Sponsored Links
Oakfield Computer Services
Home > Security
Keeping a computer secure, at the most basic level, involves AntiVirus, Antispy and some kind of firewall to keep out the bad guys. Security is a broad subject that also includes data backup, social engineering, and computer disposal to name a few.
This page gives an overview of the basic components, a second page , the "more" link, covers more topics such as computer disposal, wireless security and social engineering. it also provides a few links to sites which might be helpful..
There are plenty of products that fulfil these requirements, although Norton and McAfee products are not generally recommended. Some products are excellent but using them requires substantial knowledge to get them working properly.
The Windows firewall, although much improved in Windows XP Service Pack2 only blocks incoming threats. The firewall in Vista and it's "is it safe to execute this .exe file?" is irritating but quite ok if you knew whether cars.exe or setup.exe is safe to run.
Many clients have opted for the following when using a USB modem for their broadband.
AVG (please use your browser's back arrow at the top left of the browser to return to this page) for Antivirus, Antispy or complete Internet protection including a firewall.
Windows Defender (please use your browser's back arrow at the top left of the browser to return to this page) for antispy protection (XP SP2 only, included in Vista) and a free download from Microsoft's site.
And a firewall, essential because the USB modem exposes the computer directly to the Internet. Using cable broadband used to be a nightmare because the cable modem was also exposed to threats on it's part of the cable network. Any system connected to it without a firewall, in place and active, was infected in about 10 seconds.
Sadly the Sygate firewall is long gone, consigned to corporate oblivion. Zone Alarm , and AVG's Internet Security Suite (which includes numerous additional security features ) are the preferred choices today.
Using a router is always the preferred choice. Modern routers include what's called NAT, SPI and additional stealth features. These will keep intruders out, so no additional firewall software needs to be installed and the Windows firewall is left active. Use AVG antivirus and Windows Defender in this case.
Finally, common sense and vigilance form an important part of security.
Read, send and reply to mails as text only. Find the settings under >Tools>Options in Outlook Express.
Don't open any attachments unless you know you're expecting them. Then save them and scan them with your anti virus program.
Don't click on a link in a mail unless you know it's from a trusted source.
Use Mailwasher for anti-spam. It takes a little getting used to but is highly effective. It gets rid of the spam at the servers before it reaches your Inbox.
Don't respond to any suspect mail just because the grammar is poor. By responding you confirm the accuracy of your e-mail address and become the target of even more spam.
How do you know when the link you've just clicked on takes you a genuine site ?
Do you check the status bar at the bottom right of your browser for the little padlock, showing that you're viewing a secure site ?
Do you chck the address bar at the top of your browser (most commonly) for the the website address ? If you're viewing a secure website, the address should start with https://www.yourbank.co.uk.
Use products like FireTrust's Sitehound (please see the Affiliates page for links) or CallingID and CallingID Link Advisor. These will display details of the site in their own toolbar in Internet Explorer. They do delay things a little, but it's a worthwhile trade-off.
Some companies put a little bug 1 pixel in size that contains links away from the page you're on. You can't see it. but it might be tracking your movements. A little program called "Bugnosis" can be used with Windows XP and Internet Explorer to see these. You'd be surprised how many trusted companies resort to this method of tracking your browsing habits.
The default security levels in Internet Explorer 6 or 7 are usually adequate and can be left alone. Increasing the levels may restrict the display of some web pages. Reducing the levels is not advisable.
Put all Microsoft Windows installation or recovery CDs in a jewel case and in a safe place.
Put all other software installation CDs there too.
Keep important manuals together preferably with the CDs.
Keep a copy any settings (e-mail servers, account names, Windows logon passwords etc.) here.
Do not leave CDs unprotected, they always get scratched, replacement CDs could be expensive.
A shoebox will do just fine.
Use a password to log into windows, write it down and put the note in a safe place. If you're using XP Professional or Vista Business always use the "alt, ctrl, delete" method of logging on to Windows.
Set a password for the Administrator account, write this down..
Always logon to your bank account explicitly with he username and password each time.
Please note that passwords will be case sensitive "A" isn't the same as "a". Write it down exactly as it's shown, underline capital letters, distinguish between 8 and B, Z and 2, 0 (zero) and O and o.
While we're at it, make a note of :-
Your e-mail account name and password.
The e-mail settings
The broadband username and password
Logon details for websites, such as bank accounts.
Change your router password
Wireless encryption type, network name and the code or password
Please write all these details down and put them in a safe place too, the same shoebox where you put those precious software CDs.
Parental controls need to be introduced from day one and need to be community based.
Computers need to be placed in "public" areas of the home.
The following links from WikkiHow and Microsoft show how these controls can be set up in Windows XP and Windows Vista respectively.
There's also a wide variety of software available, just put "parental controls" into your search engine..
Data backups have their own page, click here to see it.
Things to back up include :-
My Documents (this should pick up My Pictures and My Music as well as documents)
Extra folders that you've created, on the desktop for example.
E-mails. Do you know where Outlook, Outlook Express or Thunderbird store their files ?
Address book
Scan for spyware daily. Windows Defender can be scheduled to run at a time of your choosing every day. Run an anti virus scan weekly, it can take up to an hour depending on how many files are on the hard drive (there will be a lot fewer files of rubbish, which also have to be scanned, if you maintain your computer regularly).
Keep your anti virus and anti spy definitions up to date. This should happen automatically.
Always use a firewall (in your router or software like ZoneAlarm on your computer) when accessing the internet.
When installing security software, disconnect from the internet.
If you use Internet Relay Chat (IRC) programs make sure your security programs protect you.
Check where you go on the Internet, there are plenty of bogus sites out there. Internet Explorer 7 has an anti-phishing capability, use it or an Internet Explorer add-on like Sitehound or CallingID.
Be diligent in your approach and vigilant in what you see on the screen.
Your children should not have Administrator rights when they use the family computer.
Do not allow your children to use file sharing to download music, or programs for free. This is a guaranteed source of spyware. Although the file sharing programs may be legal; there is no control or reassurance that the site being used is clean. Downloading Windows XP from such sites is a) illegal and b) counterfeit software will contain spyware and bugs.
Do NOT use two anti virus or antispy programs, or two software firewalls. Your system will crash or slow down to the point of crashing.
No security solution is 100% effective. The only secure computer is one which is switched off and physically disconnected from the mains.
© Oakfield Computer Services 2002 - 2009 Updated - 23 Jan 2009