PC Security

I thought I should touch on PC security this week because of the outbreak of the latest virus. It is a never ending battle to stem the flow of virus attacks on computers and it is no easy task BUT it is something you should seriously consider.

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There are two areas where you can and should consider spending some effort and they are -

1. Virus scanning software on your PC

The virus scanning software is a must as it will scan your incoming mail (where most viruses come in) and also scan the files on your PC (in case you picked one up from a file on a floppy disk).

Once the virus scan software has finished scanning it will either delete, clean or quarantine any infected file. Sounds good so far - on your part however you must keep the data files up-to-date. This is achieved by connecting to the Internet (your dial-up) and activating the update option that is available on all modern virus scan software.

Another option is to subscribe to an online scanning service like Mcafee Online Scanning. You can check that out at -

http://www.tell-me-how.com/go/go.php/mcafee


Many people try to skimp on their Virus scanning because 'it will never happen to them'. Viruses are becoming smarter and more destructive so if you have any important data on your machine protect it and back it up.

2. A personal 'Firewall' on your PC

A personal firewall is designed to protect you from malicious attacks when connected to the Internet. Even if you are only connected for 5 minutes a day, that is all the time a malicious attack needs to start using your machine.

I have the Mcafee personal firewall on my computer because I can spend hours connected to the Internet. In a typical week, the firewall software reports up to 30 or more attempts to access my machine and it is just sitting in a spare bedroom!

Your machine can be put to use to send spam emails, it can be searched for any personal or password information or it can be hacked and destroyed.

Now don't let me scare you off computers and the Internet all together - just be aware and protect yourself.

Check out Mcafee's personal firewall while you are investigating the VirusScan software at -

www.tell-me-how.com/go/go.php/mcafee


Symantec also have a Virus Scan software package called Nortons anti Virus. Check it out at - www.Symantec.com


ZoneLabs have a good personal Firewall that includes a free version. Check it out at -
www.tell-me-how.com/go/go.php/ZoneAlarms

Remember, you can never do enough to protect your machine and I will give some more hints and tips about PC security in another post.

That's it for this week - remember keep those PC's free from Viruses.



Terry



Quote -

"Before you crtiticize a man walk a mile in his shoes. That way, when you DO criticize him, you'll be a mile away AND you'll have his shoes!"