With the advent of the Internet and its capabilities, you've probably considered security on your home computer or network. Every day there seems to bring more threats and it can seem daunting.
However, with a simple, common-sense approach, you can protect yourself more than adequately. While this will not be a computer network security guide but more of a beginner computer guide security overview, I think you'll get some good info. (If you're looking for a security classification guide computer hard drive, you've come to the wrong place -- this is a beginner computer guide security overview.)
There are lots of great tools available online. Some are even free (the best anti-spyware I've ever had I got for free).
So, before I give the simple and straightfoward advice. If you follow these three rules, you'll go a long way in protecting your system.
Okay, the groundwork is laid. Let's get to some more specifics.
Backing Up
This is where you should start. It is often inexpensive too. You should have a thumb or flash drive. I saw one advertised days ago by Dell that was only $38, and it held 2 GB of data. I backup my data to a secondary hard drive, a thumb drive, and a read/write CD/RW. Have multiple backups. I've had three hard drives crash on me within a year and a half so I feel I can give you real-world advice on this one.
Yes, you'll probably need some or perhaps all of the security tools listed in this article, but even then you can't guarantee 100% that you won't have a problem, but it will go a long way in preventing problems, believe me. Read and writable DVD drives are the next generation as they can store an enormous amount of data. Many DVD drives double as CD drives as well. You should consider getting one.
Anti-Virus Software
As mentinoned above, I highly recommend anti-virus software. No beginner computer guide security overview article would be complete without discussing it. It's an absolute must have. With new threats and viruses arriving constnatly, it's important to maintain update subscriptions and download virus definition updates as soon as they're available. McAfee and Norton has their definitions updated automatically -- if you set them up that way. I recommend you do that. Then, it's transparent.
There's a lot of good antivirus software available, both free and for a very cheap price like grisoft anti-virus . I'd recommend going for paid software, though as it's the highest technology. McAfee, AVG, and Norton and others all sell antivirus software that's affordable and does the job.
Anti-Spyware Software
Spyware is a new phenomenon and as needed now as antivirus software. If you spend anytime online, spyware will most likely find its way onto your system. I had spyware on my system and it was so aggravating. The nefarious spyware sends important information like passwords, bank details, account numbers, even credit card numbers to unscruplous hackers. When I had it, the spyware was sending marketing information to an online marketing company. It took a long time to disinfect my system. It also slows down your PC noticeably.
Here are some clear-cut signs you have a Spyware infection:
**You're getting pop-up ads constantly and they're the same type too
**Your default homepage and/or other settings in your browser suddenly change on their own and you can't change them back
**Your computer speed has slowed down so it's noticeable.
I mentioned I got a good free spyware program. Lavasoft has software called AdAware. It works great. Microsoft has a free tool for Windows users called Windows Defender. Among the paid option is Anti-Spyware software Webroot's. I've used Spy Sweeper too (I have it on my sytstem now as well as AdAware and Windows Defender.) Spy Sweep regularly wins awards from the industry magazines.
Firewalls
They were once a luxury -- not anymore. I heartily recommend using a firewall for it is always recommended to help protect against unauthorized access to your PC -- especially with broadband and even dial-up users. For most, and this is a beginner computer guide security overview, a software firewall is usually best and is the easiest to work with. (You can get a firewall device or opt for a software option.) Don't discount hardware firewalls. They work well. They're especially useful if you have a network with a lot of devices.
Whatever you do my friend, you shouldn't rely on the Network Address Translation or on the packet filter that is built into your ADSL or cable router. It almost always won't be enough for rigid protection.
Your Personal and System Passwords
More and more people are buying online than ever before. People also bank online -- I know I do. It can be safe provided you take sensible precautions for it's a great way to shop and the convenience can't be beat.
If you've been doing any shopping on the Net, then you'll be used to dealing with secure sites. Whatever methods these sites use to secure their servers or encrypt your traffic, if they're accessed by passwords then you share some of the responsibility for the security on your transactions. Here are a few tips on how to keep unauthorised users from accessing your accounts:
**Don't write passwords down on paper. Consider developing your own code in case a file is stolen that has all your passwords (this is what I've done). A hacker's favorite way to find passwords is to actually see it when it's not online.
**Don't get your web browser to automatically remember passwords on shared machines or in office or work areas! This is a definite no no. Why? Because if you log into a machine that other users have access to then they'll have potentially account details.
**Be inventive with your passwords. - Use different passwords for different accounts.
Having different passwords to lots of different accounts does make it more difficult to remember them and it's important that this doesn't lead you into bad habits. So what do you do?
You could look at getting some password management software. Symantec's Norton brand has a password manager. Other good options are "Web Replay" from Deskperience. Another is "PC Password Manager XP" from CPLab.
Now What?
If you're on a tight budget, you don't have to buy every security software immediately. Prioritize one or two to start on. For now, I suggest at least antivirus and firewall. If you can't do that then at least backup all your critical files and programs.
I hope this beginner computer guide security overview has been useful.
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