For many people, using a Web browser on the Internet is a daily activity — be it for work, fun, or educational purposes. Many excellent resources are on the Internet, but there also are a lot of pitfalls that can compromise your computer and personal information. Knowing more about downloading files, and how to manage and use your web browser, ensures that your Internet experiences are as trouble-free as possible.
One of the most risky activities you do on the Internet is to download software or files. It's best to only download a file that comes from a trusted source. Files from untrustworthy sources have a high probability of being a virus, spyware, or illegal.
A browser hijacker is another type of malware program that alters your browser's settings, sending you to websites that you had no intention of visiting in the first place.
Browser hijackers often change your default home page and then perform searches to the pages of its customers. The intent is to create revenue for these companies by generating web traffic that would not have existed if not for the hijacking of your browser.
Some browser hijackers may also add bookmarks and generate pop-up windows — most times these are specifically geared to adult sites. It's not surprising that with such an intrusive piece of software your browser will often crash, and your computer system will become unstable as well. So, if you run across a pop-up window that asks to download a special viewer or free software, always click the X to dismiss the invitation.
It is important to mention that currently Internet Explorer, under the Windows operating system, is the only browser susceptible to being hijacked. Browsers like Mozilla and Firefox cannot, at least for now, be hijacked.
If switching from Internet Explorer to one of the browsers mentioned is not a viable option for you, then before you use Internet Explorer, it is essential that you:
A plug-in is a small piece of software that enhances a larger piece of software. An example of a plug-in is MacroMedia Flash Player. Other well known plug-ins are QuickTime, Acrobat Reader, Shockwave, Windows Media Player, and RealPlayer. All of these plug-ins are reliable and have good track records. That is an important distinction to make when you are considering the installation of a plug-in.
The plug-ins mentioned can be installed into your web browser. Plug-in installations do perform alterations to your browser and system files. For this reason, it is extremely important that you do not install just any plug-in that you come across on the web. When in doubt, don't install; your PC may become unstable. If this happens, contact the C&IT Help Desk at helpdesk@wayne.edu or 313-577-4778.
A secure website uses the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol to securely transmit information on the Internet. Essentially, SSL creates a secure channel of communication between your computer and the website's server. Web browsers are implemented with SSL so you can visit secure websites.
What this all means to you is that you can perform safe and secure transactions on the Internet, such as online banking or purchasing an item with your credit card, because SSL encrypts the data before sending it over the Internet.
The SSL setting in your web browsers is turned on by default. This means that no intervention on your part is needed.
The easiest way to identify whether you're on a secure site is by the web address in the URL (Uniform Resource Locator). If the web address begins with https://, then you're in a secure site. If the address begins with http:// (without the "s"), then you are in a non-secure website. Also, your browser displays a padlock icon to indicate you are in a secure site. Usually, this icon is displayed near the bottom on the right side.
An example of a secure site is WSU's WebMail. Notice that the address in the URL begins with https://, and a small padlock icon indicates that you are at a secure site.
The most important thing to keep in mind is to make sure that you are in a secure site if you plan to perform any transactions that deal with personal or sensitive material.
