HOW TO PROTECT YOUR COMPUTER:
1. - Install and regularly update antivirus software. Scan your hard drive [weekly at minimum].
Antivirus software helps to keep your computer free of infection from viruses, worms, and Trojans. Further, most anti-virus sites provide the option for email notifications for medium and high risk viruses.
We recommend one of the following vendors for up-to-date software and virus information:
ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite
2. - Install firewall software on each computer in your home
Personal Firewall Software acts as a barrier between your computer and the Internet, helping to block out viruses, worms, Trojans, and unauthorized access to your computer and files. The software runs on your computer like any other software package. Its function is to inspect every packet of data leaving or entering your system and to deny or allow this traffic. The absence of firewall software on your computer may allow your computer to be vulnerable to infection or invasion.
It is best that you research and give consideration to the security required for your computers. There are many packages available on the Internet for a minimal fee.
Software firewalls are available from several vendors, including:
Corporate Firewall Solutions If you are on a network running
several computers, you may want to consider a hardware
firewall to eliminate the cost of multiple software licenses.
Many routers have built-in firewall capability, configurable
by your company's Network Administration. If your company
does not have a Network Administrator -or- if you are a
Network Administrator seeking firewall options, feel free to
contact TJ's Custom Computer's at 724-295-0514 for router
and router installation pricing.
3. - Windows Updates
At times you may see a yellow shield or green globe in the taskbar in the lower right corner. You will also see a notification bubble stating that there are critical updates ready for your computer. When you click on it a window will open. Click next to install the updates. It is essential to keep your computer's operating system and programs in top condition. That means keeping up with applying patches, hot fixes and service packs. Check for updates for your Windows operating system and for Microsoft Office weekly at minimum! Microsoft frequently releases patches to security holes and vulnerabilities that are found in its software. If you don't obtain and install these updates to an affected computer, your computer is vulnerable to attack and/or infection.
Add the following Microsoft web site to your Favorites:
Microsoft update sites will scan your computer for
uninstalled updates and will let you know which are critical
for installation. Be sure to install all critical updates.
You may have to restart your computer following each update
to fully install the updates or patches.
4.- Education
You can receive email viruses from people that you know and trust - primarily because many viruses are sent via the address book on the infected computer. So, the person who has sent that worm or virus to you may not even know it! Your system CAN be infected with a virus even though you have installed anti-virus software and you update your software regularly. You can receive a virus through your email program even if you haven't opened an attachment. An email does not have to contain an attachment to contain a virus.
Email isn't the only way that a virus can infect your system. Viruses can be sent through the web, on a floppy disc, via FTP (file transfer protocol), through chat clients, and even by visiting web pages. They can even infect your computer through a security hole in a software package or your operating system (Windows). This is why performing all critical updates from Microsoft is imperative.
DO NOT open email attachments that you are not expecting - even if they come from someone you know.
Disable the Preview Pane in your email client. With Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express, previewing an email message may be enough to infect your system with a worm/virus. If you need help doing this, please contact Technical Support. We'd be glad to offer assistance.
Exercise caution when downloading files from the Internet. Ensure that the source is a legitimate and reputable one. Verify that an anti-virus program checks the files on the download site. If you're uncertain, don't download the file at all or download the file to a floppy and test it with your own anti-virus software.
Most anti-virus software will include a manual for installation and support.
Typically support by the manufacturer includes both web-based
and assistance via email.
5. - Run Defragmenter at least once a month
For Windows 2000/XP Click Start | All Programs | Accessories | System Tools | Disk Defragmenter
Click the ANALYZE button and click the Defragmenter button
For Windows 98/ME Click Start | Run | Type in the box defrag and hit Enter | Click OK
6. - Run a Spyware scan every 2 weeks
95% of all computers are infected with some type of spyware/malware.
Spyware can slow down a system by 500 % !!
Here are some programs we strongly suggest you install | update | scan your computer with
7. - Use an alternative Browser
We recommend using Firefox. It's a free web browser and it offers a better security and additional features above Internet Explorer.
Lastly, if it's cute, animated, colorful, or free ....leave it be !!!!
Anything free on the Internet is suspicious. Smilies, screensavers, games, and cursors, anything that is cute, colorful or animated could possibly install spyware along with it.
If you need additional direction please feel free to contact Technical Support, at 724/295-0514
Monday-Friday: 9:00am-7:00pm
Saturdays: 10:00am-5:00pm
Sundays- CLOSED