Winter?the official start of the cold and flu season. Though, technically speaking, things got started a little early. Close to a million computers, mostly home PC users, have been infected.
For many of us our computers are our business. We keep in contact with customers and clients via email, do extensive internet research, and transmit important files electronically.
We know what to do to protect our bodies from viruses. There are some simple strategies, and even free precautions we can take to protect our businesses by keeping our PCs virus free.
Adopting the following six checkpoints will help keep your computer healthy and your business uninterrupted.
Use a Firewall
At its most basic level a firewall is a software security system that acts as a barrier between your computer and the outside world (the internet) by monitoring all incoming network traffic. A more advanced firewall will also monitor outgoing traffic. How you use your computer will determine whether basic or advanced firewall protection is needed.
What a firewall does is make your computer invisible while on the Internet. If hackers can't see you, they cannot attack you.
Windows XP has this software installed; however, it may need to be enabled. If you have XP and would like to enable the firewall, directions are on the Microsoft website.
For non XP users, firewall software can be purchased. McAfee and Zone Alarm are two very popular products. Zone Alarm has a free downloadable firewall, basic version, available on their website, www.zonealarm.com.
Before installing a firewall, you may be interested in learning your computer's vulnerability. This is something that can be checked for free and in just a few minutes. Visit the website of Gibson Research Corporation, www.grc.com, and under Hot Spots, click on Shields UP. It takes a little bit of scrolling to get to but is well worth the extra seconds. In minutes your PC is scanned and its vulnerability rated.
Antivirus Software
Antivirus software is the "shot" after the epidemic. This software protects your computer from known threats. Many PCs come with antivirus software already installed. Some of the more popular versions are Norton, PCCillin and McAfee.
If you have it pre installed or have purchased it, great. Please be sure to keep it constantly updated with the latest virus definitions. This is important because these definitions are formed in response to the latest viruses. If you don't have this protection, please consider getting it.
Once this software is installed on your computer, you will be automatically notified when new virus definitions are available. Then it is just a matter of a few clicks to download the new definitions.
Likewise you will be notified when your antivirus software is about to expire. The software needs to be updated annually. The initial purchase, renewal, updates and installation can all be done online.
Spyware Eliminator
Why am I getting all of these pop ups? Certain websites that you visit or free software (shareware) that you download, and, in some cases, hardware purchased from major manufacturers will also install tracking devices on your computer (spyware). Spyware is annoying but not illegal.
An internet search will reveal the many choices available for spyware elimination software. The important thing is to get one and use it consistently. Spybot and PestPatrol are popular choices.
I really like Spybot Search and Destroy. Besides the fact that it is free, once spyware is identified, the software will provide a detailed description of just what it is. This is helpful just in case it identifies something that you don't want to get rid of.
Backup, Backup, Backup
How often do you backup? What files/programs do you backup? What media do you backup to?
We all know the importance of backing up our information yet so many of us don't do it. There may be a ton of reasons why it's not done but the one reason it should be done on a regular basis is that it can be a timesaver, possibly a business saver if your computer system is corrupted for any reason.
If you happen to be using Windows XP Professional, the backup procedure is quite simple. For users of XP Home Edition, it is a bit more involved. Complete instructions, however, are on the Microsoft website.
Typically, data files are what most people need to back up and having well organized files will certainly simplify the process.
Whether you backup to disk, zip disk, DVD, writeable CDs, external file drive or utilize one of the online services, it is important to get into the habit of backing up on a regular basis.
Weekly Updates of Windows
Windows users are automatically notified of current updates for the Windows operating system when your computer is turned on. With just a few clicks your operating system is updated.
However, when certain patches become available for your particular applications software (XP, 2000, NT, etc), as was/is the case with the recent worm viruses, a visit to Microsoft's website is necessary.
Once there, Microsoft will scan your computer, tell you what updates are available, and you then have the option of installing them on your system. In some cases, you will need your installation CDs to complete the download.
With the recent run of viruses and with more expected, it is imperative to check for these updates weekly on the Microsoft website as well as do the automatic updates.
Be Careful of Email Attachments
Email is such a widely accepted method of communication, and this has not gone unnoticed by hackers who use email as a means of mass virus spread.
For this final checkpoint, your due diligence is the only software required.
Always delete any email from unknown senders and be very careful of any attachments you are not expecting from any known senders. As we have seen, hackers can quite easily access Outlook address books to spread viruses.
By the way, including a fake email address in your address book will not prevent your PC from spreading viruses. This is an urban legend. If you're interested in the full story, check out this link:
www.snopes.com/computer/virus/quickfix.htm
When it comes to the health of our computers, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Effective prevention software along with plain old common sense, used consistently, can keep you protected.
About The Author
Roxie Hickman, Virtual Assistant (VA), is the owner of The Virtual Connection. The Virtual Connection (www.snopes.com/computer/virus/quickfix.htm) specializes in working with the 'sucstressed' (successful professionals who are stressed because they've been doing it alone). The Virtual Connection provides offsite executive, administrative, and personal assistance (virtual assistance).
www.snopes.com/computer/virus/quickfix.htm
shuttle from Midway Glen Ellyn ..Do you know how many fonts are currently installed on... Read More
The registry is where the computer stores information about the... Read More
This tip is on sharing files and folders on a... Read More
Getting started with video editing is very simple you only... Read More
First things first, what is Firefox? Well, it's a browser.... Read More
MP3 players are Hot! Playing music has come a long... Read More
You don't have to fork out $250 for a super-diggy-whizbang... Read More
Lost & Found for the 21st CenturyIn today's hectic world... Read More
The battle is heating up for market share, home movie... Read More
A Computer in Your HandCarrying around an address book and... Read More
I met an entrepreneur who hole heartedly disagree with an... Read More
As the Web grows more crowded and just plain "noisy"... Read More
Cisco Certification: Taking Your First Certification ExamYou've studied hard; you've... Read More
I am going to assume that you are running windows... Read More
When I first started studying for my CCNP, some of... Read More
"Automated Testing" is automating the manual testing process currently in... Read More
Flash mp3 players come with an exciting array of features,... Read More
How can you compare mp3 players to be sure you're... Read More
Spyware is the software that collects information about your online... Read More
Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the... Read More
CCNA FAQQ. What exams do I have to take to... Read More
PDA Medical BenefitsIf you are concerned about your medical history,... Read More
One of the most confusing parts of beginning your Cisco... Read More
The best way to get the gaming computer that you... Read More
This is the third in a series of articles highlighting... Read More
shuttle from O'Hare North Chicago ..Cisco Certification: Taking Your First Certification ExamYou've studied hard; you've... Read More
The first step is: Start > My DocumentsSo you have... Read More
What is a Refurbished Computer?Refurbished Computers. Remanufactured Computers. Reconditioned Computers.... Read More
Nothing is worse than having to negotiate all kinds of... Read More
When you turn on your computer, does it act like... Read More
When browsing the internet you are likely to come across... Read More
Getting a new computer should be an exciting and gratifying... Read More
This article describes the basic properties of color, what the... Read More
The Internet is an awesome tool, but be careful and... Read More
Computers are supposed to speed up our productivity?to help us... Read More
PDA Medical BenefitsIf you are concerned about your medical history,... Read More
Freezing is also known as crashing or hanging. It's frustrating.... Read More
Computers are available in different shapes, sizes and weights, due... Read More
How long do you think DVDs have around? 20 years?... Read More
What led them to this choice, as all four studios... Read More
Projectors have come a long way in the past few... Read More
Most people think that all you have to do to... Read More
All over the world, people carry with them walkmans and... Read More
Step 1:Open WinRAR and browse to the folder with your... Read More
No matter how fast your processor and regardless of how... Read More
In the first part of this home lab tutorial, CCNA... Read More
IntroOne of the big advantages of PCs over earlier types... Read More
Using SQL Server 2000 and above versions you can retrieve... Read More
In this era of Internet, most people are frequent users... Read More
With the bewildering number of digital cameras on the market,... Read More
Personal Technology |