| How to Protect your Computer |
| Written by samyot | |
| Monday, 12 September 2005 | |
 This article will explain to you what you should do to protect your computer and keep yourself safe while connected to the internet...Source: TJ's Custom Computers 1 - Install and regularly update [check for updates daily] antivirus software. Scan your hard drive [weekly at minimum]. Antivirus software helps to keep your computer free of infection from viruses, worms, and Trojans. Further, most anti-virus sites provide the option for email notifications for medium and high risk viruses. We (TJ's Custom Computers) recommend one of the following vendors for up-to-date software and virus information: 2 - Install firewall software on each computer in your home Personal Firewall Software acts as a barrier between your computer and the Internet, helping to block out viruses, worms, Trojans, and unauthorized access to your computer and files. The software runs on your computer like any other software package. Its function is to inspect every packet of data leaving or entering your system and to deny or allow this traffic. The absence of firewall software on your computer may allow your computer to be vulnerable to infection or invasion. It is best that you research and give consideration to the security required for your computers. There are many packages available on the Internet for a minimal fee. Software firewalls are available from several vendors, including: Zone Labs offers a free version of Zone Alarm personal firewall software at: Corporate Firewall Solutions - If you are on a network running several computers, you may want to consider a hardware firewall to eliminate the cost of multiple software licenses. Many routers have built-in firewall capability, configurable by your company's Network Administration. 3 - Windows Updates Check for updates for your Windows operating system and for Microsoft Office weekly at minimum! Microsoft frequently releases patches to security holes and vulnerabilities that are found in its software. If you don't obtain and install these updates to an affected computer, your computer is vulnerable to attack and/or infection. Add the following Microsoft web sites to your Favorites: Microsoft update sites will scan your computer for uninstalled updates and will let you know which are critical for installation. Be sure to install all critical updates. You may have to restart your computer following each update to fully install the updates or patches. 4 - Education You can receive email viruses from people that you know and trust - primarily because many viruses are sent via the address book on the infected computer. So, the person who has sent that worm or virus to you may not even know it! Your system CAN be infected with a virus even though you have installed anti-virus software and you update your software regularly. You can receive a virus through your email program even if you haven't opened an attachment. An email does not have to contain an attachment to contain a virus. Email isn't the only way that a virus can infect your system. Viruses can be sent through the web, on a floppy disc, via FTP (file transfer protocol), through chat clients, and even by visiting web pages. They can even infect your computer through a security hole in a software package or your operating system (Windows). This is why performing all critical updates from Microsoft is imperative. DO NOT open email attachments that you are not expecting - even if they come from someone you know. Disable the Preview Pane in your email client. With Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express, previewing an email message may be enough to infect your system with a worm/virus. Exercise caution when downloading files from the Internet. Ensure that the source is a legitimate and reputable one. Verify that an anti-virus program checks the files on the download site. If you're uncertain, don't download the file at all or download the file to a floppy and test it with your own anti-virus software. Most anti-virus software will include a manual for installation and support. Typically support by the manufacturer includes both web-based and assistance via email. 5 - Utilities |
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| Last Updated ( Friday, 28 October 2005 ) |
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