Technology: two quick hits.Network security Here are four security maintenance recommendations that can be implemented with little to no cost: 1. Keep Microsoft software updated -- Microsoft offers free updates to most of its software packages through www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com. Updates are posted weekly, if not on a daily basis. 2. Protect yourself from spyware -- Spyware are small programs that are deposited onto your computer when you visit certain Websites, such as gambling or gaming sites. To protect your privacy, use anti-spyware software such as adaware at www.lavasoftusa.com. 3. Protect your data -- Password protect your computers, as well as any sensitive files. Choose passwords that are hard to guess. (To test password strength The term password strength is a security measure of passwords. The necessary quality of the password depends on how well the password system limits attempts to guess a user's password, whether by a person who knows the user well, or a computer trying millions of possibilities. , check out www.securitystats.com/tools/password.asp). In addition, back up your data daily to reliable media (CD, tape, zip drive See Zip disk. (hardware, storage) Zip Drive - A disk drive from Iomega Corporation which takes removable 100 megabyte hard disks. Both internal and external drives are manufactured, making the drive suitable for backup, mass storage or for moving files between computers. or online) and check these on a regular basis. 4. Safeguard your broadband Internet See broadband. connection -- If you have cable 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 some other high-speed Internet See broadband. service, you should install a personal firewall. A firewall will prevent unwanted persons from accessing your computer and/or network. Check out www.zonealarm.com for a free personal firewall. Wireless networking See wireless network. Wireless networking allows mobile computers and other devices to be connected to a network/Internet without standard cables. A basic office wireless network requires several components: 1. A wireless router A network device that combines a wireless access point (base station), a wired LAN switch and a router with connections to a cable or DSL service. Wireless routers provide a convenient way to connect a small number of wired and any number of wireless computers to the Internet. or access point -- A wireless router will connect you directly to your cable or DSL modem. On an existing business network, all that may be necessary is an inexpensive wireless network access point. Find free public wireless access points at www.80211hotspots.com. 2. A wireless network adapter See wireless adapter. -- These come in several different flavors. For laptop users, look for wireless PCMCIA cards, found at any local computer products store. Desktop users can choose from internal cards, easily installed by physically opening your computer chassis; or wireless network receivers that can sit on a desktop, connected to your computer through its standard USB port. 3. Cable or DSL modem -- While wireless networking can be used without an Internet connection, a high-speed cable/DSL connection is recommended for optimum usefulness. Once you've set up your wireless network, make certain it's secure. Change default user names and passwords on wireless equipment and enable encryption so that other users can't access the signal from your wireless network. Steven H. Krasnick is president and founder of Huntington Technology Inc. in Southfield, a member of the Detroit Regional Chamber. |
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