It can be extremely frustrating when you suddenly find that your mouse won’t work. Unless you have laptop/Mac with a track pad you are completely stuck and unable to work/play on your computer.
There are lots of reasons why you mouse suddenly stops working – and fortunately most are a quick fix. So try out the options provided below and hopefully you will be up and running again quickly.
First Time Use
If this is the first time that you are using your mouse and it’s not performing properly it maybe that you need to download a driver. Go to the website for the manufacturer of your mouse and check if a driver is needed. More often than not you can download these for free.
Battery
Try replacing the batteries, most mice contain AA or AAA batteries which you can buy at your local supermarket. After a while the batteries in your mouse do run down and a simple replacement may be the answer to your problem. Stating the really obvious, make sure that you replace the batteries in the correct way around and close the little door securely. To put the batteries in the right way, look for the positive symbol which is a plus sign+, this will be imprinted within the compartment or on the battery cover.
Worn
If you mouse has seen a lot of use and is now not clicking properly, it’s simply that it has become worn down. This can be fixed, just Google it and you will suggestions on how to repair it. It is not worth taking to a computer repair business as it would be more cost-effective to purchase yourself a new mouse.
Surface
Have you changed the surface that you are using your mouse on? Some older mice will not work on certain surfaces such as glass. The simple remedy maybe to use a mouse pad.
USB Port
Another easy potential solution to a mouse not working is a defective USB port. Just unplug your mouse and plug it into a different USB port and this could be the answer to your problem.
Multi-Card Reader
It could be that your multi-card reader is defective; to determine if this is the issue plug the mouse directly into a USB port.
Clean
A sign that your mouse is dirty and needs a clean is if your pointer moves in a jerky manner or is less responsive than it used to be. Cleaning your mouse is simple whether it is a wired or wireless mouse.
Pairing
When using a Bluetooth mouse it needs to be paired properly. To find out how to do this surf the net and you will find lots of information on this topic.
Buy a New Mouse
If none of the simple solutions presented above and your mouse has seen better days it may be time to purchase a new mouse. Mice are relatively inexpensive now and there is a wide variety available from computer parts stores, small appliance stores, on the net and if you are lucky your local supermarket. There are some really groovy mice available, particularly on the web so it might be time to make a fashion statement!
At Affordable Computer Repairs and Service we guarantee you will be more than satisfied with both our expertise and our repair and IT service rates.
We are a Brisbane based computer repair business, our address is 48 Octantis Street in Coorparoo, Brisbane. The majority of the work we do is undertaken in our workshop as we have found most customers prefer not to have a technician come to their home and find it more convenient to deliver their defective computer(s) to us. We do request that you do the courtesy of calling us prior to arriving at our office.
Why won’t my Mouse Work? Article by Affordable Computer Repairs and Service
Tablets are improving functionality all the time and are for many a good replacement for a laptop; however it really does depend on what you are going to use the machine for. For social networkers and those who spend a lot of time surfing the net and sending email tablets provide all that they need in an ultra portable device.
However if you are going to do a lot of typing and touch-pad navigation then you will soon become frustrated using a table and really the best choice for you is a laptop or a laptop hybrid.
The Choice between a Traditional Notebook and a Hybrid
A more recent evolution in the technology market is hybrid laptop designs that also double as tablets. One example of this evolution is devices that can bend back 360 degrees turning into a slate. There are also hybrids that have removable keyboards. A further new entrant to the market is notebooks which have keyboards that slide out.
To date these hybrids mostly don’t provide a good a slat experience as dedicated tablets or notebooks. The keyboards that slide out of notebooks are very handy, but do increase the size of your notebook. A good keyboard detachable design does provide a good option of using your laptop as a tablet.
Windows or Mac OS
As we all know Apple’s operating system is available on far fewer laptops and desktops which reduces your options. However Mac OS has proven to be more stable and is often chosen over Windows are the operating system is more user-friendly.
Windows on the other hand provides a much greater range of different devices and also allows for more personalisation OS the system. With a Windows based machine you also have a much, much greater choice in software particularly games and a wide variety of free software.
Battery Life
Whatever device you decide to purchase you need to take into account the battery life of the device. All devices obviously require the battery to be recharged, how often you have to connect your device to a power outlet is determined by the life of the battery within your chosen device. Remember too that over time the battery life will diminish.
We strongly recommend that you research to find the longest possible battery life for your machine, even if it costs you extra is it well worth paying for. The reason for choosing these devices is there portability and in our opinion battery life is more important than weight and slim design.
It is possible to purchase notebooks with 6 hours of battery life and they are worth seeking out. You should also be aware that some notebooks are designed in such a way that the batteries are sealed and can’t easily be upgraded which will result in an extra expensive with having to take the device to a computer repair business. You should also consider the ease of battery removal so that if you travel long distances you can carry a replacement battery which you should be able to easily install into the device.
Remember too that the battery life depends on the brightness of the screen and the type of tasks that you perform – video for example uses much more battery power than surfing on the web. So while manufactures may advertise a certain length of battery life, if you use your device for high intensive tasks the battery life will be much shorter than what is advertised.
When to Purchase your New Machine
It’s very tempting to delay purchasing a new machine in order to get the very latest laptop and operating system. The problem is that as soon as you have made your purchase a new system will be on its way. With the rapid movement of technology these days there really isn’t much point in waiting for the latest and greatest because it won’t be that for long.
In Section One of Why is my wireless Mouse or Keyboard not Working we covered the easiest possible solutions to this situation. In Section Two below we provide additional methods of solving this issue should you not have found the answer to your non-functioning mouse or keyboard in Section One.
Re-sync your connections using the Connect Button
You have 60 seconds within which to re-sync your wireless keyboard and mouse connections. If on first go you take longer than this time, you will need to repeat the exercise. By re-syncing your connections you will be making the keyboard or mouse devices reconnect to the receiver with new identification numbers. Follow these easy steps to re-sync your connections.
Plug in your receiver. Press down and hold down the Connect button which is on your receiver. Hold it down until the activity LED flashes.
Now press the recessed Connect button on the underside off your keyboard, hold it down until the activity light on the receiver stops flashing. Release the Connect button – make sure it pops up.
In order to re-sync your mouse you use the same steps but instead of depressing and holding down the keyboard connection button you press down the mouse button, found on the base of the mouse.
Re-sync your connections without a Connect Button
Some wireless receivers do not have a Connect Button; in this case the re-syncing steps are a little different.
Unplug the USB receiver from its USB slot and wait for ten seconds.
Re-insert the USB receiver into the port again. All going well the receiver’s activity light should turn on and then turn off again within about five seconds.
Once the activity light has gone off you need to press and hold down the keyboard connect button, the receiver’s activity light should turn on again. Now release the keyboard connection button.
Follow the same steps for your mouse, instead of holding down the keyboard connection button; depress the mouse button which is found on the underside of your mouse.
One possible reason for the re-syncing process not to work is if you have another wireless mouse or keyboard nearby and it maybe using the same number. If after re-syncing and your mouse or keyboard are still not functioning, follow these steps again and your device will be provided with a new ID number.
System Restore
In the event that your keyboard and mouse devices has previously been performing and now are not, you can (if possible) employ Microsoft System Restore and go back in time for when the devices were working correctly.
Try your Keyboard/Mouse on a Different Computer
To rule out if there is some sort of software problem with your laptop, PC or Mac that is responsible for your wireless keyboard, mouse and receiver not working you could try them on a different computer.
Bios
Another option you have if your computer is unable to detect your mouse or keyboard is to download and update the BIOS for your computer.
Devices Work as a Set
Another possibility is that one of these three items is not transmitting a signal that matches one of the other devices. This is most likely to occur if you have replaced just one of the devices and the three devices need to work as a set. If this is the case you will most likely have to purchase a full replacement set.
Defective Device(s)
If after trying all the trouble shooting methods provided above and in Section One and your mouse or keyboard problem hasn’t been rectified it is most likely that you have a hardware problem with one or more of your devices – the mouse, the keyboard or the wireless transmitter. You are now at the stage of looking at purchasing a new device or devices – you may need a set, see above.
Affordable Computer Repair and Service, we rectify hardware and software faults for Desktops, Laptops and Macs. We are well known for providing an excellent repair and IT service being affordable and experienced, personable and friendly.
Visit our website or Google+ to read the wonderful testimonials that have been written by our customers who have used or are still using our services.
Find us at 48 Octantis Street on the corner of Mars Street in Coorparoo. We are just 10 minutes to the south of the city of Brisbane.
Wireless mouse or keyboard not working? There is nothing more frustrating than sitting down to work – or play (updating your Facebook page for example) and your keyboard or mouse does not work… Use our check list and suggestions and hopefully you will find a solution quickly allowing you to work on your PC, laptop or Mac.
Re-Boot
Try re-booting your computer; it’s amazing how many problems are solved by simply restarting your laptop, PC or Mac.
On Switch
A really simple solution could be that for some unknown reason your mouse has been turned off – your children playing a prank on you? On the underside of your mouse make sure that the switch is on the On position.
USB Receiver Port
There may be a problem with the USB port that the receiver is plugged into. Just remove the USB receiver, count to 10 slowly and then plug in the receiver to a different USB port. The closer the USB port is to the mouse and keyboard the better so if you have the option of a USB port in the front of your computer insert the USB receiver to that port.
Batteries
Your difficulties could be caused by batteries being at the end of their life. We recommend you replace the alkaline batteries with new ones even when the software for your keyboard/mouse show that the batteries still have a charge. Most keyboards have the battery located on the underside of the keyboard. Obviously it’s vital that you put the battery in the correct way around, there will be a + sign to indicate the positive position for the batteries.
The Receiver Distance
For your wireless mouse and keyboard to work properly they need to be within 30 centre metres, a ruler length from the receiver. Make sure that the receiver is on the same level surface and close enough to your mouse and keyboard for it to work properly.
Re-install the Device Drivers
If your keyboard or mouse device came with your new laptop, PC or Mac you can try re-installing the original drivers.
If your mouse or keyboard did not come with your computer you will need to check on the manufactures website of your device for drivers and download them.
New Keyboard or Mouse
If you have purchased a new mouse or keyboard and they are not functioning it could be because you need to remove the software for your previous devices. In order to do this you need to go to Start, select Control Panel, select Add/Remove Programs and then delete any software relating to your mouse/keyboard – please do be careful!
Once this is done you need to re-boot your computer before installing the new keyboard/mouse software. To do this firstly check the status of your mouse and keyboard in the Device Manager.
Once you have opened the Device Manager select the + sign next to the keyboard or mouse device.
If your keyboard or mouse device is now shown in Device Manager then they have not been recognised by the computer. If this occurs you need to turn the keyboard or mouse off and then on again and re-sync your devices.
Affordable Computer Repairs and Service are experts at repairing, upgrading and building computers. We give unsurpassed service and our rates are more than competitive. Although our company is only four years old it is highly successful having grown at a rapid rate because we meet our customers’ needs and in return we obtain a high volume of repeat business as well as a substantial proportion of our work generated by word of mouth.
The graphics processing unit is a device found in your computer that is responsible for displaying the visual image on your screen. A function of the GPU is to decrease the load on the Central Processing Unit of your computer. A GPU can be a dedicated graphics card or could be integrated within the motherboard of your machine. When subject to heavy loads or over clocked a GPU can be subject to strain which could lead to damage of the device.
How the GPU Fan Works
Most video card are equipped with fans to keep them cool. The driver software usually dictates the fan speed. The fan speed is adjusted by the driver dependent upon the pressure being put on the video card. This occurs because as the graphics processing unit is under a heavy work load it will generate additional heat and this in turn causes the fan to rotate faster to keep the unit cool. An example of when this is likely to occur is when you run graphically intensive programs such as 3D applications, high definition video rendering or playing HD videos which cause a heavy work load for the GPU.
Signs your GPU is Overheating
If the fan speed increases randomly or remains loud even when the system is not doing anything resource intensive, it can be an indication that the GPU is overheating. One way to rectify this problem is to check there is no dust or debris on the video card as this is a common cause of a GPU overheating. You can also check the temperature of the GPU using a temperature monitoring utility.
Symptoms of a failing GPU
Like any other computer device GPU’s don’t’ last forever, and the lifespan the GPU can be reduced if the device is continually performing to its maximum ability.
Intermittent Errors
Signs that the GPU is not performing optimally can be when there are intermittent errors on your computer. Examples of a struggling GPU include a slowdown in frame rates when using 3D programs which you didn’t experience previously. You might also find that the GPU can no longer handle the heavy load of some games causing the machine to crash while you are playing. – you could also get an error message when this occurs stating the display driver has been recovered.
Fan Noise
If you GPU is struggling to cope with high intensive applications you should notice an increase in the noise made by the fan. Visual Anomalies Another sure way to tell that your GPU is on the way out is if you get vidual anomalies on your screen:
Lines across the screen
Flickering images
Artefacts – weird angular shapes with holes in them.
Incorrect colours
A blank screen
Obvious Failure of the GPU
An obvious indication of a faulty GPU is that the computer reboots, displays a blue screen or locks up. This is most likely to happen when the GPU is under pressure as described above – trying to cope with the intensive calculations required for 3D applications, high-definition video rendering or other heavy work load such as playing HD videos.
Some Potential Solutions
An easy solution would be that the graphics card is not properly seated in your computer. Another easy fix is if the cables have come lose and need reconnecting. Also you might find the problem goes away if you update your video card drivers. Another possible correction could be that you have recently installed updated drivers which are unstable. Try going back to the previous drivers to see if this solves the problem.
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Affordable Computer Repairs and Service – If your graphics card needs replacing we can help. It is best if you bring you PC, laptop or Mac to us (48 Octantis Street, corner of Mars Street, Coorparoo). We will source a new video card for you and install it carefully and properly in your computer so that when we are finished your machine will perform as it used to before the failure of your video card. If the video chip is on your motherboard we can still help, unfortunately though, this is a more expensive repair job.
Dangers of Portable Hard Drives – We have had so many jobs lately from desperate customers needing to recover data, treasured photographs, work files, assignments, YouTube videos etc from failed portable hard drives that we thought we should inform our customers of the dangers of relying on these devices.
Firstly backing up onto a portable hard driver is not sufficient. You always need to back up on two different devices – be it a second portable hard drive, a USB flash drive, another hard drive located in a separate partition on your computer or by using an online or cloud back up service.
Backing up on one portable hard drive does not protect you from loss of data…
Portable hard drives need to be handled with care. This is especially so whilst they are powered and backing up your data. For example:
A knock, drop or spill on your portable hard drive could mean the loss of everything on the drive; and
Just any other device, portable hard drives can fail of their own accord.
With portable hard drives, you get what you pay for. Do not buy the cheapest drive available, you are only asking for trouble.
You are welcome to bring your non-functioning portable drive to us as we offer a hard drive recovery service – and we will do this for an affordable rate.
If however the drive is too badly damaged for us to be able to recover your data, your only other option is to go to a Commercial Data Recovery Specialist or Laboratory where they have Clean Room facilities (they even wear white lab coats and masks!) If the drive is badly damaged they may need to disassemble the hard drive itself in order to recover all or part of your data. The catch is that their data recovery prices usually start at around $800 and can go into the thousands!
We have also had unfortunate customers who have backed up several computers with years of invaluable data onto a single portable hard drive – and then deleted all that data from their PC or Laptop – only to have the portable drive fail on them! So while they were trying to do the right thing and ensure their files and photographs, music, videos etc are safely stored, they find themselves looking at an expensive solution or no solution at all!
Always back up your data on two devices.
Affordable Computer Repairs and Service is located at 48 Octantis Street on the corner of Mars Street in Coorparoo. We have a home office on the bottom level of our house, the entrance to the office is off Mars Street, is it clearly signed.
Our business hours are from eight in the morning through to six at night, Monday through to Saturday. We do ask that you call us first so that we can discuss your problem over the phone and provide you with some advice before you bring your portable hard drive or computer to us.
We also offer a mobile service for customers within our Mobile Service Area. We do not charge call out fees or travel time to your place of work or home from our business located in Coorparoo.
The most common reason for mouse problems is that your mouse ball has lint, debris or hair stuck in the roller and preventing it from moving. This is a common problem that happens particularly to those who don’t use a mouse pad or regularly clean their mouse.
Mouse Stops Frequently or Skips
Batteries – A common mistake is replacing worn-out batteries. This uncomplicated task requires you to undo the battery cover and replace the current batteries with a new set.
Metal surfaces – If there is a large metal surface near your keyboard, mouse or receiver, your wireless receiver will not work properly.
Obstruction of objects – It is always important to ensure that the mouse and keyboard are in a direct line from the wireless receiver. If there is an object between them such as speakers, this can cause connection problems.
Plastic lens – The tiny plastic lens on the base of your mouse requires a quick wipe with a damp cloth frequently to keep the mouse running and connected.
Receiver distance – Has the receiver been moved recently, even by accident? In order for the receiver to work correctly, the keyboard and mouse need to be situated within thirty centimetres from the receiver.
Surface – Depending on the surface that your mouse is resting on, it is possible that the mouse s not working properly. For the best performance, we suggest using a mousepad rather than glass, reflective or translucent surfaces.
Solutions to Common Mouse Problems
Reboot Your Device
Firstly, try rebooting your desktop, laptop or Mac. While this may not determine why your mouse is having issues, it might begin working again after a reboot. A reboot is often an excellent way out of resolving a problem. However, if this does not work, please see below for some other possible mouse solutions.
Connections
It may be possible that if you have recently moved your laptop or desktop. AS a result, you may have inadvertently loosened the connection to the USB port.
Correct Port
Double-check that your mouse is plugged into the correct port. You may have simply plugged into the wrong port, but at least it is an easy fix.
Mouse Ball Stuck
To clean and remove the debris from the roller, you must move the mouse ball to the lock position on the underside of the mouse. Turn it on an angle to release the ball. Remove the lint with your fingers or a soft cloth. To rid the built-up dirt on the mouse rollers, turn the mouse the right way around. Tap on it so that the loose debris falls out the mouse door hole. There may still be lint stuck in the rollers, remove this carefully with your fingers or a pair of tweezers. Replace the ball back into the mouse by gently relocking the ball once all debris is cleaned.
Mouse TouchPad
Some laptops have a disable button just above the mouse touchpad. It may not be working if this button has been depressed. This may be a case of merely pressing the disable button once for your mouse to start working again. It is important to remember to only push this button once as if you do it twice by mistake, you could deactivate the mouse.
RAM
Insufficient RAM space could be the reason you are experiencing mouse problems. Try turning off some programs running in the background as well as ones you are not using. If this helps, then it may be time to upgrade your machine by installing additional RAM.
Installing RAM is fairly easy, however, you do need to pen the machine to install the additional ram. It may be also that your machine cannot be upgraded further as you already have the maximum amount of RAM installed. If this is the case, you need to do a thorough examination of your computer use. Delete enough applications and data to make your computer run properly or determine if it’s time to purchase a new machine.
Recent Update
A recent software update could be the cause of your mouse connectivity issues. We suggest tin this situation that you restart your machine and hopefully, this rectifies the situation.
Reset Your Mouse
Whether you have recently changed the batteries in your wireless mouse or not, try pressing the reset button on the wireless receiver and on the mouse. Some devices require the use of a pen to depress the button, please be careful when doing so.
Virus, Trojan or Other Form of Malware
A mouse’s poor or lack of function can be due to a malicious program on your machine. Whilst you may have up-to-date malware protection on your machine, no computer can ever be fully safe from malware infection.
Conclusion
If you bring your computer to our Coorparoo workshop, we can remove all traces of malware on your machine and add protection. We will then return it to you in the same condition as before it became infected as well as with your working mouse. We charge $190 for this service which includes cleaning your machine by running two full anti-software programs and installing some virus protection. This job takes about two hours to complete properly.
It may be that even after checking all these issues there is no performance improvement from your mouse. It may be that the device is defective after a long period of use and you will need to purchase a new mouse. Mice are now cheap to purchase and easily available, so this is not a major issue.
This blog was written by the technicians at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service. We are a family run business whose focus is to provide the best possible computer repair service to customers. We are not just expert repairers with affordable prices, we are also a traditional old fashion service with a smile. Contact us today on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707 for honest and friendly service for all your computer and IT issues.
A few computer facts and interesting information for you…
The world’s first computer (named the Z1), was invented by Konrad Zuse in 1936. His next invention was the Z2 which was finished in 1939. The Z2 was the first fully functioning electro-mechanical computer.
One of the world’s leading computer and computer peripheral manufacturer Hewlett Packard was first started in a garage at Palo Alto in 1939.
The first Apple computer was built by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak and was made by using parts they got for free from their employers. They made the Apple computer from scrounging spare parts from their workplace.
Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft was a college drop out.
Doug Engelbart invented the first computer mouse in 1964, and it was made out of wood.
A program named “Rother J” was the first computer virus to come into sight “in the wild” — that is, outside the computer or lab where it was created.
The billionth personal computer was sold in 2002 and the second billionth personal computer was sold in 2007.
The average computer user blinks about 7 times a minute – the normal rate of blinking per minute is 20.
Approximately,6000 viruses are released every month.
More than 12,000 laptops go missing at U.S airports every week!
Although today webcams are used mainly for user-to-user interaction and sometimes inappropriate endeavors, the first webcam was used to monitor a coffee pot at Cambridge University!
Note: This information has been sourced from multiple locations on the net and may not be 100% accurate.
Choosing a new home PC can be a daunting task for non-tech minded users. Before you go into the store or shop on the net its best to do some research first. You are also welcome to contact us for some free advice in you wish.
What do you need your new PC for?
When buying the best PC for you and your family the first thing you need to do is work out what you need the new PC for. Most often home PCs are used primarily for internet surfing, watching movies and doing work in Excel or Word.
If this is what you are looking for in a home PC, there is no need to spend a lot of money on cutting-edge components that you don’t need.
Most important factor of your PC
The most important factor in the cost and performance of your new PC is the processor. You need to choose between dual-core, quad-core, and six-core. Basically the more cores, the more tasks you can perform simultaneously. If your use of the machine is only to perform simple function you can save money buying a PC with a dual-core processor. However if you are likely to have multiple applications open at the same time we recommend that a quad-core processor would be more appropriate.
What Ram do you need?
Ram is the working memory in your PC and after the processor Ram is the next most important factor relating to the speed of the machine. Basically the more working memory you have, the faster you will be able to download files, load and print.
Some budget PCs have only have 2GB Ram, salesmen looking for a quick sale may tell you this is all that you need, however you will find out that in a very short time your machine will run far too slow.
You can probably get away with 4GB of Ram; however you may want to consider 6-8GB which would allow for potential new complex programs that you may decide to use in the future.
As far as storage goes, a 500GB hard drive should be sufficient for storing your data.
Choosing a new PC screen
Choosing a computer screen is quite often the fun part of buying a new PC. The prices of monitors have dropped considerably over the last few years so you should be able to pick up the screen of your choice for a reasonable price. If you intend to use your new computer for watching movies and doing a lot of reading we suggest that you purchase at least a 20″ screen. If you decide to run Windows 8.1, you should also consider buying a touch-sensitive monitor.
Also remember that all versions of Windows support the use of two screens at the same time so you can use the old screen alongside the new one, it doesn’t matter if they are different sizes. If you want to save money and are happy with your existing monitor, then there is no need to purchase a new one.
Buying your PC online quite often provides you with the best deal price-wise. However we suggest that you first visit a store or two to see if your chosen computer(s) are aesthetically pleasing to you. When buying online we do caution you about purchasing second hand computers or laptops…
Buy a PC online?
Buying online also offers you the ability to customise your PC, you can add more Ram, upgrade the CPU and purchase additional software that you may need. If on the other hand you can get a really great deal for a computer store (special offers or end of financial year sales etc), you could then take your new purchase to a computer repair shop to upgrade any components that you would like.
The warranty that comes with your chosen PC is very important – and the longer the better. It is always possible to purchase a lemon like you can with a new car and if this should unfortunately happen to you, a good warranty could save you a lot of money and stress.
Don’t get caught by up selling, this happens both in-store and online. Stick to your guns and purchase only what you have decided you need rather than ending up with a costly machine with features you will never use.
Still not certain what PC is best for you and your family?
Want to ensure that the machine you buy has quality yet affordable components and is built to last?
Custom Built PC
We at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service can custom build a machine to meet your needs, selecting the parts which we know through experience will provide you with the best value for money in terms of durability and reliability.
Call us today to discuss your computer needs and usage and we will work with you to ensure that the machine you buy is exactly what you need and want. Our custom built machines are not the cheapest on the market, they do however provide you excellent value for money as you can expect them to be long-lasting and should you require work done or upgrading as we know your machine you can be assured of a fast-cost effective service from us.
Most of us use computers, laptops, tablets, phones etc to access the internet – and this includes our children. However, while the advantages of using the internet are numerous, we cannot afford to ignore the disadvantages. This blog lists many of the dangers of the internet.
Dangers Of The Internet – A LONG List!
This list is not in any particular order of importance or relevance and more than likely does not include all the dangers of the internet, but we believe it covers the majority, happy reading…
Completing Web Registration Pages
It can be very dangerous to type sensitive data into website registration pages. In addition, you are also more likely to get hacked if you use the same username and password for most sites that you visit.
Con Artists
Numerous scams live on the internet, and their sole purpose is to steal money from you. It can be difficult to recognise the difference between safe information and scams, so people get caught out again and again.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is another serious danger when using the internet. This can be done anonymously as the bully can create a fake profile on social networking sites as well as fake email IDs. Online bullying can be more dangerous as the bully does not need to be physically present and therefore, cyberbullying can occur at any time.
Cyberbullying can include but is not limited to, hateful messages, death threats, online lies, nasty comments on social media profiles, mocking websites about the victim, identity theft to spread nasty comment and posting inappropriate videos of the victim.
Victims of cyberbullying often do not tell their parents about the situation as they do not want to lose their internet privileges. They may also not want their parents to become involved and believe this will only increase the bullying.
Disabling or Turning Off Automated Security Tools
Firewalls and anti-virus programs can slow down a computer, and in response, many users resort to turning this form of anti-virus protection off. This thereby opens their computer to all kinds of internet dangers; particularly is they forget to turn it back on.
Email Spam
A major negative effect of email spam is the possibility of malware such as viruses being included in an email. If you open or download spam email attachments, there is a very high chance that you are allowing virus onto your computer.
Assuming Weblinks are Safe to Click on
Internet users often believe that they are protected from any dangers of the internet when they are shopping online or surfing on safe websites. However, this is not true. Cybercriminals often target high traffic sites and provide links to malicious websites. These can then store the user’s information or result in the user downloading viruses onto their computers.
Damaged Reputations
Damage to your reputation if one of the dangers of the internet that many people do not take into account. It is easy to post photo and videos online without thinking out the potential repercussions. Many people post pictures and comments online that they later regret.
Jobs and schools often check a person’s online profile and activity when deciding on whether to accept them into their school or workplace. Therefore, it is extremely important to behave appropriately online.
Identity Theft
There are several ways in which your identity can be stolen on the internet. You may be caught in a scam and provide your bank account details and passwords to criminals. They then use this information to steal your ID and money.
There is also malicious software that can record your keystrokes which makes it easy for scammers to steal your identity and personal information.
Social media is also a platform that opens many doors to identity theft. Not only can your identity be stolen, but also your photos can be copied for use on porn sites and fake advertising.
Installing Free File-sharing Applications
Be careful when downloading free file-sharing utilities that let our share documents, software and music. These can be dangerous as many of these applications contain viruses.
Insufficient Security of Passwords
Many people still store their computer and other passwords next to their computers, or even worse, some still stick their passwords onto their computer screens or laptops.
Another dangerous thing that people do with their passwords is to share them with family and friends or even work colleagues.
As noted previously, it is important to not use the same password for all your online accounts as if a cybercriminal obtains your password, then all your internet activity is subject to hacking. Do not put all your eggs in one basket, it is better to keep different passwords for different purposes.
Internet Dating
There are always many dangers of online dating. The person you are communicating with could be someone completely different than who they say they are. People can easily provide fake pictures and false information about their identity. Upon meeting one of these unscrupulous people, you are risking yourself to a possible stalker.
A way to reduce this danger is to insist on telephone or video chats. It is important to ensure that when you plan on meeting someone from online dating in a public place, you let someone you trust know where you are going and what time you expect to return.
Leaving Social Media Privacy Setting Open
You need to carefully check your privacy settings on all social media accounts to ensure that personal information is not available to cybercriminals. If they have access to this information, they could use this to impersonate you to obtain credit cards.
Not Updating Antivirus Software
One of the most common dangers of the internet is to forget to update antivirus software. It is always essential to keep your anti-virus software up to date. If you do get a message or alert to do an update, click on it. It only takes a few minutes and will provide you with better protection as these updates include protection from new malware that has been developed since your last update.
Opening Plain Text or HTML Messages from Senders you Don’t Know
Many people are aware of the likelihood of obtaining a virus infection by opening email attachments. However, many are not aware that normal everyday text and HTML message can also contain viruses.
Piracy
Piracy is the act of illegally copying or downloading copyrighted material. This is the way that people can download free music and movies onto their computer. However, this has had a significant impact on the economy. It has been estimated that a years’ worth of pirated music causes $12.5 billion in economic losses globally. This also includes a loss of 71,060 US jobs and a loss of $2.7 billion in workers’ income.
Porn
Free pornography websites are rife with malware. It is not a matter of if but when you will obtain a virus on your computer if you visit these sites. It is much better to use paid sites than free websites due to better security.
Sexual Predators
Children can meet sexual predators online through chat rooms. Adults can also pretend to be teenagers or younger children to lure them into meeting them alone in dangerous places.
Sexual predators look for children that are emotionally vulnerable such as having problems at school or home. They use these issues to befriend the victim, empathising with them and building a pseudo friendship and most importantly, trust with the child.
Once the predator gains the trust of their victim, they often send inappropriate pictures. If the victim tries to cut off communication, the predators often send threats and scare the victim into continuing the relationship.
Warning signs that a predator may be grooming your child include:
They spend a lot of time online
They switch screens quickly using the Alt+Tab keys
You find porn on the computer
You find porn sites listed in the computer browsing history
Your child receives phone calls, gifts or mail from people you do not know
They withdraw from normal activity and becomes increasingly secretive
They start using other accounts from email or instant messaging
Time Wastage
Addiction is one of the major dangers of the internet. It is easy to waste an enormous amount of time online. It is often the case that you use the internet to obtain just one small bit of information, and the next moment you have spent hours on your computer. This could be generally surfing the internet, using social media or making unnecessary purchases.
Using Free Wi-Fi and Public Computers
Using free Wi-Fi available in public places can be dangerous. Once you are connected to free Wi-Fi, you are open to being hacked by other users on the same Wi-Fi link.
If you do connect to free Wi-Fi using a public computer, make sure to sign off on any websites you have logged into. It is also a very good idea to delete your browser’s history. If you save passwords on a public computer, it is easy for another user to access your accounts.
For Children Using the Internet
This list below includes information can help children avoid the dangers of the internet that are most common for children.
Give yourself an alias that doesn’t include any information about you.
Never share passwords with anyone other than your parents.
Be careful with what you write on social media platforms and in emails.
Only give your email address to family and a few trusted friends.
Do not respond to any abusive that is posted on the net – either ignore these posts or log off.
For Parents Whose Children Use the Internet
The list below includes information that can help a parent with children avoid the dangers of the internet.
Install internet filtering software to block inappropriate sites from any device your child has access to.
Use filtering software that monitors and records instant messaging, chat room conversation and all websites visited by your child.
Consider using a monitoring program that filters pornography keywords in several languages.
Set up a new email account and delete old ones if your child is getting harassing emails.
Help your child block or ban online bullies.
Explain to your child about how all photos can be copied and places online, even if they have been deleted.
Inform your children to not take embarrassing pictures and videos and post them online.
Further Information on Internet Protection
There are several websites that can provide you with information on how to protect yourself and your child/ren from the dangers of the internet. These include;
The Department of Broadband, Communications and Digital Economy – StaySmartOnline program
SCAMwatch provides information concerning the latest scams
Attorney-General’s website provides information on how to protect your identity
Summary of the Dangers of the Internet
It is very important that we are all aware of the dangers of the internet. As a parent, it is your job to be on guard to protect your family. There is a lot of information on the internet that can provide you with help. There are also many organisations and government agencies including those listed above who assist parents with online issues relating to your child’s safety online.
