How to Protect Your New Computer from Online Threats
Monday, October 13, 2008 | Labels: More Information |
Like babies, new computers are especially vulnerable to viruses, predators, and other threats. Internet and email hackers can wreak havoc on your new computer if you simply connect it to the internet without protection. Before you go online for the first time there are a few things that you will want to do to protect your computer, software, and personal information. Here are some tips on installing some basic security software and firewalls, as well as warning signs that your computer is hosting a virus, worm, adware, or spyware.
Before you connect to the internet directly from your new computer, you will want to install some sort of software protection. Windows XP only comes with a partial firewall that protects you when surfing online. It's called the Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) and it will protect you when checking email and that sort of thing, but when it comes to software you are virtually unprotected. Software firewalls will protect your computer from hackers, and block all attempts to steal or copy your software. Make sure that you install a 2-way firewall that scans all incoming and outgoing files. Using a software firewall will help keep Windows functioning properly, and will also help stop transmission of data to spyware creators.
After you have installed a software firewall you will want to also install a hardware firewall. It seems extensive, but you are asking for trouble if you do not install the necessary security components. When you are setting up your wireless or internet connection you should make sure your PC files and devices like printers, cameras, and scanners are protected from online predators. Any home wireless router or broadband connection offers some sort of firewall protection, but as with the software firewall you should back it up with a regular firewall program.
Now you computer is pretty much ready to go online, and it is safe to connect your broadband router or wireless source. Before you start checking email and surfing your favorite web page there is one page you should visit first. Go to http://www.downloads.microsoft.com and download the following programs:
• Windows XP Service Pack 2- SP2 is a system patching tool for Windows security that fixes the many glitches in the new operating system.
• Internet Explorer Service Pack 1- SP1 is a system maintenance tool for Internet Explorer 6.0 and above.
• Windows Defender- In the past this download was called Microsoft Anti-Spyware Beta. Windows defender will help protect your computer from all sorts of online terror like worms, Trojans, hackers, and viruses.
After you have downloaded each of the programs, install and run them on your computer. You should also check to make sure that your Windows Automatic Updates are installed and a download time is set. If you do not have Automatic Updates, you can download a new version from the Microsoft website.
Once you've installed all the necessary security components you should lock the administrator account on the computer. This can be done by setting up a new password under User Accounts, on the Control Panel Menu. Choose a password that you can remember, but is not too easy to guess. For each person that uses the computer you will want to create a user account, with or without passwords. If you want to make sure your new computer is further protected you could place it in a private room where guests will not be able to access it. Often the living room or kitchen is not the best place for your computer, but a bedroom or office is much better.
If you've noticed lately that you computer is running slow or taking a long time to load internet pages you may be under attack from a predator. Online threats are actually quite common, and the more time you spend on the internet, the more likely you are to be attacked. Often times, downloading programs and files from the internet can be pretty risky too. Many P2P or file sharing programs like Kazaa often are installed with Trojans and spyware that can harm your computer and cause damage.
There are basically two kinds of damaging spyware that can be put on your computer; adware and malware. Malware is software that was designed to damage computer systems and includes Trojans, worms, viruses, and other spyware tools. Most all of these internet tools are illegal in all states, and punishable by law. People that create internet annoyances can, and do go to jail.
Adware is software that is supported by advertising like messenger service and browser tools. Adware automatically displays pop ups and advertisements, sometimes with sound and video when you are online, and it is annoying at most but usually doesn't cause extensive damage. Sometimes adware can make your other programs load slowly and also cause conflicts when surfing the net or playing interactive games. Adware is usually bundled with other downloadable programs so if downloading, choose Custom Install to pick what components will be installed, and which ones will not.
Before you connect to the internet directly from your new computer, you will want to install some sort of software protection. Windows XP only comes with a partial firewall that protects you when surfing online. It's called the Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) and it will protect you when checking email and that sort of thing, but when it comes to software you are virtually unprotected. Software firewalls will protect your computer from hackers, and block all attempts to steal or copy your software. Make sure that you install a 2-way firewall that scans all incoming and outgoing files. Using a software firewall will help keep Windows functioning properly, and will also help stop transmission of data to spyware creators.
After you have installed a software firewall you will want to also install a hardware firewall. It seems extensive, but you are asking for trouble if you do not install the necessary security components. When you are setting up your wireless or internet connection you should make sure your PC files and devices like printers, cameras, and scanners are protected from online predators. Any home wireless router or broadband connection offers some sort of firewall protection, but as with the software firewall you should back it up with a regular firewall program.
Now you computer is pretty much ready to go online, and it is safe to connect your broadband router or wireless source. Before you start checking email and surfing your favorite web page there is one page you should visit first. Go to http://www.downloads.microsoft.com and download the following programs:
• Windows XP Service Pack 2- SP2 is a system patching tool for Windows security that fixes the many glitches in the new operating system.
• Internet Explorer Service Pack 1- SP1 is a system maintenance tool for Internet Explorer 6.0 and above.
• Windows Defender- In the past this download was called Microsoft Anti-Spyware Beta. Windows defender will help protect your computer from all sorts of online terror like worms, Trojans, hackers, and viruses.
After you have downloaded each of the programs, install and run them on your computer. You should also check to make sure that your Windows Automatic Updates are installed and a download time is set. If you do not have Automatic Updates, you can download a new version from the Microsoft website.
Once you've installed all the necessary security components you should lock the administrator account on the computer. This can be done by setting up a new password under User Accounts, on the Control Panel Menu. Choose a password that you can remember, but is not too easy to guess. For each person that uses the computer you will want to create a user account, with or without passwords. If you want to make sure your new computer is further protected you could place it in a private room where guests will not be able to access it. Often the living room or kitchen is not the best place for your computer, but a bedroom or office is much better.
If you've noticed lately that you computer is running slow or taking a long time to load internet pages you may be under attack from a predator. Online threats are actually quite common, and the more time you spend on the internet, the more likely you are to be attacked. Often times, downloading programs and files from the internet can be pretty risky too. Many P2P or file sharing programs like Kazaa often are installed with Trojans and spyware that can harm your computer and cause damage.
There are basically two kinds of damaging spyware that can be put on your computer; adware and malware. Malware is software that was designed to damage computer systems and includes Trojans, worms, viruses, and other spyware tools. Most all of these internet tools are illegal in all states, and punishable by law. People that create internet annoyances can, and do go to jail.
Adware is software that is supported by advertising like messenger service and browser tools. Adware automatically displays pop ups and advertisements, sometimes with sound and video when you are online, and it is annoying at most but usually doesn't cause extensive damage. Sometimes adware can make your other programs load slowly and also cause conflicts when surfing the net or playing interactive games. Adware is usually bundled with other downloadable programs so if downloading, choose Custom Install to pick what components will be installed, and which ones will not.
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