Feature: Security Tips
There's a lot of nasty people out on the interweb, who want to fill your computer with their nasty creations. This feature will hopefully help you to protect your computer.
Firstly, there are several programs that we reccomend you have running whenever your PC is on.
Anti-Virus Software
Anti-virus software detects virusses on your computer system and removes them. There are many anti-virus software packages availabe to purchase. Such as...
There are also free products which are very good such as AVG Anti-Virus Free.
Firewall
All users with a fully up to date Windows XP will have a built in firewall. This blocks any attempts from unsolicited people to access your computer. We also reccomend you run Zone Alarm a brilliant firewall which is also completely free.
Other Security Programs
There are also several programs that we reccomend you run on a regular basis (weekly is reccomended). All are free.
- Spybot Search and Destroy - Checks for spyware and other malicius files. It also has an immunise feature can further protect your computer.
- Ad-Aware - This searchees for and removes malicious files aswell.
- CCleaner - Optimises your computer and removes unneccesary files such as cookies which may be invading your privacy.
Tips
- Ensure you update your Operating System (i.e. Windows). Preferablly set it to automatically update.
- Be very cautious when downloading files from the internet. Especially if the file extension is .exe, .zip or .rar. Make sure the source is trustworthy
- Make your passwords 'alpha-numeric', that is a random string of numbers and letters and at least 8 charcaters in length. I.e. f782ds23
We hope this guide will help you stay safe on your computer, please give any of your suggestions in the forum via the link below.
Published 24th August 2006
Written by Andy, BSOD Admin