|
|
|
 Frequently Asked Questions - Odds and Ends
- How do I use the web space that is part of my account?
- Your Internet Access account includes 20MB of free web space for you
to use any way you like. If you would like to setup your user directory,
login to Customer Center and
go to the Web Page section for details.
- Should I be afraid of viruses?
- Yes, and no. Viruses do exist, and they can be dangerous, but exercising
a little caution when using the Internet can keep your computer free from any
harm. The way that the majority of viruses do their dirty work is by packaging
themselves with an executable program. It's the virus author's hope that you
will unknowingly run this program, thereby infecting your computer with the
virus. This type of program can end up on your computer if you download it, or
if it is sent to you as an attachment via e-mail. So, it's important when
downloading a program to know who you're downloading it from. The same goes
for attachments. If you're not sure why the attachment was sent to you, it's
probably safer not to open it. As long as you are careful, your computer
can remain free of viruses.
- Is online shopping really secure, and how does that security work?
- By and large, the answer to this is yes. If you are at the site of a
major company, like amazon.com or merrilllynch.com, you can feel very safe.
For most pages, when you enter the area where you would want the information
to be secure, you will see the address change. The difference will be that
instead of http:// at the beginning you will see https://. For example, you
would see an address like https://www.htcomp.net. There are exceptions to
this rule. There are some keys that do not show up in this way. Another way
to tell is that you will see a closed lock in the bottom corner of your window
when you are in a secure area. To find out information about this key, double
click on the lock. Most sites use 40-bit encryption, which is guaranteed for
transactions up to $100,000 dollars. The page is encrypted at the server and
is only visible from the server and your computer. From what we've read, it
would take supercomputers multiple days to crack on page. For higher dollar
transaction sites like Merrill Lynch, they use 128-bit encryption, which is
the most secure encryption supported on the web. You generally have to
upgrade your browser to be able to accomodate the higher encryption. To
compare with the earlier statement, 128-bit would take all of the computers
in the world the life of the universe to crack a page. If you are not
convinced by now, many pages will have a page explaining the security of
shopping at thier site.
|
|
