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Security Check
Security Check - Have you ever
wondered how secure your computer really is? Do you have
a virus program including the latest virus definitions?
How protected are you from malicious programs and
unwanted ads? How about a firewall? Most home users don't
even know what a firewall is or what it does. You might be
thinking you can't afford all that, but, it is something you
really need to learn more about before you say no. There are
free alternatives that are much better than having no
protection at all. Even with the release of XP sp2 with
additional security features, you might want to bypass the
built-in firewall for something a little more advanced.
Virus protection is a must-have. It
should be your number one concern. You shouldn't even
get on the internet without it. I could tell you some
stories... Norton anti-virus has been my pick through
the years and it's a reasonably
priced virus protection software. You can get a free
program for personal use called
AntiVir with versions
that support Win95/98/ME, XP, NT and Win2000. There are other free av
programs that you can find that are similar and do an
adequate job for personal use.
What's a firewall? A firewall blocks
your computer from intrusion and attacks by keeping your
personal information safe from hackers and malicious
users. If you don't have a firewall, you're probably
broadcasting your presence on the internet each time you
sign on without even knowing it. Why not surf the web in
stealth mode where you are practically invisible? I personally think
ZoneAlarm is the best free firewall for personal use (also check
out the features of ZoneAlarm Pro).
To get an
eye-opening learning experience about security you
really need to take advantage of the
Gibson Research Corp
site.
They have a free utility to test your firewall for
leaks, among other useful offerings.
And then
there's using some common sense for protection. Don't
open attachments from sources you don't know when using
e-mail. Set your e-mail, virus or firewall to screen/not
allow attachments to open automatically. Scan all
attachments before you open them from a trusted source.
Even people you know may not be aware that they've
attached a virus.
It's not
hard for the casual user to download a self-executable
dialer program on their computer. Certain unscrupulous
sites try to confuse you into downloading these
programs. Sometimes you get locked into a page with no
apparent way out except to click 'yes'. DON'T EVER click
'yes' just because you have no other choice or selection
on the screen. You will always have a 'yes/no' option on
a legitimate site.
If you ever
get stuck on a page that won't let you exit, do not
panic! Before you reboot as a last resource, try using
the 'Ctrl + Alt + Delete' keys to pull up a menu that
you can close out of the page with, using 'end task'. If
you accidentally say 'yes' to something you're not sure
about, immediately shut down or reboot the computer
before the download completes, and don't go back to that
site.
If you
should find that you (or someone else) accidentally
downloaded an unknown dialer-type .exe program to your
computer, delete it or run the free versions of
SpyBot Search and Destroy,
AdAware or other clean up utilities. A preventative measure
for dial-up users is to use a
separate phone line just for your computer with no long
distance (local service only for your ISP) and a 900
blocker on the line.
That way a malicious dialer program can't use your modem
or phone line to call out.
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