Technology advances and changes almost more often and faster than the sun travels across the sky. For computer users, the adjustments, updates and upgrades can make one’s head spin. Below are the top three computer-related questions fielded by technical support personnel and geek friends of new users and each question’s answer.
Q. What is a firewall, and how does it differ from an anti-virus program?
A. A firewall is a program designed to protect your computer against unauthorized intrusion. Many firewalls bar known trojans and viruses, but even the best firewalls can allow those sneaky programs onto your computer. Most firewalls are focused on anti-hacking or other malicious actions that can crash or commandeer your computer, whether via a remote program or manual intervention by someone on the Internet.
An anti-virus program has no influence against hackers and other actions. It pertains only to viruses, trojans or, in some cases, anti-spyware or anti-adware programs that track your computer and browsing history. Viruses, et al, are malicious programs that can damage or even destroy all the programs on your computer.
Keeping both your firewall and your anti-virus programs current is imperative for safe and “healthy” computer use and Internet surfing.
Q. What is the difference between RAM and ROM?
A. RAM stands for Random Access Memory and can be considered your “use right now” computer memory, much like a briefcase or purse holds things you will expect to need or use “right now” or in the near future. Suitcases and filing cabinets, on the other hand, store things for retrieval later and figuratively represents the total storage capacity of your hard drive.
ROM or Read-Only Memory, on the other hand, pertains to files you or your computer system can read for instructions or operating parameters, but you cannot change any of the data. ROM is included in the total hard drive capacity but does not influence how much of the “right now” memory or RAM your system provides.
CD-ROM disks are music or movie disks that you can play but cannot record over or erase. You might embed data on a blank CD-ROM, but you cannot erase the data once recorded.
Q. What is a computer cookie, and what does it do?
A. A computer cookie has nothing to do with chocolate chips or creamy nougat—hopefully! A computer cookie is an information recognition or retrieval program, reflected in many computer systems as information or instructions written in a plain-text document, that helps sites recognize who you are, your data—like log-in information, account information and security questions, for example. Some cookies are helpful, allowing retention of logged-in status and avoidance of repetitious security questions.
On the other hand, some cookies track precisely where you surf on the Internet, target advertising to your email and even your personal identification—your name, your address, your social security number, your credit card number and usage and more.
Every browser—the program you use to pull up websites—provides a measure of cookie placement control, although some have better and more complete user control than others. Routinely scan your computer for tracking and advertising cookies as well as viruses.
This post was contributed by Holly Miller, a writer for Coupon Croc. Shopping online for the latest electronics? Visit us for discounts and promotions on all of the most popular gadgets this year.
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