How do I know if my computer has been hacked?

<br /> <h3> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><u>References:</u> </span></span></h3> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Cracker</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px;"> - Person who gains unauthorized access to a computer with the intention of causing damage. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px;" /><b>Cracking</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px;"><b> </b>- Method by which a person who gains unauthorized access to a computer with the intention of causing damage. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px;" /><b>Hacker</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px;"> - Person who gains authorized/unauthorized access to a computer WITHOUT the intention of causing damage. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px;" /><b>Spyware</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px;"> - A Program that was created by a person(most frequently a cracker) to watch the computer and it's actions and report the details to the origional maker. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px;" /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Trojan</b> - </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px;">A piece of software to gain access to a computing system, while the owner isn't aware of it's existence. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px;">Often introduced in a system hidden in an appealing looking free paquage or a free game. </span></span><div> <br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Virus</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px;"> - A maliciously made program that is used to destroy </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">data, or hurt the performance of the computer. Makes copies of itself and sends it to more people</span><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMyIFBgKALIvRygir5Hs-oJRyx_8SJGfIpUlssHHc7-s8I3nEW8PXkgC0iPE2mnQrf-DZqAfBJ8R7H28cJJqol41Z-IpPAEyKQZD7zu5gBal3x9JZ-_05k84yl0r__2BtsHSq-CpBWQoy/s1600/Hacker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMyIFBgKALIvRygir5Hs-oJRyx_8SJGfIpUlssHHc7-s8I3nEW8PXkgC0iPE2mnQrf-DZqAfBJ8R7H28cJJqol41Z-IpPAEyKQZD7zu5gBal3x9JZ-_05k84yl0r__2BtsHSq-CpBWQoy/s1600/Hacker.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="tips" style="background-image: url(http://cdn.computerhope.com/chsprite.png); background-position: 0px -68px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px 0px 0px -1.6em; padding: 0px 0px 0px 24px;">TRICK</span> Most computer problems are not caused by computer hackers, it is more common for a computer to be hijacked then hacked. It can be difficult to detect a hacker on a computer because nothing changes to help disguise the hack. Below are the most common things that change after a computer is hacked.</span></div> <h3> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">New programs installed</span></h3> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">In some situations, you may see new programs or files to the computer. If you are the only user on the computer and new programs are installed, this could be an indication of a hacked computer. However, there are also several legitimate reasons why a new program may appear on the computer, as listed below.</span></div> <ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <li style="background-image: url(http://cdn.computerhope.com/arrow.png); background-position: 0px 5px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; line-height: 1.5625; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2.5em; padding: 0px 0px 8px 26px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Operating system or other program received updates that included new programs or files.</span></li> <li style="background-image: url(http://cdn.computerhope.com/arrow.png); background-position: 0px 5px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; line-height: 1.5625; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2.5em; padding: 0px 0px 8px 26px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When installing a new program it may have installed other programs. For example, it is common for plugins and other free programs to have a check box asking if it is ok to install a new Toolbar or antivirus on your computer. If these boxes are checked, new programs are installed.</span></li> <li style="background-image: url(http://cdn.computerhope.com/arrow.png); background-position: 0px 5px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; line-height: 1.5625; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2.5em; padding: 0px 0px 8px 26px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Any other person who logs on your computer could install new programs.</span></li> </ul> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Below is a listing of programs that may indicate that your computer has been HACKED</span></div> <ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <li style="background-image: url(http://cdn.computerhope.com/arrow.png); background-position: 0px 5px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; line-height: 1.5625; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2.5em; padding: 0px 0px 8px 26px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Backdoors</b> and Trojans are by far the most common programs to be installed on the computer after it has been hacked. These programs allow the hacker to gain access to the computer.</span></li> <li style="background-image: url(http://cdn.computerhope.com/arrow.png); background-position: 0px 5px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; line-height: 1.5625; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2.5em; padding: 0px 0px 8px 26px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>IRC</b> clients are another common way for a hacker to get into a computer or remotely control thousands of computers. If you have never participated in a IRC chat, your computer may have been hacked.</span></li> <li style="background-image: url(http://cdn.computerhope.com/arrow.png); background-position: 0px 5px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; line-height: 1.5625; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2.5em; padding: 0px 0px 8px 26px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Spyware</b>, rogue antivirus programs, and malware can be an indication of a hacker. However, are more commonly a sign that your computer has been hijacked while on the Internet.</span></li> </ul> <h3> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Computer passwords have changed</span></h3> <h4> <span style="font-family: inherit;">           Online passwords</span></h4> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes, after an online account is hacked the attacker changes the password to your account. Try using the forgot password feature to reset the password. If your e-mail address has changed or this feature does not work, contact the company who is providing the service, they are the only ones who can reset your account.</span></div> <h4 style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">         Local computer password</span></h4> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">If your password to log into your computer has changed, it may have been hacked. There is no reason why a password would change on its own. Log into an administrator account to change your accounts password.</span></div> <h3> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">E-mail spam being sent</span></h3> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">When an e-mail account is hacked or taken over, the attacker almost always uses that account to spread spam and viruses. If your friends, family, or coworkers are receiving e-mail from you advertising something like Viagra your e-mail is compromised. Log into your e-mail and change your e-mail account password.</span></div> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="tips" style="background-image: url(http://cdn.computerhope.com/chsprite.png); background-position: 0px -68px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px 0px 0px -1.6em; padding: 0px 0px 0px 24px;">TRICK:</span> E-mail addresses can also be <a href="http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/s/spoof.htm" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(219, 219, 219); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #663366; text-decoration: none;">spoofed</a> without hacking the e-mail account. After changing the e-mail password, if your friends continue to get e-mails you have not sent, it is likely someone is spoofing your e-mail address.</span></div> <h3> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Increased network activity</span></h3> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">For any attacker to take control of a computer, they must remotely connect to that computer. When someone is remotely connected to your computer, your Internet connection will be slower. Also, many times after the computer is hacked it becomes azombie to attack other computers.</span></div> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Installing a bandwidth monitor program on the computer can help determine what programs are using what bandwidth on your computer. Windows users can also use thenetstat command to determine remote established network connections and open ports.</span></div> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">There are dozens of other legitimate reasons why your Internet connection may also be slow.</span></div> <h3> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Unknown programs wanting access</span></h3> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Computer security programs and <a href="http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/f/firewall.htm" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(219, 219, 219); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #663366; text-decoration: none;">firewalls</a> help restrict access to programs on a network or Internet. If the computer prompts for access to programs you do not know, rogue programs may be installed, or it may have been hacked. If you do not know why a program needs access to the Internet, we recommend blocking access to that program. If you later discover these blocks cause problems, they can be removed.</span></div> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="tips" style="background-image: url(http://cdn.computerhope.com/chsprite.png); background-position: 0px -68px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px 0px 0px -1.6em; padding: 0px 0px 0px 24px;">Tip:</span> A firewall prompting you for access may also just be someone trying to probe your network, looking for open or available ports in your network.</span></div> <h3> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Security programs uninstalled</span></h3> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">If the computers antivirus, anti-malware program, or firewall that has been uninstalled or disabled this can also be an indication of a hacked computer. A hacker may disable these programs to help hide any warnings that would appear while they are on the computer.</span></div> <h3> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Computer doing things by itself</span></h3> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">When someone is remotely connected to a computer they can remotely control any device. For example, a mouse cursor could be moved or something could be typed. If you see the computer doing something as if someone else was in control, this can be an indication of a hacked computer.</span></div> <div class="tabb" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Modem users</span></div> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">If the computer is dialing the Internet on its own, it is an indication that a program needs to connect to the Internet. It is common for programs like e-mail clients to do this to check for new e-mail. However, if you cannot identify what program needs Internet access, this can also be an indication of a hacked computer.</span></div> <h3> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Internet browser home page changed or new toolbar</span></h3> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Internet browser changes such as your home page changing to a different web page, a new toolbar getting added, your search provider changing, web pages getting redirected are all signs of a browser getting hijacked and not a computer hacker.</span></div> </div> </div>

How do I know if my computer has been hacked?

References:   Cracker  - Person who gains unauthorized access to a computer with the intention of causing damage.  Cracking   - Method by...

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How do I protect myself while online?

<br /> <h1 style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 0.9em; padding: 0px 0px 0.17em;"> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">How can I protect myself while online?</span></h1> <h3> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Verify data is encrypted</span></h3> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <img alt="Computer security" class="floatRight" height="235" src="http://www.computerhope.com/issues/pictures/security.jpg" style="border: 0px; float: right; line-height: 1; margin: 0.3em -4.3em 2em 4em; padding: 0px;" width="300" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">When sending confidential information over the Internet such as usernames, passwords, or credit card numbers only send it securely. To verify this look for a small lock (<img alt="Internet browser security lock" height="15" src="http://www.computerhope.com/issues/lock.gif" style="border: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="12" />) in the bottom right corner of your browser window or next to the address bar(as shown below). If visible, this lock should also be in the locked position and not unlocked.</span></div> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Internet Explorer 7.0 secure address bar" height="30" src="http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/a/secaddre.jpg" style="border: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="325" /><br />Internet Explorer 7 secure address bar</span></div> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">We also suggest making sure the <a href="http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/u/url.htm" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(219, 219, 219); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #663366; text-decoration: none;">URL</a> begins with <b>https</b> as shown above.</span></div> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">While the lock is in the lock position, data is encrypted, which helps anyone from understanding the data if it's intercepted. When no lock is visible or in the unlocked position all information is <a href="http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/p/plaintex.htm" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(219, 219, 219); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #663366; text-decoration: none;">plaintext</a> and if intercepted could be read. If a webpage is not secure, such as an online forum, use a password you wouldn't use with protected sites such as your online banking website.</span></div> <h3> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">E-mail is not encrypted</span></h3> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Websites should not transmit confidential data over <a href="http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/e/email.htm" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(219, 219, 219); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #663366; text-decoration: none;">e-mail</a>, such as passwords, credit card information, etc. E-mail is not encrypted and if intercepted by a third-party could be read.</span></div> <h3> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Be aware of phishing scams</span></h3> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Familiarized yourself with phishing scams and techniques, which are used to trick you into divulging your account information. Online banking sites, Paypal, EBay, Amazon, and other popular sites that require logins are popular targets.</span></div> <h3> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Use a safe password</span></h3> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Websites that store confidential data, such as an online bank site need to use strong passwords. Also, it is highly recommended that you use a different password for each website that requires a login. If you need help remembering your passwords consider using a password manager.</span></div> <h3> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Use caution when accepting or agreeing to prompts</span></h3> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">When prompted to install any program or add-on make sure to read and understand the agreement before clicking on the Ok button. If you do not understand the agreement or feel it is not necessary to install the program cancel or close the window.</span></div> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Additionally, when installing any program watch for any <a href="http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/c/checkbox.htm" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(219, 219, 219); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #663366; text-decoration: none;">check box</a> that asks if it's ok to install a third-party program, toolbar, etc. These are never required and often cause more issues than good. Leave these boxes unchecked.</span></div> <h3> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Be cautious where you're logging in from</span></h3> <h4> <span style="font-family: inherit;">                    Business</span></h4> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Your place of work can install key loggers or use other methods of monitoring the computer while online. Someone who has access to this information could read these logs and gather usernames and passwords. Also, do not store any passwords in your browser if your computer is shared with other coworkers.</span></div> <h4> <span style="font-family: inherit;">                Wireless network</span></h4> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">When on a wireless network realize that all information being sent to and from your computer can be intercepted and read by someone nearby. Prevent this from happening by only logging into a secure network using WEP or WPA. If this is a home wireless network, make sure it is secure.</span></div> <h4> <span style="font-family: inherit;">                 Friends house</span></h4> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Be concerned when logging into an account from a friends computer. A computer or network you are not familiar with could intentionally or unintentionally log usernames and passwords. Finally, when logging into any site on a friends computer never save the password information on their browser.</span></div> <h3> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Be aware of those around you</span></h3> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">While at work, school, library, or anywhere that has people around who could look at the monitor be cautious of anyone shoulder surfing. Someone could watch you type in your password, which would give them access to your account.</span></div> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">If you need everything displayed on the screen to remain private, consider a privacy filter for the display.</span></div> <h3> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Update Internet browser plugins</span></h3> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Often many attackers find security vulnerabilities through browser plugins such as Adobe Flash. Make sure all installed Internet plug-ins are up-to-date.</span></div> <h3> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Secure saved passwords</span></h3> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Make sure to store passwords and login information in a secure area. Never write login information on a sticky note or in a text file that is not encrypted.</span></div> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">To save your passwords we recommend using a password manager, which stores all login information and securely encrypts and password protects that information.</span></div> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">When saving password information in a browser, it may be visible by anyone who has access to your Internet browser. For example, without a master password setup in Firefox anyone can see all stored passwords.</span></div> <h3> <b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Use a third-party service to confirm the safety and security of a page</span></b></h3> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">We recommend the free <a href="http://www.mywot.com/" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(219, 219, 219); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #663366; text-decoration: none;">Web of Trust (WOT)</a> tool to verify the safety of all websites on the Internet.</span></div>

How do I protect myself while online?

How can I protect myself while online? Verify data is encrypted When sending confidential information over the Internet such as userna...

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How do I get the start button back in Windows 8?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <span style="font-family: inherit;">If you have the original release of Windows 8 or  you have updated to the newer  version (windows 8.1)and you're okay with the windows 8.1 start button and the start screen but you just want an old the <b>Start menu with its start button</b><b> </b>follow me<b>...                    </b></span><div> <b><span style="font-family: inherit;">                          <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">               <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRwsym-L2qpPZEfUdOO-WBI4hA7OoZ-0qNz825LUJRVEaaCLGizMIl6J5qTQ5TAUjUGMffkXgKaxRALGb_r0ieCkAeCQhfoDd5GmSLQk0shZPbUqFRN8J9WyZS2HXeblzypRwuXPPgF_t/s1600/windows8startb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRwsym-L2qpPZEfUdOO-WBI4hA7OoZ-0qNz825LUJRVEaaCLGizMIl6J5qTQ5TAUjUGMffkXgKaxRALGb_r0ieCkAeCQhfoDd5GmSLQk0shZPbUqFRN8J9WyZS2HXeblzypRwuXPPgF_t/s1600/windows8startb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> </span></b><div> <b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b><div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div> <div> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px; text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Since the Start Menu can be made into a toolbar, which will allow you access to all the programs you'd normally see in All Programs. </span></div> <ol style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 7em 1.3em 0px;"> <li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.5625; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5em; padding: 0px 0px 8px 3px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Make sure show hidden files has been enabled.</span></li> <li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.5625; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5em; padding: 0px 0px 8px 3px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Right-click on the Taskbar and click <b>Toolbars</b> and then <b>New toolbar</b>.</span></li> <li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.5625; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5em; padding: 0px 0px 8px 3px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Browse to C:\Program Data\Microsoft\Windows and select <b>Start Menu</b> and choose<b>Select Folder</b></span></li> </ol> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px; text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Once the above steps have been completed you'll have a new Start Menu folder with all your programs in the Programs folder.</span></div> <div class="tab" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; line-height: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em !important; padding: 0px 7em 2em 0px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">           OR</span></div> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b>Install a third-party add-on</b><br /><br />There are a few different third party tools that can be installed in Windows 8 that will help you get the Start button and other features you may have enjoyed in previous versions of Windows. </span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />- <a href="http://lee-soft.com/vistart/">ViStart 8</a> - A great free utility to get just the Start menu back almost identical to what was in Windows 7. Also includes the ability to skin and lots of other features.<br /><br />- <a href="http://classicshell.sourceforge.net/">Classic Shell</a> - Another great free and open source software tool to add the start menu and many other previous Windows features to Windows 8.<br /><br />- <a href="http://www.stardock.com/products/start8/">Start 8</a> - Another great tool to add the start button to the Taskbar.</span></div> </div> </div>

How do I get the start button back in Windows 8?

If you have the original release of Windows 8 or  you have updated to the newer  version (windows 8.1)and you're okay with the window...

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What is Charms?

<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; line-height: 29.640625px;">The Windows </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #454545; line-height: 29.640625px;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Charms</span></i></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; line-height: 29.640625px;"> is a new feature that was introduced with Windows 8 that gives you access to Search, Share, Start, Devices, and Settings. This menu appears when you move you mouse on the right-hand side of the screen or press the Windows key + C on the keyboard. The black bar along the right-hand side of the below picture is an example of what the Windows Charms looks like when open.</span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 29.640625px;"><br /></span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVCtwbvEB_0OoYQtByhQYl0WuQjPfW3erQ32wkVk1b7JaYrWcjo0u4o48Hk_wV9DqtTZ6jLPcXGQwC06qt-c87SeuNpPKRnrRGPBDk7dS1BZ_adMSkmrQnsyRVJr_Rxj2_IFSWx9bThYx/s1600/charms.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVCtwbvEB_0OoYQtByhQYl0WuQjPfW3erQ32wkVk1b7JaYrWcjo0u4o48Hk_wV9DqtTZ6jLPcXGQwC06qt-c87SeuNpPKRnrRGPBDk7dS1BZ_adMSkmrQnsyRVJr_Rxj2_IFSWx9bThYx/s1600/charms.png" width="640" /></a></div> <span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 29.640625px;"><br /></span>       <b><u>Short Description of each of the Windows 8 Charms</u></b><div> <b><br /></b></div> <br /><b>SEARCH</b> (shortcut: Windows key + F) - Find and open any program or file.<div> <br /><b>SHARE</b> (shortcut: Windows key + H) - Share and send links, photos, and more to your friends and social networks in the app currently open.</div> <div> <br /><b>START</b> (shortcut: Windows key) - Open the Windows 8 Start Menu.<br />Devices (shortcut: Windows key + K) - List available devices, for example a second screen.</div> <div> <br /><b>SETTINGS</b> (shortcut: Windows key + I) - View Start Settings, view settings such as battery monitor, volume, brightness, notifications, and the power (to shutdown computer). In Settings you'll also find More PC Settings at the bottom of the menu, which will give you all available settings that can be adjusted.</div>

What is Charms?

The Windows  Charms  is a new feature that was introduced with Windows 8 that gives you access to Search, Share, Start, Devices, and Setting...

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