Secure A New Computer
Prior To Going Online
It has been
proven that a computer straight out of the box and then connected to the
Internet can be infected by viruses and worms in less than 30 seconds.
To avoid this very unpleasant situation, please take the time to
safe-guard your computer by following these simple steps listed below:
<>Enable the Windows Firewall:
If your Windows XP Operating System has the SP2 update installed
already, it is most likely that the Windows Firewall is turned on. New
Vista installations will also be on by default.
However, some computer manufactures or system administrators will turn
this feature off. So, check to make sure that it is turned on for the
moment. Here's how:
1. Go to Start>> Control Panel>> Security Center>> Windows Firewall
2. Make sure that the "On" radio button is ticked (see
illustration below).
(Click to
enlarge)
<>Install Anti-Virus Software:
If you have already purchased Anti-Virus software and have the disc
available, go ahead and load that on to your new system at this time. If
you do not have any Anti-Virus software, please proceed with the next
step. Don't worry, I'll get you hooked up with a good Anti-Virus
software that you can download for free! But, first things first...let's
continue.
<>Install All Windows Updates:
After it is certain that your Windows Firewall is activated, go to the
Windows update site (link below) and install all available updates for
your Operating System. Follow all "recommended" procedures when using
the Windows Update site.
http://www.windowsupdate.com/
OK, so now your system is equipped with all of the latest security
patches and updates right? Great job! Now, if you had already installed
your Anti-Virus software, go ahead and go to the manufactures web site
and download the latest security files available for your version.
If you did not have Anti-Virus software, then I highly recommend AVG. I
have used it for years with great success. Here's the link:
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5
<>Install Anti-Spyware software:
Once your Anti-Virus software is installed, updated and running, this is
a good time to go ahead and install two Anti-Spyware utilities. The two
that I recommend are:
These can be downloaded right here at 5 Star Support for free. Here's
the link:
http://www.5starsupport.com/info/virusinfo.htm
Once you are at the above listed web page, click the hyperlinks to each
of the listed products to find the download button.
Be sure that you update each of these products after the installation.
Then use them on a regular basis (about once a week) checking for new
updates each time.
<>Install a good Firewall:
Lastly, let's get you in to an excellent Firewall that is much better
protection than the Windows XP Firewall. I recommend ZoneAlarm. I have
used ZoneAlarm for many years and it has never let me down. It also has
a free version that is very adequate! Here's the link:
Free ZoneAlarm Firewall
Once you have ZoneAlarm installed and running, you can go ahead and turn
off your Windows XP Firewall. It is not necessary to have them both
running and in some cases, they may conflict and cause you some
problems. You are protected with ZoneAlarm...it's OK.
<>Update and Use:
When configured properly, AVG and ZoneAlarm will update themselves
whenever a new update is released. If for some reason they do not update
themselves, Windows will tell you that there is an update available for
your product with a security shield that will reside in your taskbar
until the update is installed.
The Spyware scanners (mentioned above) will not automatically notify you
of available updates. You will have to actually click the "check for
updates" link prior to running a system scan.
In closing, many people have different idea's about security and what
products to use for protection. I am merely sharing with you the
products that I use and that have proven very effective against all
Internet threats. Granted, my surfing habits are very good and I don't
go looking for trouble, but sometimes, it comes looking for you and this
is why I keep all of these products running and updated.
If you
should have any questions about this article or anything else that may
be troubling your computer, please don't hesitate to ask us here at
5 Star Support! Here's a couple of links to help you:
http://www.5starsupport.com/ipboard/index.php
http://www.5starsupport.com/support.htm
Best of luck and Happy Computing!
