How to Avoid Hackers!

    Avoiding hackers is basically a game of knowledge.  In being able to avoid them you should know at least a few things about computer's and what it takes to run them.  You should know the difference between jpeg, bmp, and exe files.  Whenever possible, avoid letting your IP address become community property.  There are also programs that can help you.

     The most downloaded files on the internet are jpeg, bmp, and exe files.  jpeg is a common media file which when opened displays a picture.  bmp is in the same category, the only difference is that bmp's are usually smaller files.  exe on the other hand translates into a program file.  You can sometimes be tricked into downloading exe hack programs by being simply told or led to believe that it is a picture file.  The only way to really know is to check the file extension once you have completed the download.  To do so, highlight the downloaded file, right click on it and then proceed to the properties display.  This should tell you everything you need to know about the file including the file extension.

     The most common and important thing to do is guard your IP address.  There are more hack programs that hack chat software than any other software available.  If you've ever used mIRC or ICQ then you run a high risk.  The best thing to do on any chat software is to check in the options or preferences and security.  Amongst here you should be able to disable the program from sharing your IP.  You should also be weary of emailing a new contact right off because a hacker can find your IP address this way too.  Remember, an IP to a hacker is like an address to a mail bomber, it is the one way that they will be able to always find you.

     There are lists of programs that can help you avoid hackers.  Most of these come in the form of anti-virus software.  They work by having people that work to find out what the most common hack files are and keep a database of common viruses.  They do this by looking for virus signatures which are like DNA to a human.  By doing this they don't take up too much space by not having to keep the whole virus program on your computer.  They can be great but also take up a lot of your computers resources by constantly scanning your files and requesting that you update your virus signatures database.  This is not so good if your tweaking your system to get the fastest response you can possibly get and save on lag time.

     In closing I would like to add that you should also visit at least one hacker website to learn more about how they do it.  It doesn't require too much in the line of skills to become a hacker anymore and advanced hackers are always creating ways for the novice's path to be a much easier one.

Important:  Never open a file with the extension .vbs!  This is the most common type of PC virus being sent through email.