Página 9 - Surf Your Values

Surf Your Values
analyses such as the annual product comparisons by PCMagazine.8
If you’re looking for security product recommendations for busi­
nesses, I recommend visiting SCMagazine.9
On the other hand, once you have narrowed your software choices
to just a few options, vendor websites like Microsoft.com and Sy­
mantec.com can provide a wealth of excellent guidance and more
details on specific product functionality for home or business. Since
most people buy computer products and install them with all of the
default settings, take this opportunity to go back and learn more
about the products and services that you already use.
Don’t forget to research solutions for each “input device” that
you use for the Internet. There is no doubt that “tempting the click”
covers more than PCs. New attacks and new defenses are occurring
daily, so you need to be aware of all “doors into cyberspace.”A big
weakness for many people is their cell phones or other portable
Internet-access devices. The merger of Internet and TV is another
area that requires additional research for your particular situation.
I recommend going to the website for the products that you own
to learn what capabilities already exist for family protection.
Step 2. Making Product Selection(s) Based on Your Specific
Needs
As you wrap up your research, here are a few things to keep in
mind when choosing software packages or managed Internet safety
solutions:
A. Don’t believe everything that’swritten on the box or website.
While technical advice is usually trustworthy, broad prom ­
ises from technology companies, like “Use the In te rne t free
from temp ta tion ,” are overblown and nothing more than
marketing hype.
B. Look for independent verification of functionality, or better
yet, a personal recommendation from a trusted friend who
uses the product.
C. Look for a good company track record and a stable product.
Be wary of brand new products and companies. While industry
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