10 Reasons to Use Google Chrome

  • Which browser do you use?

May I guess? May be it is Internet Explorer, or Mozilla Firefox. A browser is an interface which allows us to access a Web page or a file from a server. Earlier, this was easy. Now as threat mounts, we are forced to modify the features of our browser.

Let us see what Google Chrome can give you.

10 reasons to use Google Chrome

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1. It is from Google

A browser should come from a reliable source. Otherwise it may track and report your activities to a third party.

And of course Google needs no introduction.

2. Accessibility

Google Chrome has a simple, stylish and user friendly GUI.

3. Google Chrome - Advantage

No separate search engine. To search, type in the address bar and click “go” (or press enter).

4. Stealth

Secure incognito window. No need to clear private data. It leaves no trace of your activities. Hence it is suitable for net banking and online financial transactions.

5. Grouping

Google Chrome automatically thumbnails most visited sites. ie, you will find 6 thumbnails in your home page. These thumbnails are automatically updated according to your usage. In fact, you have more than one home page.

6. URL

Google Chrome automatically highlights the root in the URL.

7. History

It provides an option to search your web history. With Google’s search protocol, nothing is difficult to find.

8. Restore

You can save the tabs and reload it after restarting the browser. Google Chrome has a Bookmark tab similar to Safari.

It gives a one touch access to your bookmarks. If you system or browser crash, after restart, you can restore the pages you were using.

9. Google Chrome - Source

It owes to the open source project “Chromium”. It helps you to know what you deal with. ie, no hidden agenda.

10. Google Chrome -Improvisation

Improved security features. Google Chrome accommodates a built-in pop up blocker and active content restriction.

Recommended reference :

Top 7 Tips to Protect Your Computer from Virus, Spyware, Adware and Malware.

Top 10 Tips for Safe Internet Banking

Top 7 Tips to Protect Your Computer

      from Virus, Spyware, Adware & Malware.

 

      

Do you have a high-speed internet connection?      

Do you use it for more than 3 hours a day?

Then it is very likely that your system is infected. You may argue, but most of them work in stealth mode. Like the one we set in a messenger. It can hide its presence from utilities. An advanced user can easily identify the symptoms.

Since the speed and bandwidth has gone high, we may not notice   the  sluggishness. But if you feel that a page or a folder is taking a bit more than it should, follow these steps.

1. Install a reliable Antivirus program

When you select an antivirus, select the one which is popular. Everyday, new threats are identified. Reporting will be  more efficient in popular softs. You can use AVG, Norton (Symantec) or McAfee .

Safe & Free Download      Download Instructions

Click here to download the Latest version of AVG Anti-virus

2. Install a reliable AntiSpy, AntiAdware & AntiMalware

Some antivirus softs have version supporting these facilities. AVG  8.5  accommodates database for Spyware,  link scanner, resident shield & email scanner. You can also use a specific software. Malwarebytes - Anti-Malware will be a wise choice.

Safe & Free Download      Download Instructions

Click here to download the Latest version of Malwarebytes - Anti-Malware

3. Firewall

Some spies can beat the fencing of antivirus program. They do this by creating exceptions. Left unnoticed, they will  download fatal programs causing loss of data in your system.

A configurable firewall can block these channels. Windows provide a free firewall. This may not be effective. Try one     from Comodo,  Norton or AVG.

Safe & Free Download   Download Instructions

Click here to download Award winning Comodo Internet Security Suite (Firewall + Antivirus)

4. Standalone Application

Hackers are well aware of the preventive steps taken by providers like Norton, McAfee, AVG and Kaspersky. Since they are widely used, hackers design their programs to surpass the antivirus defense mechanism. We can overcome these threats by using a standalone application. McAfee Stinger is among a few reliable names.

Safe & Free Download   Download Instructions

Click here to download the Latest version of McAfee Stinger

5. Registry Cleaner & Registry Backup

A registry entry is essential for the working of software. A virus cannot have an exception. Use tools that make a registry backup. A large number of registry cleaner tools are available. Assign registry scan at frequent intervals.

Safe & Free Download   Download Instructions

Click here to download the Latest version of CCleaner.

6. Default Browser

Spies have found ways to overcome these precautions. Nowadays, they live as parasites. Instead of making a registry entry, they are installed as plug ins in the default browser. When we click the browser, we actually start the spyware. Anti-virus identifies this as a browser activity initiated by user and maintains silence.

Prevention

Do not use your default browser. Install a new browser. Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari & Opera can give an effective  replacement. While installing, make sure that you uncheck the box showing “Make Firefox the default browser”.

Useful tip

Avoid using Internet Explorer. Most spyware plug ins are designed for IE.

Safe & Free Download   Download Instructions

Latest version of  Firefox, Google Chrome

7. Precautions while browsing

Never search for cracks and serials. Most of them are spywares.

Do not click on smiley and flashy ads.

Always avoid messages like “Free Virus Scan”.

Do not click messages with “price winner” tags.

Make sure you erase the private data before leaving the browser.

Do not opt for “Remember Passwords”.

Top 10 Tips for Safe Internet Banking

Are you worried?

These hackers do not have supernatural powers. They simply exploit our ignorance. A few simple precautions and that’s it. How hard they try, they cannot come anywhere near your hard earned money.

Top 10 Tips

1. Keep them personal

Do not trust others.

Yes, that is Rule no. 1. It includes your dear and near. They may not intentionally betray you. But it will be foolish to expect the same care of vital information as you do. They may leave this information unattended. It is also possible that their system is infected with some sort of spyware. If you ever face an unavoidable situation, offer to do the transaction yourselves.


2. Set sms alerts

Most financial institutions offer free mobile alerts. When some transaction is made through your account, an sms will be sent to your mobile no. stating the time & amount. Update your no. as and when you take a new connection.

3. Use PayPal

PayPal is an eBay company. You can use PayPal to securely pay online, and to send and receive money. Using PayPal you can shop without sharing your bank or credit card account numbers.

4. Log off

Always “Sign out” of your account after use. Many of us simply close the browser window after transaction. This may prove dangerous.

5. Choose wisely

Internet security does not come at a cheap price. Everyday, hackers find new methods to infiltrate bank’s database. Banking security should be updated accordingly. Small banks may not be able to do this. Instead they will blame you for negligence. Make sure your bank has enough budget allocated for this purpose.

6. Stolen wallets

Stolen wallets are a major source for net banking information. Net banking requires more than one input. They will be

1. Your account password

2. Transaction password

3. A code displayed on your card.

Split them and keep in separate locations. Even if someone finds your wallet, this will help you evade their ambitions.

7. Avoid using a public computer

Do not use a cyber café for net banking. Most of them are safe heavens for spywares. Avoid using any system which you feel unsafe. If you are forced to use an unsafe network, change the password at the earliest.

8. They will never ask your password

Your password is your personal property. Your bank will never ask your password. If you receive any emails or phone calls asking your password, they are fake. You need not share your password with call center executive of your bank.

9. Change Password

A hacker may not use your password immediately. Change your password at regular intervals. Choose a difficult to guess password. Password, name123456, child’s name, lover’s name etc can be taken as bad examples. Remember, don’t forget your password.

10. A second PC

Wait. You need not buy another computer. The trick is to install a second operating system in your computer. Microsoft Windows is the most commonly used operating system. You can install more than one Windows in your computer. Use the first one for regular internet requirements and second one only for net banking.

A better option is to use Linux as second operating system. Most spyware cannot work in Linux. While using Knoppix ( a type of Linux), you need not install it in your computer. Insert the Knoppix CD and restart  the system. Then you will find an option to choose either Knoppix or Windows. Opt Knoppix, it is similar to Windows. Use its internet explorer as you do in Windows. Since it use your CD drive, no information is stored in your computer.

Actual Reason for the current economic crisis

The longest recession was reported during 1873–1896 and lasted 23 years. This was due to the collapse of Vienna Stock Exchange .Post world war I recession however lasted only 3 years. Many like to compare the current recession to the one during the period 1929–1939 (10 years).


In simple words, Current economic crisis is due to utterly foolish financial strategies of US banks and Funds. There was a boom in real estate business in US. The land price was soaring each day. It was highly profitable to build or buy a new home. Your investment price will be giving excellent returns in a few months. This results in increased home loans. In the beginning, banks were cautious and provided loans to potential customers. These are called prime loans. For prime loans, customer should not have a bad credit record and should be in a position to repay the debt.


Economic crisis, who should be held responsible?

Now comes the real US style. More the money, more the greed. Banks wanted to exploit this situation and earn more. They started lending loans to non potential customers. These loans were called sub prime loans. The interest rate is high for these kinds of loans. Marketing agents working for commission were deployed to milk every opportunity. This resulted in loans to customers with bad credit record. All they cared was their commission. The banks were also happy as they get more interest. They thought it is safe as they can sell the property if there is a failure in repayment. This boom was noticed by financial institutions all over the world. They invested heavily in sub prime loans. Investments all over the world began to flow to this market. As result, more sub prime loans were given.


Economic recession – The D day

These people think that they are really smart. This made them ignore the basic rules of business. Excess flow of money resulted in excess availability of the groomed property. Now the demand is less and availability is high. Price begins to fall. For the Customers, the property value was less than the loan amount. As a result, they simply stopped paying their debts. All those funds who have invested in this field began to show a heavy depreciation of price.


Banks had put investor’s money in risk and they had no means of recovering it. This had a global impact as the fund came from all over the world. Banks have an internal system of cash transfer. Financial institutions with surplus capital lend their money to those with deficit. Now banks do not trust each other. They have no idea which bank is going to collapse. This results in a deficit of capital in market. Even the prime industrial customers are struggling for loans. This hindered their plans. No investment, no profit. No profit, no money for salary. This resulted in loss of jobs world wide.


Economic crisis – Impact on Indian Economy & Outsourcing

Indian economy mainly benefits from Exports and Outsourcing. They actually provide a support function. When US had a monetary deficit, ie, they had no money to buy. The industries depending on US orders came to a crisis. We depend heavily on Foreign Direct Investments. Financial institutions began to withdraw their money from stock markets. This resulted in a selling trend and drop in sensex. To send this money home, they need to convert it into Dollars. So they began to extensively buy dollars. This resulted reduction in value of Indian rupees. Investors panicked. They started looking for safe investments, which they found in gold. Gold prices started to soar exponentially. Gold prices are on a record value. This trend will sustain.


Economic crisis – Impact on Oil price & Middle east countries

This is aligned to the global reduction in oil price. No money, lesser production, lesser use of Petroleum products. This had a very bad impact of Economy of middle east countries. Many of them considerably reduced the production of oil to arrest a steep decline. Other major business in middle east countries, real estate and tourism were badly hit by monetary deficit. As most of the employees were from South Asian countries and they account for a considerable amount of foreign currency. These employees and respective economies were affected. The worst affected were those who depends on US economy. Japan the third largest economic set up in the world is in depths.

Economic recession – In simple words

When father falls ill, the family too face a crisis. You are saved if your mother has a job. Or you are not fully depended on US.

Solution for current economic crisis

One man’s trouble is another’s opportunity. Every economist in this world now dream of finding a solution and rise to fame. Many have already made claims. The problem is, many of them is making the same mistake as the authors of recession did. They are not ready to think from a different perspective. Temporary and may be the permanent solution for recession is to increase the flow of money into the market. As this is a vicious circle, money keeps draining from economy to safe assets like Gold, Platinum etc. Those institutions (both Government and Private) should have plans for a steady monetary channel.

In simple words, recession is lack of money. To overcome, we need to find money. The most unfortunate solution will be a war by US to get a better share of oil profit. Yes, it can be Iran. It is worth notice that the India is not heavily affected from the recession. This is really a good sign as export and outsourcing are a major source of revenue. The point that economists raise is the wide spread of nationalized banks in India. These bank's policies are controlled by government and has strict reservations on investing.

But the most likely success should be expected from something different. Someone is already working on this. Wait till it works.