It is no surprise that we spend a large portion of our day navigating the internet either for work, school, or during leisure time. While most of us are using the internet daily, few of us are making the most out of it. For this reason, in this article, we explore some of the best ways you can go about using the internet and enhancing your experience. Let us get right to it:
Bookmarking Websites
Did you find an excellent website recently but need help remembering the web address? Bookmark any websites that catch your attention so you can quickly return to them later. Bookmarks create a shortcut in your browser’s toolbar, allowing you to revisit the site with a single click. This will save you hours of mindless scrolling to find that particular website.
Although different browsers have different methods for bookmarking pages, they are generally found near the top of your browser window. If you use Internet Explorer, look for the “Favorites” menu, while in Chrome or Firefox, you should see a star icon next to the address bar. You can simply press that icon to bookmark the website you are on. Alternatively, you can press the CTRL and D keys on your keyboard to access the bookmark menu, regardless of your browser.
Browser Plugins
Browser add-ons are helpful tools that can be downloaded to help you use different applications with your browser. For instance, you will require a Flash add-on for watching YouTube videos and a streaming plugin for listening to music. Always ensure that you have the latest version of the add-ons, as you need to do so to ensure your browsing experience.
Use Tabs in Browsers
If you have many browser windows open on your desktop and need help remembering which one contains the essential information you were searching for, tabbed browsing can help. Tabbed browsing lets you open multiple websites using tabs in a single browser window. You can open a new tab by clicking the symbol to the right of the last tab or by pressing CTRL T.
Keep Antivirus Updated
A reliable antivirus program can make a significant difference in keeping your computer healthy and free of viruses. Invest in reliable antivirus software and ensure that its components are working correctly. Antivirus software will not only prevent malware attacks but also protect your computer against any existing computer viruses.
Switch Fields Using “Tab”
Instead of clicking on each field in order when filling out fields on a web page, press the “Tab” key, which will move between the fields for you.
You can cycle back to the beginning of the web page by clicking “Tab” enough times. Additionally, you can use the up and down arrows to select items in drop-down menus, saving you more time.
Use a VPN
It can be unsafe to use public Wi-Fi connections when browsing the internet in public places as they need more direct security control. Although sometimes necessary, it is essential to avoid personal transactions, such as online banking or shopping, when using public Wi-Fi.
Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect your data when using such connections. If a VPN is unavailable, wait until you can use a trusted internet connection before conducting personal transactions.
Choose Strong Passwords
Passwords are your first line of defense against all cyberattacks. Many people choose passwords that are easy to remember, making them vulnerable to hacking attempts. Using the same password across multiple sites also puts users at risk.
Choose a combination of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols to create a strong password. Use a mix of at least 12 characters and avoid obvious choices such as sequential numbers or personal information that someone who knows you might be able to guess. A password manager can also help you create strong passwords, store them in a secure digital vault, and retrieve them when needed.
Keep Software Updated
Keep your operating systems and apps up-to-date as developers work to keep their products safe by monitoring the latest threats and releasing security patches to fix vulnerabilities. Using the latest versions of your operating systems and browsers, particularly those containing sensitive information, will benefit from the latest security patches.
Review Privacy Settings
Marketers and hackers can learn about you from browsing and social media usage. However, you can take control of your information by using the privacy settings available in web browsers, mobile apps, and social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and others. Review and adjust the privacy settings on all these platforms.
Most people accept privacy policies without reading them, this is not the right practice. Reviewing policies is an excellent practice for understanding how your data is collected and used for marketing and advertising purposes. It is essential to note that your information may not be entirely private, even with privacy settings. Hackers, website administrators, and law enforcement may still have access to your data. For this reason, be mindful of what you post online and careful with the information you share with others.
Be Mindful Of What Your Browse
Practicing caution when browsing the internet is crucial to keep your personal information safe. Avoiding certain types of content, such as links from untrustworthy sources, is vital. It is recommended that you refrain from clicking links or opening attachments within an email if unsure of its legitimacy. It is even better to avoid opening any untrusted emails at all.
If you need clarification on whether an email is genuine, it is best to verify its authenticity by going directly to the source. For example, contact your bank and inquire if the email is legitimate.
Keep an Eye On Downloads
Cybercriminals aim to deceive you into downloading malware, which could be disguised as an app, including a popular game or a traffic or weather-checking program. Alternatively, it might be concealed on a malicious website that seeks to install malware on your device.
Malware is a type of harmful software, which can disrupt the proper functioning of your device, steal your data, or grant unauthorized access to your machine. This typically necessitates some action on your part, but there are also drive-by downloads, where a website attempts to install software on your device without permission. For this reason, it is advisable to be cautious before downloading anything onto your device and only download material from reputable or official sources.
Get a Better Internet Connection
This may seem like a bit of an obvious hack but if you are making do with a below-par or average-performing internet connection you are missing out. A reliable internet connection and provider can enhance your internet experience by leaps and bounds. From offering better speeds to providing better protection against potential cyberattacks, a secure internet connection makes the world of a difference.
To get the most out of your internet connection, we recommend investing in a reliable ISP like Spectrum. Spectrum offers fiber-backed cable internet, which ensures a secure and fast internet connection. To get more information on their internet service, call the Spectrum phone number or click here.
In Conclusion
These tips will enhance your internet browsing experience and make the digital space safer for you. Alongside these hacks, we recommend investing in a good internet service provider so you can enjoy better speeds and a more secure connection. To learn about the best internet providers and plans near you, visit BuyTVInternetPhone.