"Security Measures for your PC"
Having Internet access means your data is at considerable risk from spy ware and other browsers. You can eliminate risks by securing your PC. If you think anonymity of the net is enough protection, you're wrong. There are many ways the bad guys can gain access and steal data, implant data, or dangerous viruses as well as Trojan horses.
These simple steps will give you good protection of your data:.
Set effective passwords for all users. It should be of minimum seven characters and contain upper case, lower case, as well as be alpha-numeric. Uncrackable passwords are the key: uppercase in the middle not just at the beginning as well as interspaced numbers.
Change user passwords by logging in using administrator privileges. Disable or remove XP’s file encryption before changing passwords, otherwise you will loose files. Major accounts that need protection are: administrator and any others created during installation of Windows.
Make sure you have firewall software installed and make sure it is set to update automatically. You will usually get a year free updates, then are required to renew. A FIREWALL is softwarethat is configured to detect and prevent unauthorized or remote access to the computer. A firewall notes the address from which an access request is received and then permits or denies access.
Newer PCs come installed with a firewall in WINDOWS XP, but you have to make sure it's constantly updated.
Install antivirus software like Symantec, Macfee or Panda which will scan the system automatically once a week and check any e-mails that seem suspicious. Be sure to periodically update the program, computer viruses proliferate each day. Many antivirus programs update themselves automatically.
Get and install 2 Anti-Spyware and adware programs - they're FREE. Adaware and Spybot are 2 I use and recommend. Adware and Spyware are programs that collect data and advertise products. They are installed without permission and collect
data from computer for use in marketing. Run these programs every week if you are a regular on the Internet.
Make sure you keep Windows updated. If you don't you will be leaving your computer wide open to those who take advantage of security lapses or holes in Windows. You can set Windows to automatically check for updates and install them for you if you are running XP.
Change the user name of the administrative account. This has full control to the files and system settings and becomes a target to hackers. Renaming the account strengthens security measures and protects your system.
Disable ‘hidden shares” if present in your operating system. This is present in Windows 2000 as well as XP. This permits others with the username and password with remote access to all your files and data. Data can be deleted, copies, changed or added. Disabling this option will reduce dangers greatly.
Change your Security settings. Often ActiveX code can be used to infect your computer. Avoid trouble by raising the default security level to high. Function effectively by placing oft used web sites in the ‘trusted sites’ Internet zone. Doing this will allow unrestricted viewing of most used sites.
Secure shared files by securing and configuring the guest user account. Password protect or disable the option.
Be safe: back up your data regularly. I found a great FREE backup program that I have been using for about a month and love it. Try it at http://www.educ.umu.se/~cobian/cobianbackup.htm
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