Securing Your Computer System


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Home \| Computer \| Hardware Securing Your Computer System By: Eileen McDargh, Posted on: 2006-09-02 Today, more and more people are using their computers for everything from communication to online banking and investing to shopping. As we do these things on a more regular basis, we open ourselves up to potential hackers, attackers and crackers. While some may be looking to phish your personal information and identity for resale, others simply just want to use your computer as a platform from which to attack other unknowing targets. Below are a few easy, cost-effective steps you can take to make your computer more secure. 1. Always make backups of important information and store in a safe place separate from your computer. 2. Update and patch your operating system, web browser and software frequently. If you have a Windows operating system, start by going to www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com and running the update wizard. This program will help you find the latest patches for your Windows computer. Also go to www.officeupdate.microsoft.com to locate possible patches for your Office programs. 3. Install a firewall. Without a good firewall, viruses, worms, Trojans, malware and adware can all easily access your computer from the Internet. Consideration should be given to the benefits and differences between hardware and software based firewall programs. 4. Review your browser and email settings for optimum security. Why should you do this? Active-X and JavaScript are often used by hackers to plant malicious programs into your computers. While cookies are relatively harmless in terms of security concerns, they do still track your movements on the Internet to build a profile of you. At a minimum set your security setting for the "internet zone" to High, and your "trusted sites zone" to Medium Low. 5. Install antivirus software and set for automatic updates so that you receive the most current versions. 6. Do not open unknown email attachments. It is simply not enough that you may recognize the address from which it originates because many viruses can spread from a familiar address. 7. Do not run programs from unknown origins. Also, do not send these types of programs to friends and coworkers because they contain funny or amusing stories or jokes. They may contain a Trojans horse waiting to infect a computer. 8. Disable hidden filename extensions. By default, the Windows operating system is set to "hide file extensions for known file types". Disable this option so that file extensions display in Windows. Some file extensions will, by default, continue to remain hidden, but you are more likely to see any unusual file extensions that do not belong. 9. Turn off your computer and disconnect from the network when not using the computer. A hacker can not attack your computer when you are disconnected from the network or the computer is off. Article Source: http://www.allthebestarticles.com For more information pertaining to this subject please visit my Website at infomall-ebooks.com Please Rate this Article Not yet Rated Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Hardware Articles Via RSS! Additional Articles From - Home \| Computer \| Hardware Companies maximizing value with trade-in opportunities on the secondary market - By : Razvan Jr.	Attention Writers! Articles Needed! Sign Up for a free account or learn more. Featured Author Eileen McDargh Members Area Submit Articles Member Login Submission Guidelines Publishers/Webmasters Top Authors Most Popular Articles Ezine Notifications Article RSS Feeds Link to Us Privacy Policy Terms of Service Featured Websites Wedding Party Shoes Wedding Party Mall Sports and Concert Tickets Pet Gift Site Questions? Contact Us Vote For All The Best Articles.com at Best Directory TopSiteList Sponsored by Fitness Inform Vote For All The Best Articles.com at Top Article Directory List Top Sites Never Stare At A Blank Screen Again!

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