Use common sense to stay safe

General

Continued from Better safe than sorry

To turn on Windows Firewall, click on the Start button, then Control Panel on the right, then on the Windows Firewall icon. Select the On option, and make sure to leave the ‘Don’t allow exceptions’ box unchecked.

In Vista, click on the Windows button, then Control Panel on the right sidebar, then Security. The second option available is Windows Firewall where you can turn it on or off plus allow programs through.

Common sense

Despite these specific strategies, the best way to protect your computer from any most problems does not involve any special software or hardware.

Good surfing habits on the Internet are the key to keeping your computer safe. The best things you can do for your computer are:

  • Keep Windows XP or Windows Vista updated by turning on automatic Windows Updates. To do this in XP, click Start, then select the Control Panel on the right, then select Automatic Updates. Select Automatic and specify the day and time it would be convenient for these updates to be installed. In Vista, click on the round Windows logo button (same as the start button in XP), then select the Control Panel on the right, then Security. The third option available is Windows Update where you can turn automatic updates on or off. Or click the round Windows logo button and type ‘automatic updates’ in the search box and click. Select automatic updates from the search results.

  • Don’t open e-mail attachments unless you have checked with the sender to verify the validity of the attachment. Almost all viruses on the Internet today are spread through e-mail attachments hiding as seemingly innocent files. Some also download via Internet chat and appears as if they are coming from a friend.

  • Spyware and anti-virus programs often can’t update quickly enough to deal with the rate of content change typical of file-sharing mechanisms such as Kazaa, Limeware, or Bit Torrent. File-sharing programs are known to be havens for spyware with daily updates of new malicious content that will almost certainly infest your computer with spyware.

  • When using the Internet, don’t click links in e-mails. Phishing scams on the Internet use fake Internet addresses (URLs) and pretend they are from banks or credit card companies. If you must use the link in an e-mail, copy and paste the link into your web browser to be sure you are going to the actual company’s website.

Taking these precautions will protect you and your computer from unscrupulous or unwanted activity. Knowing that your computer isn’t bogged down with unwanted viruses provides peace of mind while you enjoy all that the Internet has to offer. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Learn more in the book Absolute Beginners Guide to Security Spam Spyware and Viruses, by Andy Walker.