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Beginners guide to the Internet

Looking for a starting place where a raw newbie can learn the web, outlined step-by-step to lead you through the maze of information and mystifying web terminology, written in plain English? Don't know who to ask, where to go, what to do, or how to do it? Never fear, we've already heard all the dumb questions, have asked many of them ourselves, and know the answers to most of them.

We were uninformed newbies ourselves, once long, long ago, and we still remember how hard it was to stumble along the Internet Information Highway without a guide. We're here to help you shorten that learning curve considerably. Before you know it, you'll be a computer geek, too. You can find the answers to all the basic things you need to know to learn the web and navigate it here. We believe no question is a dumb question if you need to know. So go ahead, and ask. We promise, we won't even snicker (at least not in front of you).

Come and discover how the Internet works. Learn how to send email and share photos. Find out where you can get great software. Learn the secrets of search engines and how to shop online safely. Have your questions answered and problems solved. Learn The Web was created for those who want to know just the basics. This guide will provide you with enough knowledge to have fun on the Internet, yet will not bore you with too many details. If you were looking for more in-depth information, check out our sister sites, BuildAWebEmpire.com and HostIt4You.com for more advanced computer tutorials and Internet guides.

Meaning of Alt Tag and Alt Text

An alt tag is the HTML text that appears while an image is loading or when a cursor is positioned over an image. Alt text is useful in Search Engine Optimization because it can include keywords that a search engine looks for in response to a query. Relevant alt text also helps images show up in image search results.

Meaning of Algorithmic Results

Algorithmic results are the ranked listings search engines provide in response to a Query. They are often referred to as Organic Listings in contrast to Paid Listings because their rank is based on relevancy rather than advertising revenue paid to the search engine. However, paid listings do appear alongside algorithmic results in many search engines, provided they are relevant. Improving a website’s unpaid algorithmic results is known as Natural Search Engine Optimization.

My computer is infected, now what?

Take action immediately to remove the already introduced malware. Know that once you see these pop-ups, you are already infected and that taking the wrong steps can only let the infection strengthen. If you wait too long, your system will literally come to a halt.

No downloads, no internet access. Yes, these beasts prevent you from accessing the very sites that could offer you assistance with legitimate antivirus removal tools. Eventually there is no escape without spending big bucks to erase your drives and reinstall Windows.

We recommend Exterminate but be aware that no single software can cover all threats. Use a minimum of two programs to search out threats. If you would rather take advantage of the free programs available, choose one from those suggested in our Safe Software list.

If you are experiencing unexplained popups or other weird behaviour, please take the following action immediately.

HOW TO REMOVE ROGUE SOFTWARE

1. Boot into SafeMode With Networking. To do this, reboot your system while continuously tapping the F8 Key.

2. At the Options screen choose SafeMode With Networking.

3. Download each of the following free software programs:

4. Be sure to update the definitions for each program before running. These threats are changing by the hour and updating definitions is a must. Without updating, you are wasting your time.

5. Once you have downloaded and installed at least two of these, (I suggest Avast Home as a second choice), turn off your system restore, and run the antivirus. It's necessary to turn off system restore because this is a favorite hiding place of Fake AntiMalware. Turning it off allows access to your complete drive. The restore function is usually disabled by the virus anyway so you're not losing anything. Running System Restore when infected only strengthens the trojans hold because copies are probably hidden in previous restore points.

6. If given the option, allow the programs to check memory and boot sector on reboot.

7. I would run each program at least once in SafeMode With Networking and again in regular Windows Mode.

8. When clear, be sure to turn on System Restore and create a new clean restore point.

If fortunate, you'll successfully remove these threats, but be aware that these nasty thieves are getting better and better at disguising themselves. If ignored for too long, their strangle hold is impossible to break.

Meaning of Algorithm

An algorithm is a set of finite, ordered steps for solving a mathematical problem. Each Search Engine uses a proprietary algorithm set to calculate the relevance of its indexed web pages to your particular Query. The result of this process is a list of sites ranked in the order that the search engine deemed most relevant. Search engine algorithms are closely guarded in order to prevent exploitation of algorithmic results. Search algorithms are also changed frequently to incorporate new data and improve relevancy.

Don't be fooled by popups masquerading as AntiVirus and Protection software.

"A pop-up said I was infected, so I downloaded a program to remove it." The warnings look real, mimicking Microsoft or well known AntiVirus products. The names sound legitimate.

Once you click the link, you've been scammed. The link will direct you to buy a product, bilking you of your hard earned cash. Then it scans your computer looking to find more credit and banking information, and you know it will find it.

Can it get any worse? Why sure it can.

After you've been scammed by false pop-ups, after you've paid good money to the very people who gave you the crapware, and after they receive and sell your personal information, they can then connect your system to botnets.

Botnets which leave your computer vulnerable to a whole world of scammers and thieves. An automated thief that never tires of passing along your personal information for a profit.

When I tell people what has happened they immediately ask, " How am I supposed to know what's real and what's not?"

HOW TO IDENTIFY ROGUE MALWARE

1. Check questionable files. There are several places that offer lists of known malware. Not as many have libraries of thousands of files, malicious or not. PC Pitstop has one of the best. It gives you complete information on malware and safe files. Search for the file in the PC Pitstop Processes Library. Use it to identify files that you suspect are malicious. The legend helps determine whether the file is safe, spyware, or virus. There are thousands of files in this list and all have been identified and labeled.

2. Use Google search. This is the quickest and easiest way to check whether a program or process is legitimate. It also requires that you make a judgment on the results you find. You'll quickly learn to spot key words and phrases like Remove, How To Uninstall, Free Removal Tool. It's always best to NOT INSTALL a program you can't identify.

3. Use a good AntiVirus software to protect your system against infections. Be aware that all antivirus software are not created equal. I have compiled a list of reputable and effective software companies that I use and that we suggest through our help desk. Be sure to update the definitions regularly and use realtime protection. These programs work when others don't. When every minute counts you can't waste time with products that don't find and remove the threat.

Safe Antivirus Software

Avast from ALWIL
AVG
Comodo
F-Secure
Kapersky
Malwarebytes
Norman
Superantispyware

Knowing that you're infected can initially be tough to figure out, but once it takes hold this crapware prevents you from accessing sites on the Internet, particularly sites that could help remove it. Then, as if that weren't enough, you'll find you're unable to download anything. You especially can't download antivirus software, and if you can download it, you won't be able to open or run it. CAN'T ACCESS INTERNET, CAN'T DOWNLOAD PROGRAMS, CAN'T INSTALL PROGRAMS, just perfect. Now what do I do? Here are instructions to remove malware

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