Top Tips to Protect your Computer on the Internet
1. Run a firewall to protect incoming data
2. Download and install Antivirus software
3. Download and install Antispyware software
4. Make sure your software is up to date
5. Make sure you turn on windows updates
6. Setup windows with a password
7. Scan incoming emails for viruses
8. Make sure all internet connections have passwords
1. Run a firewall to protect incoming
data
Firewalls can be your first threat against harmful
data from the World Wide Web. Free and paid versions can be downloaded
online. Firewalls are good first step to securing your computer
from threats.
2. Download and install Antivirus software
Choose from many antivirus products including
Norton Antivirus & McAfee Virus Scan. These products can be
bought online and then downloaded straight from the official website.
Once downloaded click on the executable files (.exe) and follow
the on screen instructions to install. The antivirus software
normally comes with multiple security levels.
3. Download and install Antispyware
software
Spyware software works in tune with antivirus
software. Some Antivirus & Spyware software come in 1 program
e.g. Norton 360 from Symantec. Spyware will help keep Trojans
and malware from attacking your computer normally via Internet.
4. Make sure your software is up to
date
Having antivirus or spyware software on your
machine is a good start but it won't keep working unless you keep
it up to date. Make sure the automatic updates are switched on
in the software control panel.
5. Make sure you turn on windows updates
Windows XP or Vista software is constantly being
updated for security and bug fixes. Make sure this feature is
switched on the control panel. Windows updates also provide useful
information as to current security threats.
6. Setup windows with a password
Always have a password to log onto your computer.
This can stop anyone using the computer without your permission.
If you are working in a public place and walk away from your machine
then either log off your computer or set your password screensaver
to come on after 1 minute Password is then required to remove
the screensaver.
7. Scan incoming emails for viruses
Be vigilant when allowing emails onto your computer.
Harmful emails opened on your computer can render your computer
useless with just one click. If you are receiving emails through
either outlook or outlook express email software then scan each
and every email before you open it. Antivirus software such as
Norton Antivirus usually come with a email mail virus scan function.
As a rule of thumb, never open up an email if you don't know who
it is from.
8. Make sure all internet connections
have passwords
If you are running an internet connection from
home make sure that it is password protected. With the invent
of wireless networks from home it has come commonplace for other
people to jump on wireless connections without permission. It
must be mentioned that all information sent over the wireless
connection can be seen and used by all users of the wireless connection.
A simple password WEP or WPA pass key will stop any unauthorized
users from using your wireless connection.
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