During a recent Toastmasters International Speech contest Chris Coulson talks about online shopping and computer safty.
Click below to listen to his speech.
Well folks.. this speech did not record. I had the recorder on pause, then unpaused for the remainder fo the meeting. OOPS….
So since this was a refined version, here is the very first version which is no so refined.
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Transcript Below..
OPENING
Just the other day I was walking around the local mall.
As I was walking around I was thinking to myself.. can these retailers make it any easier to tell us guys what day is approaching. Every single store had some sort of heart shaped sign, banner, other gimic to grabe your attention.
I better get something for my Girlfriend Laura.. What am I to get? Humm..
I want to do something not traditional. Boxes of chocolate, flowers, and even stuffed animals are nice and pretty.. but are kind of boring. What can I do different?…
I spent over 2 hours walking around the mall, picking up stuffed animals, clothing, and yes, even books. Nothing really striked me as something my girlfriend would really want.
So I left the mall in dispare..
What can I get Laura for Valentines day?
What am I going to get…. Duh… Mr Techie.. why not go online.
Why would I go online stead of going local?
- The item is already boxed up
- Shipped directly to my house..
- I can compare prices with hundreds of shops.
- And NO LINES.. whoo hoo!
You bet.. im going line. While online I was thinking to myself… what are some of the key things I look for for a “safe shopping experience”
Fellow Toastmasters, and Guest. Today, I am going to give you a few tips to keep your Online Shopping enjoyable, and safe experience.
I am going to give you 5 simple steps to ensure you are protecting your computer, yourself, and your family.
BODY
- Viruses, Trojans, etc..
1. Make sure you have antivirus Software is update to date.
1. A few of the program names (norton, mcafee, avast, even AVG) if update to date.
2. Ensure that virus definitions are update to date. These are like a dictionairy for viruses, each virus has a uniquie identifyer.
3. The Scans search every file on our computer for the “identifer strings”
- Spyware, Adware (Programs are cause popups,causes popups, keyloggers,
1. Download AdAware (lavasoft) and do a full update.
2. Again these too have definitions.
3. Download a free 15 day trial of Counterspy
- Uninstall any unused software, games, toolbar programs (hotbar, smiley central, commet cursor,)
1. These track where you go, and what you click on.
2. Then display advertisments depending on what you prevsiouly clicked on.
- Use an actual credit card. Do not use a debit card. When using the Credit Card Companies, it’s easier to fight a transaction. It’s much more difficult to fight a transaction where the money has already been withdrawn from your computer.
- Trust your instincts, if it doesn’t feel right (ordering, entering your number). Then STOP. You can always find that item some where else, even if it is direct from China.
1. Meaning if you see popups happening … go some where else
2. If the ordering process asks to many questinl
3. Look for a lock icon in your brower.. IE usually bottom right, or with IE 7 it’s at the top.
1. Click on the lock and see what it says
2. Also can be identified as https:// in your address bar.
CLOSING
So In closing, I want you to STOP for a moment and reflect on this speech.
Before you click check out, or buy now… Stop. .. and think about these
- Do you have antivirus and antispyware software?
- Is the software uptodate?
- Are you using Credit Card and not a debit card
- Does it feel safe to you?
Think about these I just want you stop for a second, and think about these tips before going on line to shop.
I hope I have not frightened you away from shopping on line. In-fact actually the opposite, I encourage it.
Oh.. and you are probably wondering I got my girlfriend.
A full sized Darth Vader mask, as my Girl
Remember the old adage.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
Copyright (C) 1997-2010, Chris Coulson and Coulson Technologies, LLC. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
