re: Computer protection
Monday, August 21, 2006 at 10:15 am
Windows XP Annoyances Discussion Forum
Posted by Ari
(1378 messages posted)
There is no ONE thing you can do to protect yourself 100%. If there were, everyone
would do that, and computer hacking would come to an end overnight.
But by observing a combination of standard security procedures, you can protect yourself
pretty well:
1) Install a router between your PC and your internet connection.
2) Install and keep up-to-date antivirus software. Set it to scan daily. I like
the free software at www.grisoft.com ... it doesn't break everything else on your
system like Norton and McAfee do.
3) Keep Windows XP up to date with the latest security fixes from http://www.windowsupdate.com
(Microsoft's site). Set Windows to automatically update with new fixes.
4) Install and keep up-to-date anti-spyware/trojan software (Windows Defender, free
from Microsoft does a pretty good job, even though it's only in beta). Make sure
it's set to scan daily.
5) Particularly if you share your home with others, log out of Windows or turn your
computer off when you're not using it, and make sure that a password is needed to
get back in.
6) Don't tell anyone your passwords or leave them written down on yellow stickies
in the top drawer of your desk.
7) Never, ever, open attachments to emails unless you're absolutely confident in
the person who sent it to you, and are expecting it.
8) Set your security and privacy settings in internet explorer on high, and make
exceptions only for trusted websites.
9) If your computer has private information on it, don't let your kids use it. Kids
are always happy to click "YES" every time they are offered a damaging download,
if it looks like they'll get to see Pamela Anderson naked. Get them their own computer.
10) If you must keep private information on your computer, at least keep it in encrypted
form.
11) Install a software firewall, and make sure you understand how it works and what
it's telling you; it can't protect you if you just click "yes" every time it asks
you whether it should let something through.
12) Use common sense about sending your private information (credit card #, etc.)
over the net.
On Monday, August 21, 2006 at 9:39 am, DONNA wrote:
>Hi all, Is there anyway to totally prevent and protect computer from someone accessing
>my computer and files.
>
>I believe someone hacked onto my computer for the following reasons:
>
>1. My e-mails were missing.
>2. My credit card accounts were accessed online. (the company notified me).
>3. My firewall and int. con. services were unable to start.
>
>I was wondering specifically if I should disable the remote service or is there
something
>I can do to protect registry.
>
>I already installed and ran, spybot, adaware and hijack this.
>
>Thanks for your help.
>
>Donna
- Written in response to:
- Computer protection (DONNA: Monday, August 21, 2006 at 9:39 am)
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