Creating a Safe, Enjoyable Internet Experience
As an Mstar member, you now have access to the fastest Internet service available. We want to make sure your Internet experience is not only blazing fast, but also safe and enjoyable. Here a few tips that will help.
Avoiding questionable/unwanted content
Enable K9 Web Protection
Keeping your computer/internet connection fast and healthy
Avoid Pop-Up Ads and Spyware
Get Windows Updates
Protecting yourself and your personal information
Avoiding questionable/unwanted content
With Mstar you're able to enjoy all the great content out there on the Internet without exposing yourself and your family to the harmful. We recommend you take advantage of the following tools.
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Enable K9 Web Protection
Mstar customers are kept safe by K9 Web Protection which is the industry's most advanced Web filter, combining dynamic real-time rating software, human review and monitoring, plus the world's most accurate database of black-listed Web sites to ensure your family's safety. K9 blocks offensive Web sites involving pornography, gambling, violence, drugs, and other material unsuitable for families.
K9 is a free service to current Mstar fiber customers.
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Keeping your computer/Internet connection fast and healthy
Proper safeguarding of your computer and network systems from harmful Internet elements will keep your Internet running fast and will protect your systems from harm. We suggest the following steps.
Install a Firewall
For your protection, Mstar requires a firewall be in place before installation of Internet services, and we strongly suggest you not connect to the Internet without a firewall. A firewall is a hardware and/or software device that protects your computer by blocking unwanted/harmful data or unwarranted access to computers behind the firewall.
Mstar offers a physical firewall for sale at the time of installation of your Internet service. You may also purchase a firewall from a computer products retailer.
Use Virus Protection Software
A valuable extra step of protection for your computer is the use of third-party virus protection software. Two of the more effective and popular products are offered by Norton and McAffee. These may be purchased online or at almost any computer products retailer. Installation of these products is quite simple—the software you purchase will walk you through the installation step-by-step.
Note: We do not support or endorse, nor are we responsible for the effectiveness of any virus protection products.
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Avoid Pop-Up Ads and Spyware
What are pop-up ads?
Pop-ups ads are unsolicited windows that open on your computer screen. Pop-ups can generally be closed with a simple click, but sometimes closing one only opens another, and in the worst case, closing one can literally flood your computer with an endless stream of ads. If pop-ups appear when your computer is not connected to the Internet, then your computer is most likely infected with "spyware".
What is spyware?
Spyware is software that is placed on your computer which tracks your Internet usage, reporting information back to the companies that made the programs. Spyware's effects range from popping up annoying ads to attacking your computer with malicious, personal information-stealing software.
How does spyware get on a computer?
Spyware can find its way onto your computer as you visit new Web sites, download new content or even open e-mails. Sometimes people install a program thinking it will do something they want or need, yet they are unaware of the "spying" this program is doing in the background.
How do I stop/remove it?
There are numerous options available for use in cleaning spyware from your computer. These programs find and remove known spyware and some can even prevent spyware from being downloaded in the future. You will need to update the definitions file for the anti-spyware program periodically just like you would an anti-virus program.
A few of the most reputable and reliable free anti-spyware programs are:
Ad-aware
SpyBot-Search & Destroy
SpywareBlaster
(Note: We do not support or endorse, nor are we responsible for the effectiveness of any of these third-party products.)
If a person simply doesn't want to see pop-ups, many browsers include pop-up blocking capability as a standard feature, preventing the ads from appearing. You can check the settings on your existing browser to see if pop-up blocking is an option.
Toolbars
If your browser doesn't offer pop-up blocking, you may want to download a toolbar with pop-up blocking. Below are links to some of the most popular toolbars that include pop-up blocking:
The Google Toolbar
The Yahoo Toolbar
The Dogpile Toolbar
Important: Some pop-up blockers are simply spyware in disguise. Always research the pop-up blocker you intend to use BEFORE downloading it.
Note: You'll want to use a pop-up blocker that you can turn off and on easily, because there are good pop-ups too. For example, when you compose a new e-mail message using Web-based e-mail, the new message appears in a pop-up window. A pop-up blocker, however, would prevent this, and prevent you from sending messages via your Web based e-mail system.
You can also search the Internet for other spyware removal programs, or check Web sites such as www.download.com or www.tucows.com . Please research any program before installing it, because many programs claiming to remove spyware are spyware themselves.
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Get Windows Updates
Windows Update is the online extension of Microsoft Windows, and is designed to help your computer continue to work better and run better. Windows Update includes new product enhancements such as system files, device drivers, service packs, security patches, and new Windows features. You can access Windows Update at windowsupdate.microsoft.com .
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Protecting yourself and your personal information
Unfortunately, technology solutions can only provide so much protection. We offer the following Internet use tips for your protection.
When considering any sort of transaction online, even if it's only clicking a button to accept a service, we strongly recommend you do so only on sites you know and trust, especially when providing any personal information.
Look for endorsements on Web sites you're visiting from the Better Business Bureau, Trust-e, or other known Web site ratings/review providers before interacting with a Web site.
Do not respond to requests for personal info not initiated by you! The only time you should provide information to a Web site or by e-mail is if it is a result of a transaction you initiated. If a request for information comes to you that you didn't invite by some sort of transaction, that you don't recognize, or that seems out of place, do not provide the information!
Do not send personal information in e-mails. E-mails can be intercepted and read by those other than the intended receiver.
Report questionable activities on Web sites/from e-mails to: FBI Internet Fraud Complaint Center (
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