Things to be careful of when using the Internet

Introduction

Welcome to Aardvark, we do our best to make your Internet experience is safe and enjoyable. There are some things worth considering which will make your Internet experience even safer so you can enjoy many trouble free hours online with Aardvark.

Virus scanners

A good quality virus scanner such as VET, Norton Anti-Virus or McAfee is strongly recommended, as many viruses spread over the Internet. The protection provided by a good virus scanner easily offsets the cost of purchasing one, and is priceless compared to any loss of your data

Firewalls

Unfortunately there are unscrupulous individuals on the Internet, so its best to protect your computer from unauthorised access attempts by installing a personal firewall such as Zone Labs, Zone Alarm. Although the software requires some care and feeding in the first weeks, it goes a long way towards securing your computer against unauthorized access and stopping malicious programs (and Spyware) from accessing the Internet to and from your computer.

Chat forums

If you use programs like ICQ, MSN messenger or IRC we strongly advise against giving out personal information. There are unscrupulous individuals who could misuse this information for profit or malicious intent.

Internet “dumping”

Internet dumping is a very nasty thing that may happen so it’s best to learn about it now so we can try to avoid it happening to your computer in the future.

Internet “dumping” is when your Aardvark Internet dial-up connection is disconnected and a new (usually unauthorised) connection is made to a different number without your full knowledge or consent. The new number is quite often an overseas or tolled number, which is changed at a higher rate to your phone bill.

Internet dumping usually happens when your computer accesses certain websites, usually pornographic or gambling or music sites, but not always. Clicking a link or button on a website may trigger an Internet dialler to download onto your computer. Some of these websites provide little-to-no warning about the higher call rate involved. This software then controls the modem connected to your computer and telephone line, and can end up costing a fortune in phone bills. Some diallers even mute the dialling noises your modem makes through your computer speakers to hide the fact that the modem is dialling.

Not all diallers are bad, though. Some can be used to pay for a service or product by having the charge added to your phone bill so you don’t need to supply credit card details.

A good sign that you have been dumped is when you are online and cannot send a e-mail (The error “We do not relay”).

To protect yourself from dumping you can:

• Turn off your computer and modem when not in use.
• Bar access to international and carrier over-ride numbers on your telephone line.
• Activate a personal identification number control for access to international and override numbers on your telephone line.
• Always read the messages on your computer screen including terms and conditions before you click ‘YES’ or ‘OK’.

If you think you have been dumped, check your Internet dial-up settings and make sure they are correctly configured for Aardvark. If altered, change the settings back or run the set up on your Aardvark CD, or contact a technician to organise removal.

More information about “dumping” can be found here:
http://www.aca.gov.au/consumer_info/fact_sheets/consumer_fact_sheets/fsc88.htm