Securing your computer
Here are steps for securing your computer. Completing these tasks will greatly reduce the chances of a hacker doing harm to your computer, or using your computer in a greater internet attack.
1. Get the latest antivirus. If you haven't had an update within the last 3-4 weeks. Its too old. I recommend the Norton Antivirus just because of its very easy user friendly update system.
2. Get your windows updates. These are updates provided by Microsoft to fix security issues with their operating systems and other software. Getting these updates also protect you from possible worms such as the Blaster Worm. For instructions on how to get these updates please click here.
3. If you are using a broadband connection to the Internet such as Cable or DSL, get a router. Routers provide Network Address Translation which makes it very difficult for a hacker to get through. It is a very basic form of protection but very effective. You can also buy routers with firewalls built-in. This is ultimately the securest way to go.
4. Get a firewall. If you are using Windows XP with a dial up connection, you can enable the firewall built into Windows. It is not the greatest firewall in the world, but it gives basic protection without prompting you with annoying questions whenever a new program wants to access the internet. If you want the best protection for dial up I recommend ZoneAlarm Pro. Click on any of the links on this site to purchase a copy.