Safe Computing Practices - Provided by FamilyWebPictures.com
As a service to our customers, this page is provided to assist online users to keep their computers, data, and identity protected, and to assist in maintaining a virus and spyware free system.
Not only do computer viruses and spyware (or adware) compromise security and protection, they affect performance and Internet connectivity, leading to stress and frustration. Infected computers also pose a threat to other computers by allowing themselves to be host, with the ability to spread to other systems.
There are many resources on the web and in print on what we are calling Safe Computing Practices. The following is a summary of commonly accepted best practices for keeping your system safe.
Always keep your Operating System up to date with the latest Service Packs and updates. Current versions of Microsoft® Windows® have an Automatic Updates feature. It is recommended that Automatic Updates be turned on.
Install and maintain a good firewall. Microsoft® Windows® XP includes a firewall and in Service Pack 2 it is turned on by default. This is by far better than nothing at all. A hardware firewall is the best solution, but there are many software solutions, including a very good and free firewall from ZoneLabs.
For those with broadband connections (such as cable or DSL) install a router. This prevents your IP address from being seen. Many routers also have firewall protect. If you have a wireless router, be certain to use the highest security levels it provides, and change the default password.
Install and maintain AntiVirus protection. Maintain by keeping the application and it's reference file up to date. Two well known consumer AntiVirus software providers are Norton AntiVirus® and McAfee Virusscan®. A free alternative is Grisoft's AVG Antivirus Free Edition, which, again, is better than nothing at all. Most AntiVirus software can be configured to automatically check for updates.
Install and regularly operate one or more spyware removal tools from legitimate and well known sources. Two well known applications are Lavasoft's Ad-aware SE Personal, and Spybot Search & Destroy. Both are free for personal use. In addition, Microsoft is beta testing AntiSpyware, available for download from their web site. Many users run more than one spyware removal application.
Install a popup blocker from a source known to be free from spyware. Our favorites are Google's free Toolbar, and the popup blocker that is included in Service Pack 2 for Windows XP.
Consider using an alternate browser that poses less security risks. A current favorite alternative is Firefox from the Mozilla Foundation, available for free and for many Operating Systems.
Avoid free programs from unfamiliar sources (and even some familiar sources), such as screensavers, popup blockers, file sharing (or music swapping) applications, free virus/adware checkers, download managers and games. Many of these include or embed various forms of spyware and opens the door to viruses.
Be cautious of opening email attachments, particularly from unfamiliar sources. Many times viruses, trojans and worms are spread through opened attachments. Their effects are not always immediately seen, delivering an unexpected payload at an unpredicted time, and in varying ways. Even if someone you know sends you an email with an attachment that they have not clearly identified or you do not feel safe about it, ask first before opening the attachment. An associate may have been affected and a virus may have utilized their address book to propagate.
Be cautious of emails from banks or services such as PayPal claiming your account needs updating. This may be a "phishing" scheme in an attempt to steal identity. These emails appear to be from legitimate sources, and appear legitimate in content. Fake web sites appear identical to the real ones but ask for information that would normally not be necessary. They may have all the real links back to the genuine site. Generally, if you log into your bank or other secure web site (manually - not on a link from an email), they will provide notification of any necessary updates to your account. Be familiar with their information collecting policies. The following link is one bank's advice: http://www.wamu.com/personal/welcome/security.htm#emailscam
Avoid web sites of particularly shady character. They could have malicious scripts that can be downloaded to your PC, if scripting is enabled in your browser.
Most, if not all of the above software solutions are available for free or for purchase online and can be downloaded to your system. Another resource on safe computing is http://safety.live.com. Here is a tip: if you are not familiar with a specific application, many times a Google search of the application will expose if it is spyware, generating several 'hits' on removing it.