Safe Computer Practices

Following these practical steps while computing can save you hours of frustration and hefty computer repair fees.

Antivirus Software

You can use a free anti-virus program, but we highly recommend a commercially purchased product. Be sure to update your anti-virus software on a daily basis (this can be automated) to ensure that you are protected from new viruses. Pricing for small business products ranges from $40 - $80 a year. In my experience, AVG seems to have the most extensive protection but does not slow your computer to a crawl like some of the other big anti virus software companies. more on AntiVirus Software

Antispyware Software

Spyware is computer software that collects personal information about users without their informed consent. You should use a software program that protects against those programs.... more on AntiSpyware Software

Adware Software

Adware or advertising-supported software is any software package which automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertising material to a computer after the software is installed on it or while the application is being used. Get AntiAdware Software

Microsoft Updates

Microsoft Update is a website where users can download updates for various Microsoft Windows-related products. Updates from Microsoft Update can include those for Windows itself, Office, SQL Server, and sometimes hardware drivers as well. These updates are primarily security and bug-related fixes, although they occasionally contain new features. I highly recommend turninig automatic updates on! Here are instructions on how to Run Windows® Update

Firewall

When you connect to the Internet through a high speed provider you have a high risk of being hacked unless you have a firewall running on your computer. You can choose from a hardware or software solution. Routers will have built-in firewalls and have the added advantage of enabling you to share one Internet connection with up to 4 computers (or more if you have a local area network). The other advantage of a hardware router is that it does not use your computer's processing power to run. If you purchase a hardware router be sure to turn the firewall on, as by default many products come with the firewall deactivated. The latest version of Microsoft Windows XP does have built-in firewall software. A small business router will cost between $40-100.

Passwords

You can't memorize good enough passwords with password cracking software being so advanced, so don't even try. Create long random passwords, but do not write them down. Store them in a program like Password Safe. Treat them like credit cards or cash. Don't let Web browsers store passwords. Don't enter passwords in unencrypted e-mail and non-secure Web forms (make sure the address reads https, emphasis on the "s"). Assume that all passwords can be easily broken, and plan accordingly.

Backups

Make regular backups of important work and data, and check that the backups were successful. You should also find a safe place to store your back-ups, perhaps even off-site in case of fire. One of the easiest ways to keep an off-site backup of your business data is to use removable storage devices such as DVDs, CDs, USB memory keys and removable hard drives. If you have a lot of images or business data you should consider using an external hard drive or tape drive for your daily data backups. If you have a small amount of data you may want to pay for an online back-up solution, where new and changed files are automatically sent to a remote server each night. Costs can range from a few dollars a month to several thousand dollars for larger amounts of data.

Wireless Security

When you first set up a wireless network is is Not secure. The default username and passwords are known to anyone that has set up a wireless access point. Do you use a wireless network at home or work? Are you sure others are not using it? It takes very little effort to secure your wireless network and protect personal information. These steps will ensure there is no unauthorized use of your wireless network, your computer, or your Internet connection. read more

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Safe Computing Practices

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