Computer Safety Tips For 2009
February 27, 2009 Computer Safety Tip
Following the few simple steps outlined below can provide a good measure of security in very little time.
1. Use antivirus software and keep it updated.Check for new definition updates daily. Most antivirus software can be configured to do this automatically.
2. Install security patches. Vulnerabilities in software are always being discovered. It’s not simply the matter of updating Windows; at least monthly, check for and apply updates for all software you use.
3. Use a firewall. No Internet connection is safe without one. Firewalls are necessary even if you have a dial-up Internet connection.
Free ZoneAlarm Firewall
Using the Windows Firewall
4. Secure your browser. To ensure optimum browsing safety, the best tip is to disable javascript for all but the most essential of sites – such as your banking or regular ecommerce sites. Not only will you enjoy safer browsing but also be able to eliminate unwanted pop-ups as well.
5. Take control of your e-mail. Avoid opening e-mail attachments received unexpectedly – no matter who sent it. Most worms and trojan-laden spam try to spoof the sender’s name. Reading e-mail in plain text offers important security benefits that more than offset the loss of pretty coloured fonts.
6. Treat IM suspiciously. Instant Messaging is a frequent target of worms and trojans. Treat it just as you would e-mail.
7. Avoid P2P and distributed filesharing. Torrent, Kazaa, Gnutella, Morpheus and at least a dozen filesharing networks exist. Most are free and are all rife with trojans, viruses, worms, adware, spyware and other forms imaginable.
8. Keep abreast of Internet Scams. Avoid any e-mails telling sad stories or making job offers, etc. All a scam!
9. Don’t fall victim to virus hoaxes. Dire sounding e-mail spreading FUD about non-existent threats serve only to spread needless alarm and may even cause you to delete perfectly legitimate files in response.
