PCs have become a valuable part of our lives, and online security is something that we all need to think about.
Although Microsoft has done a good job trying patch flaws in its operating system, software is less than perfect.
Here are some no-nonsense actions to take on if you want to keep your family's data safe and secure.
Make sure you install antivirus software and keep it updated daily. If you don't own antivirus software, you're playing Russian roulette with your PC. It's just a matter of time before you lose. The newer programs such as Norton Anti-Virus will automatically download updates, but some older versions don't. My suggestion: If you own an older version of antivirus software, update it and get an edition that enables automatic updates and scans incoming mail. Without this, you're playing the odds - and with all those nasty viruses out there, the odds are clearly not with you. Note that automatic updates will work only if you have broadband. Figure on spending about $25 to $70 on antivirus software.
Make certain that you set up a firewall for your computers. One thing you need to understand is that without a firewall, your computer is vulnerable to hackers. If your machine connects to the Internet, you'll need protection. Windows XP comes equipped with a firewall, but you'll want something better. The best way to go is a firewall/router that will allow you to protect your entire family's network in one fell swoop. These can be either wireless or connected by cables, and you can purchase them locally from CompUSA or online for under $100. Another, less expensive option (but not as good, in my opinion) is to download a free software firewall from a company such as
ZoneAlarm or
Kerio. You can also get good personal firewalls from Norton as part of its antivirus protection suites, such as Norton Internet Security.
Back up your data daily. This is a must. Some of your most important assets, whether it's business records or photos of your kids, are most likely on your computer. A few years ago, backing up was something that was done manually and was a pain. Nowadays, the whole process can be automated. All you need to do is set up some software, and even in the worst possible scenario - fire, theft, tsunami, etc. - you'll be protected. There are a number of media to back up your data: CD-RW, tape drives or portable hard drives. If your computer came with a CD writer, this is the least expensive way to do it, but it requires some work and discipline on your part. Portable hard drives, like the One-Touch system from Maxtor, are also easy to use but will cost you a few hundred dollars. Another option (which our company and others provide) is online backup service, where data is stored offsite and you're charged a fee ($10 to $15 a month) to upload it. This method is the easiest because once it's set up, it requires no daily work on your part.
Keep your operating system patched. One thing many of us neglect to do is keep our OS current. An operating system, by definition, is a work in progress, and to date, more than 60 megabytes of patches have been provided since Windows XP was launched. It's not too hard if you have broadband, but it's a pain for dial-up users because it sometimes takes hours to download the fixes. The good news is that Microsoft's Windows Update Web site makes it easy to keep up with the latest patches. Both XP and Windows 2000 have an icon on the bottom-right side of your screen that makes the process fairly simple. Just follow the instructions and download the patches. You can also set this up to happen automatically.
Keep alert. You can never be too careful. To be even more vigilant, I'd consider downloading the free
Spybot Search & Destroy or
Ad-aware, which is one of the coolest innovations to come along in a while. Spybot Search & Destroy finds sneakware that installs itself on your computer without your knowledge. You don't want these kinds of programs, which send data they find on your computer to people you don't know. You also might want to tweak your e-mail software so that it displays messages without graphics. Why bother? HTML pages, which display graphic images, might actually be spyware. Some other basic tips: Avoid opening e-mail attachments, which are avenues for viruses.
Finally, if you have a wireless network at home, keep it encrypted. It's fairly easy to do.
I don't want to sound paranoid, but consider computer security as commonsense safety advice - like keeping your car or bicycle in good working order.
