Helpful Tips
Install and Regularly Update an
Antivirus Program
Norton
Antivirus by Symantec and VirusScan by McAfee are
excellent products to protect your computer system from
viruses. If you don't want to pay for your virus
protection, Grisoft offers a free version of its antivirus software
to home users. However, this product is not as easy
to use as Norton or McAfee. For further information,
click on the links below.
Install a
Firewall
A firewall is your first
line of defense against threats on the internet. A firewall
will help protect your computer from malicious people
such as hackers and malicious software such as viruses
and worms. Firewalls come in 2 forms, software and
hardware. Software firewalls are installed on your computer
like any other program and prevent unauthorized access to your
computer. Hardware firewalls are small pieces of equipment
installed between your computer and the modem usually provided by
your cable or DSL company. They are best suited for high speed
internet connections and are especially useful for sharing one high
speed connection safely among several computers. For further
information, click on the links below.
Software Firewalls:
Hardware Firewalls:
- D-Link wired or wireless Cable/DSL Router with Firewall
and Parental Control
- Linksys wired (no Parental Control
Option) or wireless Cable/DSL Router with Firewall
and Parental Control
Turn On Windows
Automatic Updates
It is extremely important to have this
feature turned on. Microsoft regularly releases updates
for all of its windows software, and this feature will make sure you
are up to date, which will in turn help protect you from
hackers and virus authors who try to exploit these security
vulnerabilities. Here is how to
turn it on.
Install
Anti-Spyware and Anti-Adware, Update It, and Regularly Scan Your
Computer
Spyware and
Adware are the latest demons of the Internet. These
malicious programs may be installed in your computer without your permission when
you are surfing the Internet. They cause several problems,
including poor computer performance, slow Internet access, and annoying
popups. The worst potential problem is that some of
these programs will actually track where you are going on the
Internet and even the information you type into your computer, which
could allow someone to steal your
identity. It is extremely important to protect your
computer from spyware and adware. Below are some programs to
help you stay safe.
Backup Your
Computer Regularly
Backing up your computer data is
extremely important because computers crash all the time. Many
times, it can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to recover
files from a crashed computer. Maxtor One Touch is an excellent way
to backup your entire computer: files, pictures, music, and
email. In addition, it is a good idea to burn/make a CD or
DVD copy of your most important files such as financial records
and pictures.
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