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Computer security is a branch of technology that is popularly known as information security. The goal of data security includes protection of information from theft or corruption, or the preservation of availability, as defined in the security policy.

Security requirements are imposed on computers that are different from most system requirements because they often take the form of constraints on what computers are not supposed to do. This makes it particularly difficult to security because it is quite hard to do do what computer programs are designed to do well. When you have a computer security, it provides a technical strategy to convert negative to positive requirements of the rules.

Consumer spending online in 2004 is at a record of more than $ 65.1 billion. More and more people are attracted by the ease of online shopping and spending higher amounts. Unfortunately, the chances of becoming a victim of Internet fraud are also increasing. The Internet National Fraud Center Watch reported that the average loss for victims and for the first six months of 2005 was $ 2579. This is compared to the average of $ 895 for the full year 2004. Complaints relating to purchases of goods  represented 30% of Internet fraud complaints, shopping and auctions (goods never received or badly) on top of the list to 44%.

Although many e-commerce sites are reputable and have taken appropriate security measures to protect you, it never hurts to always proceed with caution. If you make a purchase online with these simple steps:

1. Use only a credit card, preferably with a low credit limit, by shopping online. Avoid using an ATM or debit card.
2. Beware of unsolicited offers by sellers. The Internet National Fraud Information Center Watch reported that email as a method of contact by Internet scammers was up 22% in May 2004.While the offer is legitimate, spammers use this tactic to avoid sites trusted to ensure the protection of consumers shopping online.
3. Use only known e-commerce sites that list an email address and phone number in case you need to contact them directly.
4. Read the privacy policy of the website. Some websites may reserves the right to sell / give your information to third parties. See the document to see if they allow an opportunity to “opt-out” to receive special offers from third-party providers or for permission to share your personal information.
5. Arrival of a padlock symbol in the status bar at the bottom of your browser window. Also, do not provide your personal information if the website address should not begin with “https” (a sign that the site uses a secure server).
6. Choose only verified sellers. Check if the seller is a member of a third party verification, such as the Better Business Bureau, VeriSign, or Guardian eCommerce. These third party sites to help online consumers will be protected when buying or conduct e-commerce transactions.
7. Verify that the delivery date shown is reasonable. If you have not dealt with the supplier on a regular basis, be wary of any website which indicates the shipment will be delayed 20 days or more. Delivery dates of 7-10 days are more common.
8. Keep a written record of all transactions online. Print a hard copy of the transaction and keep it on file for future reference.
9. Beware of site that offers sound too good to be true. The Internet is littered with get rich quick scams and false advertising claims. Investigate thoroughly all applications before proceeding.
10. If you do not receive what you paid for, and the seller would not return your emails or calls, contact your state’s Department of Consumer Affairs for help.

There are many ways you can lose information on your computer. Your child decides to play Chopin on your keyboard, a power surge, lightning, a virus or even simple equipment breakdown. Therefore, back up your hard drive is an absolute must. Make regular backups of your files and store them in a separate location, you can usually get some, if not all, of your information in case your computer crashes.

Even if a regular backup to floppy, CD, zip drive or backup your files, would not it be wonderful if you could create an exact copy (a disk image) of your hard drive? This means that backup copies of all your files, programs and user settings. This would certainly save time when reloading. Acronis may be able to help.

Acronis True Image 9.0 is a solid disk imaging utility that copies the entire contents of your hard disk, including data files and operating system, settings and more, on another disk or disk partition. Its layout is easy to use and navigate. It also includes wizards that guide you through both backing up and restoring your computer. Highlighted characteristics are as follows:

1. Secure Zone - allows you to save data on a hidden partition on your hard drive, eliminating the need to purchase an extra hard drive.
2. PC Cloning – you can upgrade to a new system disk without needing to reinstall the operating system and applications, or configure user settings.
3. Acronis Snap Restore – lightening speed to restore your PC from an image. You can start working in seconds while your system is still being restored. Acronis offers a free test-drive of its product and 30 days money back guarantee. When you’re ready to buy, you can either download for $ 49.99, or if you wish, order a boxed version for $ 59.99. With Acronis True Image Home 9.0, you can rest easy that your family photos, personal documents, tax returns, resumes, and other important information will not be lost forever.