Computer Security Tips
Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware & Firewall

Protect the Computer, Then Connect to the Internet

If you are getting a new machine, be ready.  Do not just plug it in, turn it on, and surf the web.  You need to take certain steps first, to make sure your computer stays safe from spyware, adware, trojans and viruses.

Your New Computer Security Toolkit

Get your toolkit ready ahead of time -- either commercial CDs or files on a CD that you burn to take to the new computer.  Even if you aren't getting a new computer, go ahead and download some of the free programs, burn them to a CDROM and be ready to help your newbie friends.

I recommend the following types of security programs be installed before you connect to the Internet the first time:

1. Firewall Program.  I suggest the Sunbelt Personal Firewall -- you can use the free version or the purchased version, which provide more features.
2. Anti-Virus Program.  The new computer may come with a trial version.  Most trials now are only good for 90 days.  If you do not plan to continue running that antivirus program, buy the one that you will use BEFORE you get the computer.
3. Anti-Spyware Program. This program should runs all the time, monitoring the computer for the changes that adware and spyware make.  The anti-spyware program should also be able to do a full scan of your computer upon request.  When it finds adware and spyware, it will recommend an action.  Sometimes that action is "Ignore" -- decide for yourself.  
4. Anti-Spam Program. As soon as you get an email account, you will start getting spam. No way around it. So, you need something that filters the spam so that you don't have to read it or see the images that might be embedded in it.
5. A safer web browser. Internet Explorer has become well known, not only as the most widely used web browser, but also as the target of choice for all the bad guys who want to infect you with adware, spyware, trojans and other malware. With that many people searching, serious security holes keep being found. You can yourself save a lot of grief by using one of the other free web browsers such as Opera or Firefox. I recommend Firefox!
   

Free Programs for your Computer Security Toolkit

If you want to use free programs for yourself or to prepare to help friends with their new computers, I recommend the following:  the Sunbelt Personal Firewall (firewall, Sunbelt Software, free trial and free lesser-function version for non-business use), Windows Defender beta (anti-spyware, www.microsoft.com) and PopFile (anti-spam, http://popfile.sourceforge.net). And, of course, Firefox.

Recommended Programs for Your Computer Security Toolkit

For your own computer's Anti-Spyware Program, I recommend Sunbelt Software's CounterSpy as the main anti-spyware tool. I use CounterSpy on my computers. Click here to read more about CounterSpy, to download the 15-day full function trial version or to buy it.

I also like to include WinPatrol (free, www.winpatrol.com), which assists in controlling auto-starting programs and much more. If you purchase the $25 upgrade license to WinPatrol Plus, you get some added functions and access to their excellent on-line database to help identify what is running versus what should be running.

For Anti-Spam, Mailwasher Pro is a well-respected choice. Mailwasher Pro will automatically download critical information from each email (from, subject, date, the first couple lines). Then, it will screen the emails, and indicate which it thinks are spam. You can accept, add to the black list, add to your "friends list," and delete the emails -- before they ever get downloaded to your computer. You can even tell Mailwasher bounce an email as if your address was no good. Mailwasher Pro can handle multiple emails accounts, too. You can download a 30-day free trial of Mailwasher Pro -- click here!

For Anti-virus recommendations, I recommend the combination anti-virus/firewall program from Trend Micro Panda Software's Platinum 2006 Internet Security, which offers antivirus, antispam, firewall and more. Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2006. Read more about anti-virus programs.

For Firewall program, I recommend the Sunbelt Personal Firewall two-way firewall or the combination anti-virus/firewall program PC-cillin 2007 (12 months, download $49.95) . PC-cillin is also available for 3 users (download) , for 24-months (download, $69.95) , and for 36-months (download, $89.95) at discounted rates.

For web browsing, Firefox — my choice is still the free web browser Firefox.

You Also Need — Blank CD-Rs or Blank DVD-Rs

Have a package of 100 blank 700MB/80-minute CD-R's or 50 DVD-R's in your toolkit, too. You won't need them all immediately, but they'll be nice to have on hand and the price is right.

If the new computer wants you to create your Recovery CDs, do that immediately, before surfing the web.  The Recovery CDs may require 10 or more blanks.

Your First Stop on the Internet

Your first stop needs to be Windows Updates. The easiest way to do this is click on the Start Button, hover over All Programs, and click on Windows Updates.

Your computer may show the new Microsoft Update, which is an even better option for your updates. Do them now to install the patches that Microsoft has issued for known security holes in Windows.

Your Second Stop on the Internet

Your second stop is to update your anti-virus program signatures. This will cover you for the viruses and some other beasties that try to arrive via your email.

Now, On To Fun on The Internet!

With this preparation behind you, now you can now surf, send email and all the rest of the fun that comes with the Internet!

 

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Computer Buying Tips