Checklist to Protect Your New Computer
So you just have a new computer straight out of the box and you are excited to go online. I would think twice before plugging my network cable in the jack.
You need to make sure that your computer is ready to fight with all unwanted harmful scripts and software’s over the network. It is a fact that it could take less than 30 seconds for your new computer to end up with a virus or worm if it is not protected.
I have jotted down a list of few steps we must do before we take our new power-machine online, the list is open so if you have any other ideas please help me sharing best practices.
To protect our computer we need the following:
Firewall
Windows Updates
Anti-virus
Anti-Spyware
Firewall
The first step we need to perform is to turn-on the computer firewall. Some operating systems have this option on by default however there is no harm to cross check. Please follow the following steps to check or turn-on the firewall.
From the Start Menu select Control Panel
Double Click on Security Center
Open Windows Firewall
Make sure the radio button for On is selected and click Ok
This option blocks all outside sources from connecting to this computer. If you are installing some other firewall software like ZoneAlarm you will have to turn-off the windows firewall to avoid the conflicts.
Windows Updates
Microsoft really works hard on the user feedbacks and reported bugs so it’s really important for us to keep our windows up-to date. If it’s a new installation then you will see a message besides the task bar to update windows or else you can always visit Microsoft Windows Update website to check for new updates available. Make sure you follow all the steps listed in the process including restarting your computer.
Anti-virus Software
Now we must have our army ready to fight against the viruses in the battle-field. So we need anti-virus software. Normally computer manufacturers provide some trial versions of Norton, MacFee or some other software with the computer. You can choose to buy and install the default that came with your computer or you can install AVG Internet Security Software that’s free for personal use and does not use up lots of memory of your computer like Norton.
Click here to install AVG Internet Security Software from their official website.
Anti-Spyware Software
At this point it depends on your surfing habits are like, if you browse a whole lot of web-sites including shopping portals then you must have anti-spyware software installed. I like Ad-Aware that also free for personal use. You can install a free version of Ad-Aware from their official website.
Click here to download and install Ad-Aware. Select the free version of this software and follow the steps.
Stay Up-to Date
The most important part of this protection is to keep all the Software and Operating System up-to date. Some programs install the updates automatically or give you an option if there are any updates available. You can always visit the official websites in future to check if there are any new releases available.
A few days ago I have written the following post that might be helpful to be secure on the internet. Check this out too, I am sure you will be shocked.
Believe It or Not! I can access your Personal Info - Works with IE and Netscape. If you are using any other browser try it with IE or netscape.
What Next?
If you have some thing to add to the information above please leave your comments or help others to be secure by sharing this info with your friends and this world.
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Very informative article… but u might wanna add some Spam protection and Site-advisor to the list too. can u suggest me some nice firewall for xp pro.
appreciate ur efforts man!!
nice post. sure useres will find it very useful!!