| Most people are aware that there are | | | | packages with their new computers. For |
| continuous security issues with Microsoft's | | | | example last year my new Dell shipped with a |
| Windows operating system and other programs. | | | | 90-day trial of McAfee's Internet Security |
| However, what most people do not realize is | | | | Suite. The best bet here is to purchase a |
| how easy it is to significantly improve your | | | | security package which includes firewall and |
| computer's security and reduce the likelihood | | | | anti virus software as a minimum. Top brands |
| of becoming a victim to ever increasingly | | | | include McAfee and Symantec Norton products. |
| sophisticated threats that lurk on the | | | | However, Microsoft has recently entered the |
| internet. These steps should take less than a | | | | market with their "OneCare" offering which is |
| couple of hours to complete and should not | | | | very aggressively priced. |
| clean out your wallet. | | | | |
| | | | 4) Firewall - if you are using a broadband |
| 1) Windows Update - the first crucial step | | | | connection then a firewall is definite |
| you need to take to make sure that all your | | | | requirement to manage the traffic flowing |
| Microsoft applications have all the latest | | | | between your computer and the internet. A |
| product updates installed. These updates or | | | | firewall monitors the inbound internet |
| "patches" address security vulnerabilities | | | | traffic passing through the ports of your |
| and other issues. Microsoft usually issues | | | | computer. Better products also monitor |
| these updates on a monthly cycle. Visit the | | | | outbound traffic from your computer to the |
| Microsoft website or switch on automatic | | | | internet. As per above the best bet here is |
| updates from the Windows Control panel. Even | | | | buy a firewall application as part of a |
| if your "new" computer is second hand this is | | | | security package which most vendors offer as |
| still a critical first step. If you buy a | | | | standard. If a hardware firewall is included |
| used computer with Windows XP make sure | | | | as part of your router package then you do |
| Service Pack 2 or SP2 is installed. | | | | not need anything else. A company called Zone |
| | | | Labs offer a great free firewall product |
| 2) Strong Passwords - people often overlook | | | | called Zone Alarm which should be used as a |
| this but having well thought through | | | | minimum. Windows XP does now ship with a free |
| passwords is an important element of your | | | | firewall but the product does not monitor |
| computer security. A strong password should | | | | outbound communication and therefore I |
| include at least 8 characters with a mixture | | | | believe does not offer adequate protection. |
| of text, symbols and numbers. As a minimum | | | | |
| you need to make sure the services most at | | | | 5) Anti Spyware Tool - this software is the |
| risk have a strong log-in password. These | | | | last piece in your basic internet security |
| services include your bank, credit card, | | | | set up. This tool helps combat spyware and |
| other financial services like PayPal, your | | | | adware. There is a good mixture of free and |
| email address and any other services like | | | | paid versions on offer. Good free software |
| Ebay which hackers can use to generate | | | | include Microsoft's Windows Defender, Spybot |
| profit. | | | | S&D or Ewido Anti-Malware. Ewido Anti-Malware |
| | | | is frequently recommended in computer help |
| 3) Anti Virus Protection - while it is fair | | | | forums. Be careful if you decide to purchase |
| to say the threat of the computer virus has | | | | a solution. There are a number of rogue |
| receded during the last couple of years they | | | | vendors out there which aggressively push |
| can still inflict serious damage on your | | | | products which offer you little value. Stick |
| computer. Part of the reason why the threat | | | | to trusted names like Webroot's Spy Sweeper |
| has reduced is because PC manufactures are | | | | or PC Tool's Spyware Doctor. These products |
| now more frequently bundling anti virus | | | | always come out well on independent tests. |