McStyles Software

So you think that Internet Explorer is the only browser out there? Actually, there are other browsers out there that are better and more efficient than IE. Let’s examine the following:

Safari:

Safari is the browser of for most Mac users. It’s faster than Internet Explorer and contains a built-in Google Search, tabbed interface to browse multiple sites at once, automatic form completion and more. Free to download.

Mozilla:

Mozilla is open source software.  Mozilla is for Windows, Linux or Mac users. Browse several sites at once with the tabbed interface, block pop-up ads and it even includes IRS Chat. It has a great email client with great spam blockers and filters

Opera:

For Windows, Linux and Mac users alike. There are two versions; one free (which is ad supported) or for 39.00, you can get the ad-free version. Opera is extremely fast with built-in email clients that includes spam filters. It also contains the usual pop-up blockers.

OmniWeb:

An award-winning Web browser strictly for Mac users. Cost is 39.95. Features include ad blocking, history searching, website change notifications, even speech recognition.

Netscape Navigator:

Microsoft’s’ chief rival is still around. Netscape 7.1 is based on Mozilla architecture. Free to download.

FireFox:

Firefox (aka Firebird) is an express version version of Mozilla and built for speed. It’s only a browser with no built-in email client, so if you need email you’ll want to download its companion, Thunderbird. Those who love Mozilla will find many of the same features here. With Firefox you can block pop ups, customize the toolbars; even change its appearance with the use of themes. For Windows, Linux and Mac users. Free.

Avant Browser:

A tabbed browser that’s really fast and allows you to view multiple websites in a split window interface. Free

So there are alternatives that are better than Internet Explorer. Go ahead and try a different browser! Be different!

A firewall is a system or group of systems that enforces an access control policy between several networks. The actual means by which this is accomplished varies widely, but in principle, the firewall can be thought of as a pair of devices which exists to block unwanted IP traffic and the other which exists to permit traffic.
Firewalls work by implementing various access control policies. It’s also important to recognize that the firewall’s configuration creates its policy based on the parameters you provide in your security control policy.

If you have a network in you SOHO business, you need firewall protection on the web side of your host and your networked computers. The Internet has hackers that seek to get into your network or server which makes life miserable for you and your system. The purpose of a firewall is to keep hackers out and to keep your system running proficiently and smoothly.

Even if you’re a small business, you should learn about the mechanics of how a firewall operates even if you have two computers on your network.  There are many software packages out there such as, McAfee Internet Suite software that keeps hackers at bay. A firewall is also great for intranet access to certain applications that are critical which you have to put restrictions on.

Lastly, a firewall can act as your corporate “ambassador” to the Internet. McAfee Internet Suite does this. Every time someone tries to access your computer, McAfee will notify you and reject their access.  It will tell you the IP address of the computer that wants access. You can automatically set these attributes to no.
Zone Alarm is another great software package which provides outstanding firewall protection. You can limit FTP upload capability to certain user profiles when putting information on the Internet and Zone Alarm also shows you the individual that is trying to break in.

Firewalls are needed because of data and programs that you don’t want destroyed by hackers. If you don’t have any firewalls set up for your computer or web host then you run the risk of losing data and getting viruses.