PC Security Guide » Security http://securitypc.com Best Guide for your PC security Wed, 26 Oct 2011 21:11:46 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 How to create habits that will keep Windows 7 secure http://securitypc.com/security/how-to-create-habits-that-will-keep-windows-7-secure/ http://securitypc.com/security/how-to-create-habits-that-will-keep-windows-7-secure/#comments Mon, 26 Sep 2011 21:11:02 +0000 admin http://securitypc.com/?p=116     Windows 7 is the most secure operating system that Microsoft has ever released. This has been confirmed by a lot of the security experts in the industry. Even though the system is very secure there are some things that you are going to have to do to make it even more secure. There is no operating system on the market right now that can compete with users bad habits. The truth is humans are the weak points when it comes to the security of the computer. Most of the time when you blame the system, the problem probably comes from you. This is why if you want to be sure that you are able to run the system with no problems then you must start to learn habits that will help you in this regard. In this article, we hope to help you develop the skills that will allow you to use the computer without fear of having something happen to it or your data. 
 
Be careful with which web sites that you visit
    The one thing that everyone likes about the web is that it helps you explore new and different things. But sometimes our adventure on the web can take us to places that might be considered undesirable. Or the web sites that you visit might look safe but they may have dangers lurking in the background. There are some technologies that can help you with this problem but most of the time the emphasis will be on you. You should be very careful with what sites you visit. If the web site that you land on gives you a bad feeling then you should listen to it and go somewhere else. Most attacks on your Windows 7 system are not very sophisticated and can be avoided with a little common sense. Make sure that you take a good look at the web site that you are on and then listen to your gut on whether you should be on there or not. 
 
Do not just click on any link
    Clicking on links that we do not know where they lead to is for the most part the main way that we get in trouble. Clicking on links is a vital part of the web experience but you must be sure that you are not just clicking on any link that you see. The most important part in verifying a link to click on is to see who is sending it. Is it from a web site or person that you trust? If it is then there is a good chance that it is safe to click on. If the link is from a stranger or a web site that you are not sure about then analyze the link and search for the web site that it leads to on Google first. This way you are not being led directly to the page that they are pointing to and you can see if the site is legitimate or not. 
 
Scan all attachments and downloads
    The last point that we want to make in helping you develop useful habits is to make sure that you scan all attachments and downloads that come to your computer. Use an updated antivirus solution and double check all files before you click on them. Even if the files are from people that you know. They may send an infected file and not even know about it. 
 
    Making sure that you have the right habits when you surf the web will keep your Windows 7 system running a lot longer. 



]]> http://securitypc.com/security/how-to-create-habits-that-will-keep-windows-7-secure/feed/ 0 Build up a secure Windows 7 system from day one! http://securitypc.com/antivirus/build-up-a-secure-windows-7-system-from-day-one/ http://securitypc.com/antivirus/build-up-a-secure-windows-7-system-from-day-one/#comments Tue, 17 Aug 2010 20:05:08 +0000 admin http://securitypc.com/?p=91 When you buy any new computer, there are things you must do to make sure that it will stay in working order for a long time to come. With Windows 7, it is easier than ever to make the changes that are needed to keep your computer operational. Some of the tasks that you must do help keep your computer secure from outside threats. When you take a fresh Windows 7 installation out of the box, it is already pretty secure. This is not like the Windows operating systems of the past. Microsoft has made sure that they paid special attention to security matters in this OS. But there are still some things that you are going to have to do to make sure that the system will keep you and your data safe. We will take a look at some of these tasks. Once you have gone through this checklist then you should feel secure the next time that you go on the internet.

The right antivirus software

Of course, the first thing that you are going to want to do is install the right antivirus software. When you surf the web, one of the man things that you have to worry about is the bad guys being able to install something nasty on your system. With quality antivirus software installed on your computer, you will not have to worry about that threat. As long as you keep the system updated, most threats that you will run across on the internet will be neutralized. There are several antivirus software vendors that you can choose from. Microsoft even offers a version of their own antivirus software that you can use on your system. Their software is free and it is highly recommended in the security community. So now once you have the antivirus installed, it’s off to the next step.

Make sure that your network is secure

The next thing that we want to do is to make sure that our network is secure. We do this by installing a firewall on our system. A firewall is a piece of software that will block traffic from coming into unauthorized ports. There are two versions of firewalls that you can use a hardware firewall and a software firewall. A hardware firewall is one that is installed in the router that you have at your home. If you have a wireless network at your house then you most likely have a router with a firewall installed on it. Make sure that it is turned on. Also you can install a firewall right in your system. There are plenty of third parties that offer firewall software but there is also one already installed into Windows 7.

Time to get rid of the spyware

Now that you have the firewall and antivirus installed, it is now time to worry about the spyware that might try to enter your system. Even though some antivirus software will stop spyware as well it is better to get a dedicated piece of software to do the job. There are many places where you can get anti-spyware software and again Microsoft has their own version of this as well. We suggest that you go with a third party since the reviews of this software from Microsoft is not as high as their other security products.

As you can see, it takes a little bit of work to make sure that Windows 7 is secure from day one. But once you accomplish it, you will feel a lot better surfing the internet.

]]> http://securitypc.com/antivirus/build-up-a-secure-windows-7-system-from-day-one/feed/ 0 How to Secure your PC with a Firewall http://securitypc.com/firewall/how-to-secure-your-pc-with-firewall/ http://securitypc.com/firewall/how-to-secure-your-pc-with-firewall/#comments Sat, 06 Feb 2010 06:02:39 +0000 admin http://securitypc.com/?p=8 FirewallBasically, there are three types of firewall systems that are available for you to select from:

  • Wireless routers
  • Hardware routers
  • Software firewalls

In order to ascertain the best type of firewall for you, you need to answer two questions and record your answers: How many computers need to use the firewall, and; What operating system do you use? (This might be a version of Linux, Apple Macintosh or Microsoft Windows.)

Now you are ready to decide which kind of firewall is best for you. There are at least three options, each having their own advantages and disadvantages.

Wireless routers

If you plan to utilize a wireless network, you will need a wireless router.

Pros: A wireless router allows you to use printers, personal desk assistants, portable computers, and connect computers without wiring. Wireless routers are also excellent for the purpose of connecting notebook computers to networks and the Internet.

Cons: The radio signals that wireless devices use to broadcast information can be intercepted by somebody who is outside of your home, assuming they happen to have the correct equipment. Also, the extra equipment may cost you additional money. In addition, not all wireless routers are equipped with a firewall that is built in, therefore you may have to purchase a firewall separately.

Hardware Routers

Hardware routers make a great choice to connect the Internet to home networks.

Pros: Hardware routers provide firewall protection for multiple computers.

Cons: Hardware routers have a lot of wiring that can often clutter your desktop.

Software Firewalls

Pros: Software firewalls make a good choice for single computers. Software firewall packages are available from numerous software companies.

Pros: Software firewalls do not require additional computer wiring or hardware.

Cons: There is additional cost associated with most software firewalls. Installation and configuration are usually required to get started. In addition, one copy of the software package is typically required for each computer.

Unwary computer users face many dangers associated with connecting to the Internet. The use of a firewall will help to reduce that risk. The absolute first step toward safe online computing is installing a firewall. To enhance your computer’s security use antispyware, antivirus software, and keep your software updated. It is also important to learn as much as you can about additional steps you can take to help protect your computer.

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