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Maintaining Your Internet Speed
While high-speed Internet access offers an experience unlike any you've ever tried, there are some important issues you must be aware of and a few steps you should take immediately to protect your computer.
To protect your computer there are some key things to be sure your computer has:
1. Virus Protection - These packages should constantly be updating virus definitions and be schedule
to run at least weekly to catch any new viruses from entering your computer.
There are several brands, the most common for Windows is Microsoft Defender, also known as Windows Defender.
Microsoft Defender is free and part of Windows 10.
2. Spyware Protection - These typically come in via browsers or downloads.
Spyware is a program that has several purposes, like relaying user habits to advertising companies and
tracking user surfing habits. While not always malicious, Spyware will slow your computer
and can even make it unusable.
More information is available at the Fast-Air Internet web-site (http://www.fast-air.net/software.php)
3. Firewall - This is typically provided when a router is used, but can also be installed on a
PC when directly connected. This normally should not be required if 1 and 2 are done,
but if you leave your machine on all the time, then this is a good idea.
There is a free firewall available called ZoneAlarm which is also available in the link above.
This will use some additional resources on your computer so be sure you have at lease 3GB
with Windows 7 or Vista.
(We have encountered some problems with Zonealarm on Windows so use with discretion)
You can also add a router which range from $40 on up.
This also provides good isolation from other problems and intrusions.
If you have purchased a router, you have a firewall giving you extra protection.
However, from time to time, if you experience slowness or even no connection,
simply power down the router and then power it back up. Broadband routers occasionally
fill up their cache and can slow or stop the connection. Some work better than others,
but most need occasional repowering.
4. Minimize use of Messenger Programs (e.g Yahoo Messenger, AOL Messenger, MSN Messenger) -
These have known security flaws and should be exited when not using. Many problems will
come through these applications. While many need to use these application, good descretion
needs to be used when having these applications on your computer.
5. WARNING: Many of the programs listed in this section are now illegal.
If you are going to use downloader programs such as Limewire, eMule, Kazaa, Grogster,
Bittorrent or others, be sure to DISABLE file sharing. The programs will by default make
your computer a server for others to download programs from your computer. They also tend
to use more bandwidth in uploading files from your computer.
Also set the downloader program NOT to start at Windows startup.
This will then constantly be exposing your computer to others on the Internet. You can find asistance
to disable file sharing for your downloader under our
Help & Support menu.
If you need further assistance to change these settings, please contact us and we will assist you.
Using your computer as a file server is not allowed in your Fast-Air agreement.
Problems with viruses, spyware, and downloaders not only affect your computer but also can
cause your computer to constantly send and receive additional traffic that you may not be aware of.
This could then cause you to exceed the GB limit on your agreement. The typical user uses
about 5GB per month which is far below the limit. Therefore, these problems could end up
costing you more money. Also, they use up critical bandwidth which could affect all other users.
So it is in your best interest to protect yourself against these problems.
If you want to disconnect completely from the Internet, you can either shut down your computer,
disconnect the network cable from the back of the computer or unplug your computer from the router
(if you have one). However, if you use the suggestions above, simply shutting down Internet Explorer
or Outlook Express when you are not using it, will primarily protect you from attacks while you are
away from your computer.
I hope this helps you understand the issues and be more knowledgable about protecting your computer
and the information on it. Please feel free to call if you would like additional information or have any questions.
Thank you and I hope you are enjoying Fast-Air's service.
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