613-825-0091Protecting Your Computer on the Internet |
| Posted by Michael Milette |
We are often asked about firewalls, anti-virus, adware and spyware. Is it really safe to even leave my computer on?
Every computer attached to the Internet should be secured by installing and using software which will protect it from the Internet. These include a firewall, anti-virus and an adware/spyware application. Depending on the product, these can sometimes be bundled together. Please note that a firewall is not a substitute for regularly updated anti-virus software. If Please see the list of links at the end of this article on where you can find free Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware and Firewall software.
What is a firewall and why might I need one?
It is a piece of software that is constantly running in the background on your computer to block other people and computers on the Internet from accessing and even using your computer, while still allowing you to access the Internet. It's like turning your connection to the Internet into a one way street.
At work, this firewall software might actually be running on its own dedicated computer located between your computer and the Internet. Some firewalls will let you know when someone is checking out your computer for potential security holes, while others will just keep those threats out. Of course, it is possible to secure your computer without the use of a firewall if you have the technical skills, but you still won't know if anyone is coming around knocking on your virtual door. If you have nothing of any importance on your computer, don't mind others using it for possible criminal activities and would not mind waking up tomorrow to find that there are files missing on your computer or to find that your computer is really messed up, please still put a firewall on your computer.
Can anyone with an Internet connection use my computer?
It is estimated that about 40% to 50% of all computers on the Internet are wide open, ready and willing to welcome hackers and snoopers. When you consider how many millions of computers make up even just 40%, that's a lot of computers. An investigation of attacks on major web sites revealed that most of the computers used are owned by people who are not even aware that their computer is involved.
You can put your own system to the test by using a tool Shields Up! from Gibson Research Corporation found at https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2 . Unlike some other sites, this one is completely free and does not require you to register or anything like that.
Note: Please be patient. This site gets very busy from time to time. I guess there are more than a few people getting a little nervous.
Should I start to panic now?
No. The point of this article is to make you aware of what is out there and to take action. It's better to be safe than sorry.
Some things in life are fee FREE
FREE Firewall Software
I have tried several free firewall software packages. While many tend to be more complicated, one of them seems to work rather well if I do say so myself. I have read several messages on the Internet posted by people who seem to agree. And at this low price (free for personal and non-profit use excluding government and educational entities), can you really afford not to have a personal firewall?
Windows XP and Vista include pretty good firewalls. However for those of you still using Windows 2000, you will definitely want to get a product that is called ZoneAlarm by Zone Labs. It is very easy to install and requires virtually no configuration. If you don't like it, simply uninstall it.
Other commercial (and affordable) products include:
- Norton Internet Security
- Norton Personal Firewall
- McAfee Personal Firewall
- Black Ice Defender
- Zone Alarm
How can I learn more about keeping my files to myself?
It doesn't matter how good your anti-virus software is, whether or not you have the best firewall in the world, whether you have a DSL or Cable modem connection or you just dial-up to the Internet using a modem, the best way to keep unauthorized snoopers out of your stuff is to learn about how to protect your computer.
Why do I need anti-virus / anti-spyware software?
With each passing day I get more and more email messages and see even web sites that are infected with viruses. Sometimes I see them in my inbox several times a day. Today viruses and spyware run wild on the Internet. I can see the day coming when I will receive as many viruses a day as I receive spam.
My favourite free anti-virus / anti-spyware software
AVG 7.0 Free Edition from Grisoft, is Windows 2000, XP and Vista compatible and comes with free automatic updates. If you use Outlook, Outlook Express, Eudora, or Thunderbird, it will also scan all incoming and outgoing email for viruses. It will also keep an eye on your computer for spyware. Great protection at a great price.
Not-so-free anti-virus / anti-spyware software
My favourite commercial packages are Norton AntiVirus and McAfee AntiVirus. Some of these even come in bundled security packages which include the firewall, anti-spyware and the anti-virus.
For more free and not-so-free security software, visit Freebyte.
There are obviously solutions available to fit every budget, whether it is for personal or business use.
Please invest some money, or at least some time in acquiring and installing some form of protection on your computer.
Last changed: Jun 16 2010 at 12:20 PM
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