reduce such risk. 

Managing Information Technology
Managing information technology in banking is a subdivision of management information systems and computer science. Many banks and financial institutions are incorporating information technology into routine bank transactions. Banking customers have been inundated with on-line banking, telephone banking, and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). The importance of security with monetary information is a significant part of the managing of information technology in banking.
Direct deposit was the initial entrance of electronic banking into the banking community. In the past the main problem in banking was the amount of paper and cash which was clogging up the economy. This was caused by employees being paid in cash or by check. All this moving of money and checks was proving to be extremely expensive as well as a security risk. BACS (Bankers Automated Clearing System) has proved to be very successful in all business sectors. After implementation all wages could be paid directly into the workers bank accounts on time and be ready to withdraw as cash straight away. This reduced the amount of paper work and transfers needed (Information technology and banking, p. 10).

Customers can easily access their jabber deposits. The US government has also used this electronic banking feature to eliminate a significant amount of paperwork with welfare and social security payments.

“A main benefit has been the increased accessibility to branches,” (Information technology and banking, p. 5). A convenience for the customer is the selling point of information technology for the banking community. E-Banking, bill paying, credit card payments, telegraphic transfers, and the easy access to check your account balances or checks that have cleared are all important faucets of online banking. The twenty-four hour banking concept was introduced with the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM). Gone are days where you have to take time off of work to procure your banking done efficiently. 

“The challenge is managing the information we have and reducing the necessity of entering the same information numerous times and running the risk of making a mistake,” (Petty, 2001, p. 1). Accurate information at the fingertips of the bank’s employees can make a significant change in routine transactions. Many banks and financial institutions have interactive Web sites with posted rates. “It’s absolutely critical that the information available to our members (customers) is factual and consistent,” (Petty, 2001, p. 1). Investments are the money making backbone of the banking system. It is distinguished that the information technology be both efficient and lawful. 

“IT has increased the financial control and has made collation of information remarkable easier,” (Information technology and banking, p. 3). Banks can now use programs specifically designed to meet their financial reporting needs. “Banks are linked via a wide area network (WAN) and the files are sent down the lines as text files,” (Information technology and banking, p. 3). Reports are required in all levels of banking information technology. Software adapted to meeting the needs of the intricate details required to meet each level of managements needs in producing the required reports. Spreadsheets, control analysis, and customer relationship management are unbiased a few of the controls provided by information technology. 

Banking management has also benefited from information technology in many ways. Another advantage is the amount of information that these systems have made available to management. Management can now see which branches are sending money, which are making errors and the amount of money each branch is making. The computerized systems enable the managers to identify large bodies of transactions coming from branches and locate the selling opportunities for different products. They are looking for marketing opportunities in order to increase profits and publicity (Information technology and banking, p. 7).

Management teams have many detailed reports and responsibilities for keeping the profits up to justify keeping their branch open.

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A well written Terms of Services document should be available to clients at any time, and publicly linked on web hosting company’s website. This document should always be revised and approved by a legal professional, or an attorney familiar with the industry. Terms of Services protect both web hosts and customers, but terms should always be indicated that a web host has the discretion to refuse services or to remove a customer at any time.

So why would a web host feel the need to capture a customer? There are several reasons, but the main one is preserving the integrity of your web hosting brand. Web hosting company should also provide a marvelous, and secure environment to all customers. It however has nothing to do with money, same service and quality of help should be rendered to every client, regardless of how much they pay. Sometimes, certain customers become more trouble than they are worth and that is when it is time to politely ask them to take their web hosting business elsewhere.

Employee abuse should never be tolerated. A customer submitting threatening, abusive or insulting helpdesk tickets to abet staff should be warned. If hostility ensues, practice zero tolerance policy and ask that customer to have their data off your web server within 24 hours.

Sometimes, customers feel the need to be vile towards the very same people who are trying to encourage them. Call it human nature, but paying someone does not give them the right to belittle or insult that person.

Customers posing a security risk to web server or other customers should be removed. Web hosting clients enjoy the freedom of uploading almost anything to their website, and also installing scripts that add extra features to their website. While this behavior is encouraged, it should also be done in a secure manner.

Customers should be given a list of scripts that are not popular for installation on your web server. Violators of this rule should be warned, and removed if offenses are repeated. Customers not properly maintaining approved scripts should be warned and removed. An outdated script, or even improperly installed script can cause havoc on a web server. Any customer found to be in violation should be warned or removed if security risks are found.

A web hosting company spends resources, as in time and money, to properly beget, procure and update a web server. Allowing customers to run insecure scripts, pose risk to security of the web server or put other customer data in harm’s way is not only stupid but it also wastes web hosting company’s resources.

Customers using up too many web server resources. This particular disclose has two sides; web hosting companies offering resources they cannot provide and customers abusing server resources.

The first speak is web hosting companies providing unlimited packages or purposely overselling to appear cheaper and more engrossing than their competition. If you as a web host find a customer who is using too much bandwidth or CPU usage on a package that is oversold or impossible to provide then you only have yourself to blame. In fact, do not prefer the customer but remove yourself for poor business practice.

Customers can use too many server resources by having an outdated script, a poorly written script or be taking part in some sort of suspicious activity. In some cases, a customers can be completely innocent and a victim of a cyber attack. Always have a qualified server administrator determine what could be causing problems. A customer found to be causing server problems on purpose, or using any script that could be eating up server resources should be warned and removed if necessary. Web hosting customers with large websites, or sites that inquire of MySQL and bandwidth resources more than usual can be moved to dedicated web servers at additional cost.
In the end, being a web host is not easy but it can be rewarding. As with any business, challenges come up with products, equipment or customers. Always take honest action to protect the brand, integrity of business and take good care of your employees. In some cases, although rare, a web hosting client can pose difficulty to other customers or be a security risk to your web server. In those cases, it is better to remove a customer than have them ruin everybody else’s day.

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1) Walk Faster – This is one of the most effective items on this list, and one of the easiest to integrate into your life. Increase your walking pace at work by about half. Brisk walking is good for you, it will increase blood-flow to the whole body, and serve you to think more clearly when you get back to your desk. Brisk walking need not interrupt your zen-like state of mind, and can actually help you to retain focus. Folks look at someone walking briskly as a person on a mission, and need no know that the mission may be simply to take up a paycheck or reload a printer. Walking faster will immediately create for you an image of motivation and drive.

2) Carry Something – Whenever you bag up from your work situation, take something with you. A clipboard, pile of papers, runt shipping box, or a day planner – preferably open. A person carrying something is almost always TAKING it somewhere, and that means work. Try carrying a stack of papers across a satisfactory ways at your original, brisk, roam. Folks will physically jump out of your way, out of respect for your perceived mission.

3) Prioritize Face-Time – Meeting face-to-face with coworkers and customers greatly improves relationships, morale, and be association, your personal sense of well-being. Keeping good personal relationships with those you work with and for can really go a long intention toward overall outlook. In terms of looking busy, though, in-person meetings are a godsend. Folks walking by an impromptu meeting survey two people, tackling a problem together, and out-of-office meetings further create the image of a go-getter while allowing you some drive-time to play your favorite album and chill. Always stop back in at the office between away meetings, as a reminder that you exist, and you’re not sitting at home.

4) Stop Eating at Your Desk – This one is counterintuitive to both of our goals, but very effective when put into practice. Eating at your desk may seem like a good idea – you’re foregoing a break from work, clearly signaling your commitment to your work, and you’re able to enjoy your meal in the only personal space you have at work – your desk. Taking your allotted lunch break away from the office, though, will go a lot further for you on both counts. Getting outside, or grabbing lunch out – away from the office – provides an automatic recharge for your personal energies, and stepping away for a break provided by the terms of your work actually creates a favorable image for you. Employers like someone with a life.

5) Talk Louder – It took me a little while to realize the effectiveness of speaking loudly. Several people in my office – an open floor notion – take their phone calls and meetings at their desks, and spend the whole time talking powerful more loudly than necessary. While the practice was annoying to me, it has a lot of benefits for them. Folks they meet with and talk with know that they have my coworkers’ full attention, and they come across as assertive and able. To those of us sharing their space with them, there can be no question that they’ve been working today – we heard the whole thing.

6) Dress It Up – This is a general rule for success in any workplace. Arrange your work wardrobe so that you consistently dress one notch above the standard dress code for your peers. I work in a relatively casual environment, full of sneakers and polos. My work wordrobe consists mostly of solid color button-downs and casual dress-shoes. I don’t dress so nicely as to stand out too much, but just enough to announce through my clothing that I’m serious about being here. My wardrobe has no real effect on my state of mine, but speaks volumes to those around me.

7) Engineer Some Piles – Make a mess. No, really! Obtain a minute bit of a mess in your workspace. A few pile of papers, binders, software, or whatever you work with, arranged neatly in your workspace, create the sense of a backlog and of productivity. If you have actual work waiting for you on a back burner, arrange it so that it is in concept. This will serve not only as a reminder to you of the project, but announces to those passing through that you’ve got a lot to do, and are working to get it done. If you must go so far as to engineer the piles, change it up from time to time, or you’ll just look like a slob, not busy.

Create More Calls – If you speak frequently to co-workers or customers, use the phone, and not email, whenever possible. In addition to increasing the do of point #5, above, verbal conversations can improve your relationships, and let folks around you know that you’re working. If you run into a lull period, and run out of folks to call, don’t be afraid to engage the services of an auto-call system, such as wakeupland, the awake brothers, or telepixie. Even if you’re not at your desk, getting your phone to ring a few times does a lot for your image.

9) Stretch Your Legs – Take a trot around the office once in a while, even if you don’t have to. It’s extremely relaxing and signals that you’re busy. Stop and check whether the printer needs paper, grab a cup of coffee, or send your outgoing mail in several trips throughout the day, rather than one batch at the end. These mini-breaks are extremely welcome during busy times, and can help you to ground yourself in your work.

10) Collaborate – At work, you’re surrounded by a whole bunch of folks working toward the same end as you. In today’s workplace, we have a tendency to isolate ourselves and our work from others. If you have a particularly difficult scrape to solve, ask your coworkers for help. They’ll be alive to to help, and flattered that you’ve asked. Your relationships will improve, and you’ll be amazed how energizing it can be, working with others once in a while. There can be no question as to what you’re working on, either.

11) Take a Demolish – No kidding, sprint away for ten minutes or so. Answer nature’s call, get a brief breath of air, or have a brief chat with a coworker. You’ll come serve energized and get more work done throughout the day. Good, productive workers do their jobs well and reach in on schedule. They’re not afraid to smell the roses along the way. Taking a smash now and again with confidence indicates to your manager or employer that you have everything under control, and that you don’t play into the fear-based office politics that require you to be seated at your computer, typing away, every minute of the day. Take a break if you need it, and do it assertively.

12) Help Out – I love helping out around the office. It gives me a chance to visit with coworkers, gives me a break from difficult work, and shows that I’m part of the team. I’ll walk around the office with a box of staples and offer folks a quick refill, or help the maintenance guy carry the trash out to the dumpster. Those who advance quickly hold themselves above nothing, and a little unusual work can break up the week in a very pleasant way.

Be productive, be busy, and look it. Maintaining your sanity in a fast-paced work environment is easier for some of us than it is for most, and even if we do have to work hard to maintain aloof, we should be able to do what we can to cease in a good headspace. Use these tips, and pause ecstatic and productive.

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That’s right a StatCounter for you website that is totally free and easy to use. It is a free service but that doesn’t mean it isn’t without its limitations, they offer the free service with some good features in hopes you will one day decide to buy the upgraded services. The free services are ample for any hobbyist unprejudiced looking for some data tracking on their visitors, but if you have a website that gets millions of hits you might not want this product.

StatCounter is a simple web based program that uses a bit of code on your page to keep track of the information about your visitors. It is stored on a server located at (http://www.statcounter.com/) you can login to your registered tale and view the information. StatCounter gives you some great tools for searching through all of the website traffic info and finding the information you reflect important. Like I said before though its free version has some limitations like only allowing tacking of 250,000 hits a month. If you go over that you won’t get any of the data stored and wont know about these visitors. The log size is little to 100 logs which is pretty small if you get a large amount of traffic this objective won’t suffice.

If you have a simple website with limited traffic then the free version will work for you and it has some important data that can be helpful. StatCounter also won’t do any stupid advertisements on your website which is nice, nothing looks uglier than a web advertisement that you don’t want on your site. Once you create an account and fabricate some simple coding changes to your website you can start tracking the traffic your website creates. The online interface is clean, sharp and easy to use, you can get you traffic information snappily and easily. This is important because no one wants to spend hours trying to figure out how a program works and not understand what the program is displaying for you. The simple intuitive interface makes the program one of the best free online tracking programs around.

StatCounter like most other free software tools offers versions that are upgraded and are feature packed to give you more in-depth detail and information that could potentially be valuable. You will have to do some research and determine if the upgraded versions will better suite your website tracking needs. I have never used any of the software except the free version because I am cheap, but I am sure that they live up the expectations.

The website is easy enough to use, the login is fast and reliable, and if you are having issues you can contact their support team or search the FAQ for answers. So far using the program I have found the data tracked by StatCounter to be pretty useful. I found that about 98% of my web traffic is using IE 6 which from a programming stand point that comes in handy. You want to make sure your webpage is viewable in all formats including the lesser known web browsers such as Firefox and Safari.

The StatCounter free website data tracker is one I would suggest for users who want simplified data about users who visit their site. I wouldn’t suggest buying the upgraded versions without researching the products and checking what other options there are for traffic counters that cost money. So go try out the StatCounter free counter, it is free and doesn’t retract long to get up and running.

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With all the good that modern computer and networking technology can bring to a small business, there are also many computer security risks that may be interested. In this day and age, those that want to steal from small businesses’ aren’t necessarily going to walk through the front door anymore. They are just as likely to walk through the computers and networks that were set up to help a business grow. Hackers and other cyber thieves are more often targeting small businesses, rather than larger companies, since their computer security systems are more vulnerable to attack.

There have been numerous reports and studies that have reach out recently on small businesses’ attitudes towards computer security. One such report, the 2005 Small Business Information Security Readiness Study, shows, more than anything, that too many microscopic businesses acquire a more complacent come towards information and computer security. According to this perceive, approximately 70% of puny businesses consider information and computer security a high priority, and more than 80% have confidence in their existing protective measures. Unfortunately, 56% of small businesses experienced one or more computer security incidents in the twelve months prior to completing the survey, and many were still not taking the necessary steps to help prevent these security attacks in the future. Even more alarming is that almost one-fifth of the cramped businesses surveyed didn’t use virus scanning for email, which is one of the most basic and widely known information and computer security protection measures.

The study also suggests that the inability to measure the economic impact of these computer security attacks may lead to denial within the small business community. The most significant effects of information and computer security incidents on these businesses tend to be in areas concerning personal productivity; such as lost or corrupted files, slow computer networks, and lack of email. It is difficult for a small business to realize the financial impact of such productivity losses, and this is illustrated by the fact that the majority of small businesses that allocate little or no priority to information security also believe there has been no economic impact on their business from the information security incidents. The front-line staff feels the burden of these incidents more than management, which may also lends to why executives aren’t giving information and computer security higher priority.

There are many types of information and computer security incidents that can hinder a business’ operations. One of the newest, and most well-liked, computer attacks is called phishing. These attacks steal personal identity data and financial information from businesses. Phishers often hijack brand names of banks, e-retailers, credit card companies, and other businesses, to convince the victim to respond to emails that lead them to deceptive websites designed to trick the recipients into divulging financial data. There are various forms of phishing, but this is the most common facing individuals and small businesses.

Phishing is one of the most lucrative computer crimes, which continues to grow rapidly. In April of 2005, 2,854 unique phishing sites were found. That number jumped almost four times by April of 2006, with a record 11,121 unique phishing sites reported. These sites are not an amateurish knock-off of the sites they are portraying. Sophisticated phishers actually use server-side software that pulls all of the text, graphics, and links straight from the company’s live plot. What this mean is that all of the queries that are input go to the real location, except log-in information, which goes directly to the cyber thieves.

Experts at UC Berkley and Harvard published a study, entitled “Why Phishing Works“, which 22 participants were shown 20 web sites and asked to decide which ones were real and which ones were ’spoofed’, or fake. In this study, it was shown that even when people are specifically looking for phishing websites, many cannot distinguish between real and fake. The best phishing site in the study was able to fool 90% of the subjects. The study also pointed out that indicators designed to signal trustworthiness – padlock icon in browser, “HTTPS”, yellow address bar background, etc…- were either misunderstood or completely unnoticed by many participants.

Another information security concern for businesses, as well as individuals, is spyware. Spyware is computer software that collects personal information about users without their informed consent. Personal information is recorded using a number of techniques; including logging keystrokes, recording internet web browsing history, and scanning documents on the computer’s hard drive. Responsible for half of the computer crashes reported to Microsoft, and one out of four succor desk calls for businesses, spyware is draining IT resources and lowering business productivity. Spyware that exposes personal data may result in undue public embarrassment, costly customer notifications, and compliance violations that bring hefty fines.

Detecting what programs are precise spyware is difficult, as these examples of different spyware types will illustrate:

Adware is a type of spyware that tracks user’s information and web surfing habits through the use of cookies, programs intended to track this information to improve websites for users. Some of these cookies piece this tracking data with third-party companies that deliver pop-up or banner ads. These are called adware cookies.

NonBizWare is a term used to describe programs employees download or install onto company PC’s, which have nothing to do with the actual business. IM programs and peer-to-peer file sharing programs are common examples of such programs. These programs could open up wait on channels for cyber thieves to invade company systems and information. NonBizWare may also expose employers to legal liability associated with distribution of copyrighted music, pirated software, and pornographic material. So, even though many of these programs may not be actual spyware, many anti-spyware programs treat them as they were and delete them from computers.

A growing number of spyware programs are malware; malicious software intended to damage computers, steal data, or do an attack platform. Browser hijackers can change homepages, redirect web searches, and misdirect URL’s to phishing websites. Keyloggers record document edits, email, instant messages, chat room conversations, and web earn responses by relaying user keystrokes to remote attackers. Trojan downloaders hide in attachments and downloads, and open back doors for other vicious software to attack. These are impartial a few of the many examples of malware that is circulating the internet these days.

The creation of spyware itself has created a whole industry of anti-spyware programs and software, but also a new opportunity for cyber attackers to get to users. Rogue anti-spyware programs use pop-up ads and scare tactics to convince users to download phony anti-spyware programs. Once executed, these rogue programs generate false definite warnings that make users purchase clean-up programs or paid feature licenses.

These were just a few of the thousands of spyware examples. They illustrate how diverse spyware programs can be in their delivery and attack method. These examples also showed how spyware can affect business operations from many different angles.

One of the most vicious internet attacks a company can face is called a zero-day attack. This is an attack against a software flaw at a time when no security patch or update is available to fix the flaw. The reason these attacks are so devastating is because they can attack well-maintained and secure systems, leaving the users and IT professionals almost helpless.

The most dangerous of these pre-patch attacks permit drive-by downloads, where simply browsing a poisoned site or reading an infected HTML email, can trigger an invasion superior of filling your PC with all kinds of spyware, Trojan horses, and other malware. Microsoft products such as Internet Explorer, Office, and the Windows operating system are celebrated targets of zero-day, and other, attacks, partially because they are so widely used in the market.

The zero-day attacks on MS Word and other Office products differ from the Internet Explorer attacks. Since these applications can’t employ drive-by downloads, the cyber criminals typically rely on getting the victim to double-click an email attachment. By sending employees of a targeted company a spoofed email message that appears to come from a coworker or somewhere else within the organization, these attackers have a much better chance of getting unsuspecting victims to double-click these attachments.

It may seem that it’s just too dangerous out in the world wide web for small businesses and individuals, but there are ways you can apt guard your data, and ultimately, your money. With all of these threats, come an onslaught of software to help protect against them. The next few paragraphs discuss some of the key security features every small business owner and manager should know.

First step for a dinky business owner to do is set up a firewall on all computer networks. A firewall’s basic task is to control traffic between computer networks with different levels of trust. Most internet and computer security systems come with some form of a firewall program, or management can always upgrade to a more mighty one.

Although firewalls are universally deployed and necessary, with all the unusual information security threats that have, and will, arrive to fruition, firewalls are just not comprehensive enough when it comes to major data and financial protection. Many internet security firms believe that using multiple security features is a more realistic map to safe guard your business. Essentially, this gives hackers and cyber thieves more obstacles to overcome.

Besides buying and installing security features and programs to thwart these attacks, management needs to make definite all computer systems and security programs are updated regularly. It’s not enough to fair have these programs installed; management needs to stay up to date with them. Most of the reference material I have come across also stresses the importance of updating the ‘human factor’. This is keeping all employees, not just management, knowledgeable about what to watch for and what to avoid while working on the internet.

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