Security Basics
The old saying, An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure - applies very well to PC security basics. Most of the e-mails we get at Security Tech Reviews are from people who already have discovered a security problem. It can be nearly impossible to unravel problems after they occur. Follow basic steps NOW and you could prevent most security issues!
Step 1: Enable Automatic Updates
Most security issues begin with a software flaw that allows your computer to be compromised by a bored teenager or international hacker. Once flaws are detected Microsoft will [eventually] release an update (a patch) to correct the flaw. Some people never apply these FREE patches leaving their computers unprotected? Windows update is a built in utility that will automatically apply these critical patches as soon as they are released from Microsoft.Click for how to turn this on now on Windows XP
Click for how to turn this on now on Windows Vista
Step 2: Enable the Windows Firewall (XP or Vista)
Now we are going to enable a firewall. Why? Most of the time the hackers know about software flaws before the anti-virus software companies and Microsoft learn about. Think about it, hackers spend hours and hours looking for flaws so they are the ones that most often find them. Also sometimes you can let them in by unknowingly enabling features such as file sharing. A firewall acts as a security blanket stopping remote attempts to connect to your computer dead in their tracks. Once again, you probably already have one installed; all you have to do is turn it on. Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to turn on the XP or Vista firewall
Click here to learn more about firewalls
Step 3: Install Virus Protection
The next step is to install virus protection. Why? Well when flaws are detected it takes a while for Microsoft to develop and release a patch meanwhile your computer is unprotected. This is where Anti-Virus comes in. While it may take Microsoft several weeks or months to develop a patch for a flaw, Anti-Virus software can have an update to plug the hole the next day. Read our 2008 Antivirus Software Review.Concerned about cost? There are FREE options, click here for how to download and install AVG FREE Edition which provides good basic protection.
Step 4: Install Malware Protection
Anti-virus is no longer enough. Malware has taken over as the #1 threat you your security and privacy. Malware is designed to profit from you by using your computer to commit fraud or capturing your personal financial information. These programs work similar to Anti-Virus, periodically scanning your computer and protecting it in real time.
Read our 2008 Anti Malware Software Review.
Concerned about cost? Google Pack offers a FREE option
Step 5: Use the FREE FireFox web browser
When we are using our computers most of that time is spent surfing the Internet. While automatic updates will keep your built in Internet Explorer up to date with the latest security patches security professionals have learned that ditching Internet Explorer for every day web browsing works very well to help avoid security issues. We recommend the Firefox browser for every day browsing. If you encounter a trusted web site needs Internet Explorer to work then use it for just that web site.Taking these 5 steps have increased your PC security a million percent! Is there more you could do, sure but you have done far more than the average person giving your computer a chance to survive the barrage of daily attacks!