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