The Essential Stuff
The internet can be a hazardous place for the unwary. Unfortunately there are those who would steal your personal information, passwords, credit card details etc, and then there are those who will try to create havoc on your computer by giving you a virus. A virus is a file that can wreak havoc on an unprotected computer.
Three steps you should take to protect your computer:-
- Install Anti-virus software and keep it updated
- Install Firewall software
- Use Windows Update frequently
anti-virus software
Anti-virus software is essential on the internet. Most (but not all) viruses come via email attachments. If you receive an email from someone you don't know that has an attached file DO NOT OPEN THE FILE, delete it immediately.
Another way a virus can get onto your computer is via files or programs downloaded from the internet.
If you have anti-virus software installed that is updated frequently, (good software such as 'McAfee anti-virus' or 'Norton anti-virus' usually comes with 12 months free updates) then you are likely to be safe. Do not rely on the anti-virus software that came with your new computer, it is likely to be a cut down version and too out of date to be fully effective.
Firewall software
As soon as you connect to the internet, you effectively open a door to anyone on the net who wants to look at your computer files. Hackers, as they are known, are adept at this and are capable of collecting information from your computer such as credit card details, personal information and anything else you store on your computer.
If you think that no-one would go to the trouble of hacking your computer, think again. they don't have to "dial your number", so to speak, they use special software to seek out unprotected computers and when they find one they can load software to feed information back to them.
The answer to this problem is Firewall Software which effectively places a barrier between your computer and the internet which only allows passage to programs you wish to allow. they need a little effort to set up initially but then they run in the background, monitoring.
Windows XP comes with a firewall program but it is very basic and I would recommend that you install one of the many firewall programs available. One such program is called Zonealarm. It comes in a Free Version for the home user but there is a Professional Version with added features, such as pop up blocking etc. It also has wizard to help you in the initial setup. You could also use 'Norton Internet Security' which is a combined Antivirus/Firewall package, like the McAfee product.
Important Note :-
In early versions of Windows XP, its own Firewall was turned off by default, and if required, needed to be turned on by the user. In the latest service pack (SP2) the firewall is turned on by default. If you are using a third party firewall such as Zonealarm, which in my opinion, is still vastly superior to the windows firewall, then you must turn off the windows firewall after SP2 is installed, to prevent conflict. This is done by accessing the new Security center via Accessories - System Tools - Security center or from Control Panel - Security Center. At the bottom of the Security Center window, click on 'Windows Firewall' and select 'Off' , Don't worry about the 'not recommended' warning, this only means that you shouldn't use the internet without a firewall, but you have Zonealarm or something similar don't you? (If not, you should).
Windows Update
By default, Windows Update is set to Automatic. I recommend that you keep this setting. If you choose to set this to manual you can be more selective in what updates you install, but It is important that you use 'Windows Update' .This will ensure that you have the latest security updates from Microsoft, thereby giving you the best defense against intruders. If you have it set to manual and you have a slow connection, the first time you use it will take a long time but it is well worth it.
Take a look at the Maintenance page for more important information.
