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Protect Your Computer from
Internet Threats
The Internet is a huge threat for your
computer, identity theft and fraud! As with all aspects of society a few
crooks cause the good guys to take extra steps to defend themselves.
Here are the safeguards you must follow - listed in order of
importance:
-
Run an AntiVirus Program - Be sure that 'Real Time'
Protection is on
and Automatic Updates are setup to keep the definition files current. Scan
your entire hard drive once a month. Hopefully your AntiVirus program
checks your emails as well.
Learn..
Download
Free avast!
-
Keep Current on Windows Security and Critical Updates
- Windows Automatic Updates should be turned on
and set to automatically install the updates daily.
Here's how...
-
Use Some Type of Firewall - If
you are on a company network it probably has a firewall - check with your
IT guy. If you have setup an Internet Router at home it will act as a
firewall. Otherwise use the Windows XP
integrated, McAfee, Symantec or
Download Free ZoneAlarm firewall
programs. Learn
more..
- Be Careful
Where you Browse and what you Download
-
There is no such thing as something for
nothing. Many web sites provide free stuff, but the more valuable it is
the more likely that they make money thru Adware, Spyware, Spamming and
Phishing. Consider using the free
McAfee SiteAdvisor program.
-
Block As Many Internet
Cookies As Possible
-
Cookies are the source for
Adware and Spyware and must be blocked.
-
Check the Security Settings in Internet Explorer
- At a minimum set the Security
Level to High.
-
Block and/or Frequently Remove
Harmful Adware and Spyware
-
Run AdAware, Spybot or
AntiSpyware, Download Free Ad-Aware and
SpyBot Now..
-
Verify Websites to Avoid Phishing
-
If you use commerce sites like
eBay and PayPal never lick to these websites from email messages. Consider
using an Internet Explorer Add-On
Like TrustWatch to verify that you are where you think you are.
Phishing is very common - I am seen numerous cases of this kind of fraud
attempt. Download the Free
TrustWatch Now.
- Use the SpyBot
TeaTimer program to warn of Registry Changes -
SpyBot contains a program called TeaTimer
that provides real time protection against unwanted changes to your System
Registry. Install this program when installing
SpyBot
-
Operate Your Computer in the Restricted User Mode
-
If you operate your computer
with administer or owner rights, internet threats will have these full administrator
rights to do whatever they want to your computer.
Goto our
Tech Support,
Alerts and Downloads page for downloads.
Feb 05
Mark
Harwood
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