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what else can you do?
1) I recommend that all SOHO (small office, home office) and home computers use
a "firewall" regardless of how you connect to the Internet (dialup or broadband).
A firewall will help to insulate and protect your computer from some types of
computer worms, Trojans and malicious users on the Internet. A "firewall"
should be used on each and every computer or Internet connected network. One type
of firewall is a program/software you can install on your computer. This type
of "firewall" is an excellent solution for most home or SOHO (small office, home office)
users. Windows XP and Vista both have a firewall included with them. If you intend
to use the included firewall verify it is active/turned on. Another type of firewall
is a device that your computer attaches to. If you are a broadband user choose a
broadband device that has firewall capabilities built into the unit. Most of the
large ISP's (Internet Service Providers) like AT&T/Yahoo, Verizon, Netzero, Juno,
Qwest sell devices that include a firewall (sometimes called a residential gateway).
You will pay more money for these devices, but the added security and functionality
they provide are worth the additional cost. NOTE: Almost all large
businesses use firewalls to help protect their computer networks.
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2) Install a good antivirus program that updates itself automatically and regularly
while you're online. I suggest that if you use your computer on a daily basis, you
update your antivirus software daily. New viruses and variants are created on an
daily basis. I update my antivirus software manually each day before I
begin working online or check my e-mail for the first time. This insures
I have the latest available updates. An antivirus product that I like and recommend
is AVG Antivirus. AVG is produced by a company called
"Grisoft". A FREE version of AVG Antivirus is available for home computer users.
The free version allows you the opportunity to test AVG to see if you like it.
SOHO (Small office, home office) business computer users may want to consider
the Grisoft products designed specifically for small businesses.
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3) Routinely update your computers operating system (Example: Windows 2000, XP, Vista)
and all software/applications installed on your computer. Updates often address security
related issues that have been discovered since the release of the product. More recent
versions of Microsoft operating systems will automatically update your system for you.
Read the help files included with your computers OS (operating system) or search the
Internet to learn more about the update process. You can also manually update your computer
using Microsoft's Windows
Update Web site. Routinely update any other any applications/programs you have
that interact with the Internet. Examples: Instant Messaging programs like AOL
Messenger (AIM), MSN Messenger, ICQ, Yahoo!Messenger and Google Talk. Update the
software you use to view the Internet like Internet Explorer or the AOL Internet
browsing software and any chat software you may use. I suggest you check for updates
at least every 2 weeks. Updates for these programs often address security related
issues and include feature enhancements.
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4) Always back up any files on your computer that are important to you. I suggest you
establish a consistent backup routine. You might consider adding a small additional
hard drive to your computer or use a removeable USB drive. Use this drive as a dedicated
backup drive. In addition, always store a copy of your backup files on a storage media
like CD/DVD-R. Read my short tutorial on how to get started using
the FREE file backup application called Allway Sync
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5) You may also want to read my list of other things you can do to
enhance your computer safety.
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If you have any comments on how I might improve this information please offer your
suggestions. Thanks, Tom Bowser
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