PC Protection

People usually ask me several questions about there computers, and the most common is how to protect them. Either you spent a lot on your computer or now-a-days very little on a powerful laptop. Below are a few areas that will help you get answered about security.

Name
Link
Description
1.) Windows Update WindowsUpdate.com
  • Windows update is VERY crucial to do especially if you are running
    Windows XP, Windows Vista & Windows 7.
  • Basically Microsoft figures out and fixes ‘holes’, issues & bugs in ALL of its operating systems.
  • Normally, this process should be done automatically if you have Automatic Updates turned on.
  • Updates come up once a month. This day falls on the second Tuesday of the month and better known as Patch Tuesday.
2.) Virus Software

Kaspersky.com
AVG.com
Microsoft Security Essentials
  • Almost everyone should have and run a virus scanning software as often as possible.
  • Virus software doesn’t always have to cost money, they’re several alternatives to the paid versions that do an excellent job. On the left, AVG & Microsoft Security Essentials are free.
3.) Firewall

Hardware
D-link.com
Linksys.com

Software
ZoneAlarm.com
  • What a firewall does is meter the traffic that goes to your computer and leaves your computer.  It sniffs through the data being sent and received while picking apart whether packets should be blocked or allowed to continue.
  • Right now they have two kinds of firewalls: hardware or better known as a router. Also they’re software for individual computers or a piece of software you can get.
  • Windows XP SP2 and newer now includes a basic firewall that does an adequate job of protecting your computer.
  • Routers are more than just a firewall; they ‘share’ a single internet connection like DSL or Cable so that other computers in your house or apartment can all be online at the same time.
  • Having a firewall running will make your computer seem invisible to hackers. Usually your computer is wide open and anyone could see it and literally log onto it.  If hackers can’t tell your computer is online, chances are they won’t mess with you and may find someone else.
  • A good way to test your firewall or to see if you need a firewall by clicking here

    Click Proceed and then Common Ports & All Service Ports
4.) Spyware
Spybot Search & Destory
and
Microsoft Security
(Microsoft Defender)
  • Here are a few very helpful utilities in removing Spyware.  What is spyware? It’s garbage that gets put onto your computer without your knowledge.  Usually it causes your computer to crash, slowing it down, pop-up ads and can steal any info on your computer or turn your PC into a malicious machine.
  • Also make sure you run the update EACH time you run these detection programs. I’d say run them once a week if you do a lot of surfing or emailing.
  • The first link – it’s basically the same as above but this one may find spyware that Ad-Aware doesn’t find and vice versa.  Also it claims to prevent future spyware on there.
  • The second one is free and put out by Microsoft. This one is simple to use and can watch your computer in real-time…meaning it can act like virus software. This one I run the most cause its easy to use and does a great job.
  • I would recommend having and using all three once every two weeks or sooner.
5.) Better Browser
  • I can’t stress this enough… Internet Explorer is horrible at blocking spyware and adware. I’m getting everyone I know to switch and a lot of people don’t look back. Firefox also has 1000’s of useful plug-ins from controlling iTunes to displaying the Weather.
  • I can also recommend Google’s Chrome. People it even faster than Firefox and find it lighter and takes up less space.