Samsung Galaxy Tabs For Dummies
Book image
Explore Book Buy On Amazon

As far as the Samsung Galaxy tablet’s Internet app’s settings go, most of the security options are already enabled, including the blocking of pop-up windows (which normally spew ads).

If information retained on the tablet concerns you, you can clear it when you use the Internet app: Touch the Menu button and choose the Settings command. Then choose either the Privacy category or the Privacy and Security category, depending on which version of the Internet app is installed on your tablet.

If the screen says Privacy, choose the Delete Personal Data item. Place check marks by the items you want to remove from the tablet’s storage, and then touch the Done button. Back on the Privacy screen, remove check marks next to all items to add the most security. Be aware that these settings do slow down the Internet app a tad.

If the screen says Privacy and Security, you’ll find several commands that begin with the word Clear. These options vacuum away personal information and settings that may be of concern to you. For example, choose the Clear History command to remove browser history. Or touch the Clear Form Data item to remove any preset data from Internet forms you may have filled in the past.

As you use your Galaxy tablet, you may see various warnings regarding location data. What they mean is that the tablet can take advantage of your location on planet earth (using the GPS or satellite position system) to help locate businesses and people near you. There is no obvious security problem in leaving the feature on, though you can disable location services.

With regard to general online security, always to be smart and think before doing anything questionable on the web. Use common sense.

One of the most effective ways that the Bad Guys win is by using human engineering to try to trick you into doing something you normally wouldn’t do, such as click a link to see a cute animation or a racy picture of a celebrity or politician. As long as you use your noggin, you should be safe.

About This Article

This article is from the book:

About the book author:

Dan Gookin combined his love of writing with his gizmo fascination nearly 30 years ago to produce more than 160 informative, entertaining books demystifying technology. Perhaps his most famous is DOS For Dummies, published in 1991, which became the world's fastest-selling computer book and launched the entire For Dummies franchise.

This article can be found in the category: