There are a whole host of things you can do to protect your computer, but you have to be aware that nothing is impregnable as there are new and more complex threats emerging all the time. All we can do is protect ourselves as best we can.
You should have most of the following on your computer.
1. If running any windows operating systems ensure you have the latest updates, this includes any MS Office product updates as well.
Microsoft Windows Updates
2. Ensure you have a firewall enabled on your computer, whether it be the windows built in firewall or a third party one, this also must have all the latest updates/patches.
3. An Anti-virus program that includes, daily updates, email scan, resident scanner, and is not a trial or restricted program. Below are a selection of 'Free' Anti virus programs.
Note: only one resident anti virus program should be used at any one time.
4. An anti-Adware/Spyware program with all the updates applied. Below are a selection of 'Free' Anti malware programs.
Note: All three can be installed at the same time if required
5. Password protect your computer and if using XP change your account from an administrator to be a limited access account in case of malicious infection. This will limit the system wide damage caused by any infection.
6. If you have children who are allowed access to the internet, think of getting a internet based content filter, to restrict a child’s access to malicious or pornographic web sites.
7. If you receive an email (even from a friend) that has an attachment on it, before opening the attachment say to yourself. “Is this something I usually would get from them”? Caution is always advisable when opening attachments, especially attachments with the following extensions: ·Bat, ·Cmd, ·Cpl, ·Exe, ·Pif, ·Scr, ·Vbs, ·Com
These file types are very often instrumental in the spread of viruses via email. Virus programmers choose these extensions because your operating system recognizes them as programs. Programs are executed on your computer when you double-click them, and they run with the permissions you have on your computer. That includes the ability to install software, delete files, send email, or format your hard drive.
8. Make regular backups of your personal data, my documents, favorites etc burn them to CD/DVD or place them on a separate drive.
Finally, a simple rule, if you go looking for trouble on the web, then it’s more likely to find you! Safe surfing is the key, ensure your security programs are all updated regularly and you will have many years of trouble free use.
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