Safeguarding your computer.FOUR EASY STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR WINDOWS PC An x86-based computer that runs some version of Windows. See x86 and Windows. AND YOURSELF: 1. Update Your Operating System operating system (OS) Software that controls the operation of a computer, directs the input and output of data, keeps track of files, and controls the processing of computer programs. No software is perfect. Unfortunately, when it comes to operating systems Operating systems can be categorized by technology, ownership, licensing, working state, usage, and by many other characteristics. In practice, many of these groupings may overlap. , there are security vulnerabilities that can be exploited. The good news: Updating your operating system is relatively easy to accomplish. To update, either (1) go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com or (2) go to Internet Explorer Microsoft's Web browser, which comes with Windows starting with Windows 98. Commonly called "IE," versions for Mac and Unix are also available. Internet Explorer is the most widely used Web browser on the market. It has also been the browser engine in AOL's Internet access software. , click on "tools," then click on "Windows update An updating service on Microsoft's Web site that enables users to obtain bug fixes and new features for their version of Windows. Windows Update components analyze your PC's configuration and display a list of appropriate downloads for your individual system. " and follow the instructions. You should update Web browsers The following is a list of web browsers. Historical Historically important browsers In order of release:
2. Install & UPDATE Virus Protection Software With the prevalence of computer viruses, having virus protection on your machine is a MUST. Some virus protection softwares offer automatic update, but only if you have a full-time Internet connection (DSL DSL in full Digital Subscriber Line Broadband digital communications connection that operates over standard copper telephone wires. It requires a DSL modem, which splits transmissions into two frequency bands: the lower frequencies for voice (ordinary or cable). If you don't have full-time Internet or your virus protection software does not automatically update, then you need to update by following the software manufacturer's instructions. 3. Install & UPDATE Spyware Protection Software Spyware/adware exploit holes in browser security and install unwanted software on your computer that over time can slow down your computer. While most of these intrusions are just nuisances Just Nuisance was the only dog ever to be officially enlisted in the Royal Navy. He was a Great Dane who from 1939-44 served at HMS Afrikander, a Royal Navy shore establishment in Simon's Town, South Africa. He died in 1944 and was buried with full military honours. , many are actually gathering information on your Internet habits and transmitting it to a third party. A Web user is left with few options. Either you increase browser security settings and severely limit your use of the Internet or obtain a spyware protection program, such as "Spybot: Search and Destroy." For many reasons, obtaining a spyware program is a better idea. You might want to try using one of the alternate browsers (like FireFox--http://www.mozilla.org) as they are not as frequently targeted by spyware. 4. Install a Personal Firewall Most hacking dangers come from scripts run by individuals searching for a specific set of criteria--usually open ports on random computers that they can use later to launch attacks. The danger is magnified by computer users with DSL/cable or other "always on" connections, especially if they leave their computer on all the time. A personal firewall will help protect you. In most cases, a firewall will also allow the user to dictate which programs can and cannot access the Web. The sad fact is that the more we use computers and the Internet, the Internet, the, international computer network linking together thousands of individual networks at military and government agencies, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, industrial and financial corporations of all sizes, and commercial enterprises more ways are going to be found for them to be used against us. The best way to fight back is to educate yourself and set up good computer protection habits. Update your operating system and your Internet browsers regularly. Add virus and spyware protection and be vigilant about keeping them updated. Add a firewall, especially if you use an "always on" connection. Finally, if you use the Internet and have difficulty dealing with these four steps, we suggest you seek advice from family or friends because these four steps are crucial to safeguarding your computer from intrusions. RESOURCES CNet (www.cnet.com) reviews many products and rates them. Go to CNet.com and search "security," "virus protection," "spyware protection," or "firewall." You can order the list by review date or highest rated. Windows Update: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com Spybot: Search and Destroy--http://security.kolla.de Fire Fox 1.0 (Web Browser The program that serves as your front end to the Web on the Internet. In order to view a site, you type its address (URL) into the browser's Location field; for example, www.computerlanguage.com, and the home page of that site is downloaded to you. ): http://www.mozilla.org/ Microsoft: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx Home Network Security: http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/home_networks.html |
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