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Security Recommendations:

 This is my short list of recommendations to make yourself as secure on the Internet as humanly possible: 

  • 1. Upgrade to Windows XP Home ($90) or Professional ($200) - current editions include Service Pack 2

  • 2. Upgrade to Windows XP SP2 (free)

  • 3a. Install Zone Labs Internet Security Suite anti-virus, firewall, spyware remover, pop-up blocker, cookie and cache cleaner, and parental control in one software package ($59 special pricing for my students)

  • 3b. Or just make sure the anti-virus you already have installed is paid for (current) and updated.  You just got a free firewall with Win XP SP2.

  • 4. Run as many updates as necessary to become current, then run a full system scan

  • 5. Install SpyBot Search and Destroy (free), be sure to enable TeaTimer when installing,  run a full system scan, remove items found, and immunize.

  • 6.  Install Microsoft Windows Anti-Spyware Tool beta.

  • 7. Purchase a Linksys cable or DSL gateway router, or wireless access point and configure NAT.  ($50-$100).

At a minimum, you must have an antivirus, firewall and anti-spyware software.   Windows 2000 is still being supported for security updates, so upgrading to XP can be deferred.  If you are on Windows ME or 98 or 95 (why?), you really need to upgrade soon if your computer will support it.  Microsoft is not supporting these programs for security updates at all, which leaves you at risk.

Anti-virus is a must.  If you are unwilling to pay for updates after the first year, use AntiVir, which is free for personal use, and only about $20 to purchase the full version.

Spyware removers are recommended, but the two recommended require manual scans.  They are not automatic.  Microsoft has a beta product of an automatic Anti-Spyware Tool available as a free download. Many antivirus products  include a spyware prevention and removal product now.

Concluding Comments:

If you follow my instructions, and accept my product recommendations, you should be able to keep your computer free of problems for a long time.  My own computers, and I have seven of them, have been running without problems for three years.  This includes the computer my son uses, which probably is put at risk more often than the others.

The level of sophistication that the newer malicious software exhibits gets higher with each new round of "offerings."  I have seen malware that will not remove, that disables the Registry editor, that reinstalls itself on every reboot.  The best practice is to keep this stuff off your computer in the first place.

The real threat I see is in the area of Identity Theft, through phishing, pharming, and blended attacks.   Be suspicious.  Learn to look for the "https" or the little yellow lock as proof that your information is being encrypted on a secure web site. 

Be wary of links sent in e-mails from friends, mass mailing Trojans will forge their name and send itself to everyone in their address book. 

Many games, peer to peer file sharing programs, search bar products, and programs like Weatherbug include an adware or spyware payload as the cost of their "free" products.

When in doubt about a product offering, check it out on Google.  If it has a bad reputation, there will be postings to warn you.  If the product is good, there should be favorable reviews by PC Magazine, Computer World, or CNET.

With a little effort and increased vigilance, you can protect yourself from these issues, and keep your computing and Internet experiences easy, fun, and safe.  Good luck!!

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