Computer Resources

(Disclaimer, I use all or most of these products on my computer or they are recommended by various computer magazines and Kim Komando, computer radio show (1310 WIBA Sunday morning 7-9). You should be sure to read the directions for each product to be sure it's a good fit for your machine and your operating system. Furthermore, only install one per week or month, run it to be sure there are no problems before moving on to another program.

1. Virus Scan - install one on your computer. Make sure it updates automatically, and it's "on" all the time (not disabled). A good virus scan is worth paying for. Two that are regularly recommended are Norton and McAfee. Both of these companies also have packages which include spam blockers, firewalls, and privacy services. Adding those options will depend on your situation, the minimum is the virus scan.

The most important thing about virus scan software is keeping it up-to-date. Viruses change daily, and sometimes hourly. Both of these programs offer automatic updating. This means that every time you are on the internet, it will check for updates, and if appropriate download and install them on your machine.

If you are a Charter High-Speed Internet Subscriber, you can download their Security Suite for FREE. I have used that for awhile now and it works great.

Secondly, don't open ANY email attachments from people you don't know and do not open any attachments even from a person you know, when it is a routed email such as a chain joke or letter.

2. Firewalls - if you are connected to the internet all the time via a cable modem or DSL connection, you need to be running a firewall. A firewall makes it more difficult for hackers to hack into your machine or to use as a server to send out spam.

There are several free firewalls available which should be fine for most people. ZoneAlarm is one example of an excellent free firewall and as mentioned above, Norton and McAfee have firewalls included in a package system, if you choose to go that route.

If you have a router to create a home network, the free firewalls should be fine as a router itself makes it difficult for hackers to get in. After installing the firewall, everytime a program (MS messenger, Internet Explorer, etc) accesses the internet it will ask whether you want it to access the internet. You may grant permission or deny permission on a one-time or all-time basis. If you make an error, open the firewall program and change your selection.

If you access the internet via a dial-up connection, a hacker can only access your computer when you are dialed in, making it much less risky and a firewall is probably not necessary, but might want to download the free firewall just in case.

3. Spyware - As you access the internet, some sites put spyware on your machine without your knowledge. You can detect and remove these sometimes dangerous programs.

I would recommend downloading, installing and regularly running both of these free programs. Spybot, excellent program I have used for a couple of years, be sure to check for updates before searching for spyware loaded onto your machine. Ad-aware is another excellent program, however it often finds different things than Spybot, so I and others recommend running both on a regular basis. SpyWare Blaster from Javacool Software is another fine product.

4. Temporary Internet Files - these are files which are collected by your computer as your visit (surf) the internet. If you set your internet options to clean these out each time you exit the internet you will be much safer.

To set this option, open Internet Explorer, click on Tools, Internet Options, Advanced, scroll down the options to Security subtitle, make sure there is a check in the box by "Empty Temporary Internet Files when browser is closed."

5. Pop-Up ads. These are irritating and annoying, but an effective solution is to download the Google Toolbar. This free toolbar puts Google right at your fingertips and also provides an option to block pop-up ads.

There is one other type of pop-up: Messenger spam. This comes through a Windows XP utility called Messenger Service. This is not the program Windows Messenger used for instant messaging it is designed to be used by network administrators to send messages to all users. Not necessary for home users and can be a source of infiltration by others onto your computer.

If you have a firewall, it will block Messenger spam. You can also turn off the Messenger Service. To do that:

--Click Start>>Control Panel
--Double-click Administrative Tools
--Double-click Services>>scroll down and double-click Messenger. Click Stop
--Under Startup Type, select Disabled. Click OK.

6. Empty your recycle bin after finding and deleting anything suspicious.

7. If you have kids on the internet, Kim Komando has a good "kids contract" for parent and child to sign before using the internet.

8. Windows Update - if you have Windows XP Home or Pro it is easy to keep Windows Operating System updated. Be sure you are on Service Pack 2.

In Control Panel, click on System, automatic updates, select download updates and notify me when ready to be installed if on a broadband connection. This option will automatically download, but NOT update any Windows Operating System updates, you can choose when you want to install. I would recommend 2-3 days after they are issued as sometimes are faulty and need to be fixed.

If on a dial up connection select the first option, "notify when updates are available, and again when ready to install." In this manner, you can be sure they are downloaded at a convenient time.

9. If you have any questions, please use the "feedback" link below to send me an email.