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This is my list of specific things the average person can do to enhance the security,
safety and privacy of their computing experience. Your computer security can affect the
security of your friends, family, business associates and anyone you have contact
with through e-mail or IM (instant messaging). Why? Many types of computer malware
("Trojans"
and "worms")
spread by sending copies of themselves to all the e-mail or instant messaging (IM)
contacts in your address, contacts or buddy list.
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- Use a software "firewall" on every computer that has contact/connects with the
Internet. A "firewall" helps to block/control access to (and sometimes from) your
computer. For example, a firewall can help block some types of computer malware
("Trojans"
and "worms")
and malicious individuals who "scan" the Internet for vulnerable computers.
Windows XP and later versions of windows include a software based firewall. Make sure
it is enabled/working. Users of older versions of Windows (Windows 98, ME, 2000) need to install a firewall
application. The "Jetico Personal
Firewall" and "Filseclab Personal Firewall" are FREE and compatible with some older Windows versions.
If you have a high speed/broadband connection the device you use to connect your computer to
the Internet may provide firewall functionality. Check with your ISP (Internet Service
Provider) to determine if the equipment they provide includes a firewall. To learn more about
how to configure this type of firewall read my tutorial Broadband
Setup Tips. A software based firewall installed on each computer and a
hardware device that includes firewall functionality can be used simultaneously.
- Choose good passwords. Use a
"password manager" to store and organize your passwords. Choose a password
manager that protects your passwords with encryption.
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Backup important computer files. Create
drive/disk images.
- Use both antivirus and
spyware/adware detection software and update them daily.
If you can't afford to pay for antivirus software I suggest you try one these
FREE products to include:
AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition,
Avira AntiVir Personal,
Avast 4 Home Edition or
ClamWin Free.
Popular FREE spyware/adware detection applications include Ad-Aware SE
and Spybot Search.
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Routinely update your computer's operating system
and installed software/applications. The companies that produce computer applications
sometimes issue free updates. These updates often patch/fix security and performance
related issues. It is imperative to update applications that have contact with/connect
to the Internet. Examples include, your Internet browser (Examples: Internet Explorer,
Mozilla) any media players (audio or video) to include Apple's "Itunes" and "Quicktime",
Microsoft's "Media Player" and the
Adobe "Flash" player.
Routinely update communications/applications to include IM (instant messaging) clients
(Examples: Windows Live/MSN Messenger, AOL Messenger (AIM), ICQ, Yahoo! Messenger
and Google Talk). Update your e-mail client (the software you use to send and
receive e-mail) (Examples: Outlook Express, Thunderbird).
Updates to Outlook Express and Internet Explorer are delivered through
Microsoft Update.
Routinely update Microsoft's "Office",
Adobe's "Reader" and "Acrobat". Characteristics of these applications are often targeted and exploited to gain unauthorized access to your computer/s by malicious people. The Internet can then be used as a pathway to your computer/s. Malicious people could potentially monitor your computer use, steal passwords and usernames, delete important files your computer needs to operate properly. Malicious people could also change important configuration settings within your computer gaining even greater access and control over your computer/s.
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Use encryption to protect important personal or
business information. Never send private personal or business information
using e-mail unless it is encrypted. Cryptainer LE and
TrueCrypt are both FREE applications you can use to
encrypt information you send by e-mail.
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Improve the default security settings of your Internet
Web browser and e-mail client.
- Protect your computer against electrical surges/problems.
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Operate your computer with "least privilege" by using limited "user" accounts
instead of accounts with "Administrator" privileges. Operating your computer with
"least privilege" can improve the security of your computer. However, it is an often
overlooked practise/concept especially by many home and small business computer
users. I will be writing an article/tutorial that discusses "least privilege" as
it applies to the average computer user. Like all the articles I write it will be
geared toward SOHO (small office, home office) and home computer users.
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Disconnect your computer from the Internet when not in use. Example, plug your
broadband modem or access point into a
"power outlet strip".
Turn off the power strip to power down the broadband modem or access point when
not in use. Broadband routers and access points can be remotely hacked/broken
into by malicious individuals. If possible use a password to protect/limit access
to your broadband router or access points management interface. If you use a
dialup connection disconnect from the Internet when you're not using it. This
reduces your computers exposure to Internet born viruses,
"Trojans",
"worms"
and malicious individuals that scan the Internet for vulnerable computers.
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Lock your computer when you leave it unattended. You can "lock" versions of Windows
beginning with Windows 2000. Locking your computer prevents access to it until a
password is entered to unlock it. To lock a computer running Windows XP:
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Press and hold down the following keyboard keys in succession: "Ctrl" then "Alt"
then the "Delete" key. A dialog box will open.
- Click the button that says "Lock Computer".
Shortcut: If you have a keyboard with a "Windows logo key" hold
it down then press the L key to lock your computer.
Once you "lock" your computer you will be required to enter your password to once
again gain access to it. You should use a password to restrict access to your
computer. Read my article "Create Strong Passwords"
to learn more about why and how to create good passwords.
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Use a password protected screen saver. To enable password protection on a screen
saver in Windows XP:
- Right click the desktop
- Left click the word "Properties" on the popup menu
- Click the "Screen Saver" tab on the "Display Properties" dialog box
- Click in the check box to place a check mark next to "On resume, password protect".
- Choose a time interval for how long your computer must be idle before the screen
saver automatically begins. I suggest a setting of 10 to 15 minutes.
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If you have any comments on how I might improve this information please offer your
suggestions. Thanks, Tom
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