1. Update, Update, Update!
    Always keep your operating system and programs current.

• Windows Update
  http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp
  • Turn on automatic updates if you have Windows XP
    Click the [Start] button;
    Right click [My Computer]
    Click [Properties] The System Properties Property Sheet will open.
    Click the [Automatic Updates] tab and
    Choose "Download updates automatically and notify me when they are ready to be installed."
    Click OK
    Then the next time you are notified tell the system to go ahead and install the updates.
     
• Microsoft Office Update - Word, Access, Excel, Outlook, FrontPage, etc.
  http://office.microsoft.com/OfficeUpdate/default.aspx
• Run DCOMbobulator to disable a common exploit in Windows 2000 & XP
  http://grc.com/dcom/

2. Run an up to date AntiVirus
    The following are excellent and free for home use:

• Avast! Antivirus http://www.avast.com/i_idt_153.html
  Great at automatic updates
• AVG Antivirus http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php
• Only use one antivirus program and keep it up to date!

 

3. Run a hardware &/or software Firewall to keep hackers out.

• Most consumer routers at least have a Network Address Translation (NAT) firewall built in but make sure it's turned on. Check your manual.
• Windows XP has a firewall which is not turned on by default. Here's Microsoft's directions to turn it on.
  http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/networking/icf.asp
• A better free firewall for home use is ZoneAlarm
  http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp
• Check your vulnerability with ShieldsUp! from Gibson Research
  http://grc.com/default.htm

 

4. Prevent or remove SpyWare

• SpywareBlaster - prevents installation of many spyware programs in the first place
  http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
• Spybot Search & Destroy - eliminate spyware
  http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?page=download
• AdAware - eliminate more spyware
  http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
• Don't click on anything that offers to modify your system or install a handy tool for you. It may or may not do what it says but it will probably do a lot more that it doesn't tell you about.

 

5. Avoid opening email attachments unless you are absolutely sure you were expecting it, even if it's from your closest friend.

 

6. Use a Popup blocker.

• Either Switch from Internet Explorer to Mozilla, or
  http://www.mozilla.org/products/mozilla1.x/
• Run Google Toolbar, or
  http://toolbar.google.com/
• EMS Free Surfer Mk II
  http://www.kolumbus.fi/eero.muhonen/FS/Download.htm

 

7. Backup your data!

• What to Backup
  • "My Documents"
  • Internet Favorites/Bookmarks
    http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000524.htm
  • Outlook Address book
    http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;196492
  • "My Pictures"
  • Any special data files you may have that aren't in My Documents
• Our favorite backup program: Second Copy
  http://www.centered.com/
• How to backup files:
  http://www.imation.com/en_US/main.jhtml?Id=70_02_01

 

7. Encrypt & password protect sensitive data

• Encryption - http://www.iopus.com/guides/efs.htm
• Passwords - http://www.ja.net/documents/factsheets/using_passwords.pdf

 

8. Contact us when you get into trouble.