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computer security (1)
May. 24th, 2011 11:30 pmFirst things first
I am writing this because an online friend has had a problem with virii attacking her machine, even when visiting so called "safe sites". The target audience is (home) Windows users.
Precautions
1) Get an anti-virus, use a firewall, and keep them up to date. I don't care if you pay or go the "free to home users" route, don't leave your hard drive without one.
This forum posting on CNET has an even handed discussion of various AV programs.
2) Windows XP offers a firewall, and Win7 has one built on. They don't hurt, and they offer utilities to keep an eye on what changes have been done to your machine. (software explorer and allowed items (under tools in Windows Defender) are things you should familiarize yourself with.
3) You don't need to be an administrator every day. If possible, run the machine from day to day as a limited user, and keep a separate account for installing and uninstalling programs, and running updates for windows. Running day-to-day as a limited user means that if your machine gets infected, it can't do as much damage as it can if an administrator account gets infected. Keep the administrator account password protected, even if you use your nickname for your boss. It'll keep the kids from locking you out of your own machine, too.
4) I did mention anti-virus software, didn't I? Keep it updated, and keep your copy of Windows updated.
5) The utility is called "taskmgr.exe" and you can call it up with Ctrl-Alt-Del. Under Applications, it shows what programs are running. The Processes tab has a longer list, but I'll return to that. The Performance tab shows you how busy your computer is (if your machine is always fully green, something may be wrong with it), and Networking shows how much is going into and out of your machine. Windows 7 has a Users tab, which usually shows you if you are logged in, and if anyone else is logged in (or disconnected)
I am writing this because an online friend has had a problem with virii attacking her machine, even when visiting so called "safe sites". The target audience is (home) Windows users.
Precautions
1) Get an anti-virus, use a firewall, and keep them up to date. I don't care if you pay or go the "free to home users" route, don't leave your hard drive without one.
This forum posting on CNET has an even handed discussion of various AV programs.
2) Windows XP offers a firewall, and Win7 has one built on. They don't hurt, and they offer utilities to keep an eye on what changes have been done to your machine. (software explorer and allowed items (under tools in Windows Defender) are things you should familiarize yourself with.
3) You don't need to be an administrator every day. If possible, run the machine from day to day as a limited user, and keep a separate account for installing and uninstalling programs, and running updates for windows. Running day-to-day as a limited user means that if your machine gets infected, it can't do as much damage as it can if an administrator account gets infected. Keep the administrator account password protected, even if you use your nickname for your boss. It'll keep the kids from locking you out of your own machine, too.
4) I did mention anti-virus software, didn't I? Keep it updated, and keep your copy of Windows updated.
5) The utility is called "taskmgr.exe" and you can call it up with Ctrl-Alt-Del. Under Applications, it shows what programs are running. The Processes tab has a longer list, but I'll return to that. The Performance tab shows you how busy your computer is (if your machine is always fully green, something may be wrong with it), and Networking shows how much is going into and out of your machine. Windows 7 has a Users tab, which usually shows you if you are logged in, and if anyone else is logged in (or disconnected)
