| |
| |
|
Personal Technology Information |
|
Are You Well Protected?
Winter?the official start of the cold and flu season. Though, technically speaking, things got started a little early. Close to a million computers, mostly home PC users, have been infected. For many of us our computers are our business. We keep in contact with customers and clients via email, do extensive internet research, and transmit important files electronically. We know what to do to protect our bodies from viruses. There are some simple strategies, and even free precautions we can take to protect our businesses by keeping our PCs virus free. Adopting the following six checkpoints will help keep your computer healthy and your business uninterrupted. Use a Firewall At its most basic level a firewall is a software security system that acts as a barrier between your computer and the outside world (the internet) by monitoring all incoming network traffic. A more advanced firewall will also monitor outgoing traffic. How you use your computer will determine whether basic or advanced firewall protection is needed. What a firewall does is make your computer invisible while on the Internet. If hackers can't see you, they cannot attack you. Windows XP has this software installed; however, it may need to be enabled. If you have XP and would like to enable the firewall, directions are on the Microsoft website. For non XP users, firewall software can be purchased. McAfee and Zone Alarm are two very popular products. Zone Alarm has a free downloadable firewall, basic version, available on their website, www.zonealarm.com. Before installing a firewall, you may be interested in learning your computer's vulnerability. This is something that can be checked for free and in just a few minutes. Visit the website of Gibson Research Corporation, www.grc.com, and under Hot Spots, click on Shields UP. It takes a little bit of scrolling to get to but is well worth the extra seconds. In minutes your PC is scanned and its vulnerability rated. Antivirus Software Antivirus software is the "shot" after the epidemic. This software protects your computer from known threats. Many PCs come with antivirus software already installed. Some of the more popular versions are Norton, PCCillin and McAfee. If you have it pre installed or have purchased it, great. Please be sure to keep it constantly updated with the latest virus definitions. This is important because these definitions are formed in response to the latest viruses. If you don't have this protection, please consider getting it. Once this software is installed on your computer, you will be automatically notified when new virus definitions are available. Then it is just a matter of a few clicks to download the new definitions. Likewise you will be notified when your antivirus software is about to expire. The software needs to be updated annually. The initial purchase, renewal, updates and installation can all be done online. Spyware Eliminator Why am I getting all of these pop ups? Certain websites that you visit or free software (shareware) that you download, and, in some cases, hardware purchased from major manufacturers will also install tracking devices on your computer (spyware). Spyware is annoying but not illegal. An internet search will reveal the many choices available for spyware elimination software. The important thing is to get one and use it consistently. Spybot and PestPatrol are popular choices. I really like Spybot Search and Destroy. Besides the fact that it is free, once spyware is identified, the software will provide a detailed description of just what it is. This is helpful just in case it identifies something that you don't want to get rid of. Backup, Backup, Backup How often do you backup? What files/programs do you backup? What media do you backup to? We all know the importance of backing up our information yet so many of us don't do it. There may be a ton of reasons why it's not done but the one reason it should be done on a regular basis is that it can be a timesaver, possibly a business saver if your computer system is corrupted for any reason. If you happen to be using Windows XP Professional, the backup procedure is quite simple. For users of XP Home Edition, it is a bit more involved. Complete instructions, however, are on the Microsoft website. Typically, data files are what most people need to back up and having well organized files will certainly simplify the process. Whether you backup to disk, zip disk, DVD, writeable CDs, external file drive or utilize one of the online services, it is important to get into the habit of backing up on a regular basis. Weekly Updates of Windows Windows users are automatically notified of current updates for the Windows operating system when your computer is turned on. With just a few clicks your operating system is updated. However, when certain patches become available for your particular applications software (XP, 2000, NT, etc), as was/is the case with the recent worm viruses, a visit to Microsoft's website is necessary. Once there, Microsoft will scan your computer, tell you what updates are available, and you then have the option of installing them on your system. In some cases, you will need your installation CDs to complete the download. With the recent run of viruses and with more expected, it is imperative to check for these updates weekly on the Microsoft website as well as do the automatic updates. Be Careful of Email Attachments Email is such a widely accepted method of communication, and this has not gone unnoticed by hackers who use email as a means of mass virus spread. For this final checkpoint, your due diligence is the only software required. Always delete any email from unknown senders and be very careful of any attachments you are not expecting from any known senders. As we have seen, hackers can quite easily access Outlook address books to spread viruses. By the way, including a fake email address in your address book will not prevent your PC from spreading viruses. This is an urban legend. If you're interested in the full story, check out this link: www.snopes.com/computer/virus/quickfix.htm When it comes to the health of our computers, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Effective prevention software along with plain old common sense, used consistently, can keep you protected. About The Author Roxie Hickman, Virtual Assistant (VA), is the owner of The Virtual Connection. The Virtual Connection (www.thevirtualconnection.net) specializes in working with the 'sucstressed' (successful professionals who are stressed because they've been doing it alone). The Virtual Connection provides offsite executive, administrative, and personal assistance (virtual assistance). roxie@thevirtualconnection.net
MORE RESOURCES:
|
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
How to Use SQLXML to Retrieve Data from SQL Server Database? Using SQL Server 2000 and above versions you can retrieve data from SQL Server in XML format directly from the database. Many XML related features were incorporated in the SQL Server database. D2X Digital SLRCoolpix 8800 Actually Refers to Two Nikon Cameras Addressing a D2X Digital SLRCoolpix 8800 search, this article provides a quick comparison of the Nikon D2X digital SLR and Coolpix 8800 cameras.Nikon D2X Professional Digital SLRCheck out a Nikon D2X review or two and quickly realize this is a world class professional digital SLR. Taking Advantage of the iPod Experience Music lovers have been carrying around radios and other bulky music devices in order to take their tunes along withthem as they go from place to place. With the iPod - a portable unit that's manufactured by Apple - the music experience offers a higher quality in a much more compact size. The Benefits of Open Source If you are a building a website or a forum, chances are you are using a web editor or paying for message board services. The costs of using these "out of the box" products can add up, especially if you are trying to grow your business. 7 Reasons NOT to Take Your Laptop on Holiday! Heading off on vacation soon?Then perhaps you're tempted to take your trusty laptop along for the trip.After all, you bought it for its mobility, and it's nice to stay in touch via email with your family and friends back home. The Advantages of Portable MP3 Players With their solid-state technology, compact size, and abundant memory, portable mp3 players are the state of the art in portable music systems.Most portable mp3 players feature storage systems that have no moving parts. Basic Diagnosis Guidelines for Your PC Simone is exasperated. She has to work on her university assignment but her PC is not working properly. Simple Overview Of Computer Computer is an electronic machine work on the instructions of human being. In other words you have to input data to get your required output. Buying a Personal Computer (PC) For many people the computer industry is a seeming unsolvable jungle filled with mysterious words. Here is a guide to help you understand the personal computer and to give you the information needed to make a shopping decision you can live with so you can enjoy your PC for years to come. What Exactly are Screensavers? - part II Here are some tips on how to use screensavers:First of all you should be careful when you use a screensaver on a LCD. A pixel it's on when it's dark on a LCD. Is DVD Storage An Attractive Alternative For Your Computer Backup? If you have a computer for home use or for your business and don't take comprehensive backup for full protection then you are in the danger-zone.Maybe you do not take any backup at all. Best PC Pocket GPS Stop Getting LostOne of the greatest uses for a pocket pc is for gps navigation. Now all those people who continually get lost can find their way anywhere with the various types of gps navigation software available. 5 Steps to Removing PC Clutter It's hard enough as it is these days to get organized and then remain that way for weeks and months down the road. We are all very busy people, some of us with 9-5 jobs and one hour commutes, and others of us busy making our lives at home work for us, with children at tow and a variety of chores to do as well as errands to run. Seven Things to Consider When Choosing a PDA In the early days, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) were not much more than glorified calculators with the ability to store contact information and brief notes. Now, the line between personal computer and personal digital assistant is blurred thanks to the advanced capabilities of these useful little devices. How to Protect your PC from Spyware in the Cyber Age Wouldn't you be shocked to find that your personal sensitive information, like files, credit card information, operating system / software and other non-disclosed data to be penetrated by unscrupulous prying eyes? Even worse.. Cisco CCNA / CCNP Certification: OSPF ASBRs Explained And Illustrated When I first started studying for my CCNP, some of the concepts of OSPF really confused me. This was especially true for the ASBR, stub areas, and total stub areas. Cache In Your Chips And Get A Bus! Computer related terminology could sometimes be daunting to newcomers. These are relatively new words or hybrids of words, already in existence. Occupational Therapy and PDAs Occupational Therapy Made EasierMedical downloads for the pda have improved the life of both patients and doctors of all kinds. These freeware software downloads make many types of medical conditions much easier to manage. Lives With Games Tradition and Industry The United States Of America citizen feels that games is a part of their life while developed countries such as the United Kingdom and Japan would feels that Games is high prospects to gain profit either in domestic level or internationally. Games is very influence in human life at this time. What Are You Looking For In A Cheap MP3 Player? Are you stymied by the vast offerings in cheap mp3 players? Don't know which features best suit your needs? Here are some suggestions based upon product reviews by mp3 player owners.The first thing you must consider is how you plan to use your mp3 player.
|
| home | site map | contact us |
