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Internet Security Tips

Set up a Firewall and Router
If you connect to the internet via a high speed connection (i.e. DSL or cable modem), you should protect your computer from intruders and hackers.  Your high speed internet connection makes your computer vulnerable via certain ports that are open to even the most novice cyber snoop.  Installing a hardware router is the best, most secure option in computer internet security.  A second, less robust alternative, is installing a software firewall.  A software firewall acts as a barrier between your PC and the Internet.  Firewalls not only prevent unauthorized access to your PC or network, they also hide your Internet-connected PC from view.  ZoneAlarm is a great free software firewall that you can install and configure to protect your computer.  If you want a more feature-laden program, we suggest buying Norton Personal Firewall.

Download Windows XP SP2 and you get Microsoft's free software firewall (download).

If you have a wireless internet connection in your home, you should check out our section on how to secure your wireless network for detailed instructions and advice on data encryption and wireless router security.

More info on Firewalls & Routers.  Read PC World article on Firewalls.

"A typical unprotected PC will come under attack
within 20 minutes of being connected to the Internet."

Install a Pop-Up Blocker
Pop-up ads are those irritating ads and messages that pop up on your screen whenever you're online. There are three major causes of pop-up ads:

Dealing with the first two types of ads is relatively easy. You can use a simple pop-up blocker like the Google toolbar to block those ads.  Download Windows XP SP2 and you get Microsoft's free pop-up blocker (download).  Microsoft Windows Vista comes built in with a pop-up blocker and the latest version of Internet Explorer comes installed with security features such as anti-phishing options.

Installing the Google toolbar

The Google toolbar is a nice freebie that makes it easy to search the Web. As an added bonus, it can automatically block most pop-up ads that come through your Web browser. To install the Google toolbar:

1. Use your Web browser (or this link) to go to http://toolbar.google.com
2. Click on Download Google Toolbar.
3. When the File Download dialog box opens, click on the Open button.
4. Follow the instructions on your screen.

Internet Browser Security
It is well known that Internet Explorer (IE) has had many security loop holes over the years, allowing many harmful viruses and malware to invade millions of computers worldwide.  Usually, Microsoft will eventually distribute a security patch to solve some of these issues.  Internet Explorer (IE) version 7 includes new anti-phishing features that help protect you.  There is another option.  Firefox is a freeware browser that includes many more security features that IE does not.  Additionally, the web browsing experience is enhanced and personalized with many plug-ins and add-ons.  Download it free now:   

Downloading Tips
If you use Peer to Peer file sharing software such as KaZaA, you are probably experiencing a ton of pop ups and other interruptions to your computer - as stated in #1 above, you must eradicate your spyware.  However, continuing to use KaZaA will probably result in additional spyware being installed - that is because KaZaA installed such harmful software in the background.  There is a great utility program that you can install will fix such problems.  KaZaA Lite is a great plug-in -- it will overwrite your original KaZaA software and prevent spyware and pop ups from occurring.  This will make your searches quicker and your computer run cleanly and efficiently.  Be very careful when installing or downloading software - only install it if you need it and intend to use it.  Viruses are becoming more and more prevalent nowadays.  A new, full-featured P2P download program is BearShare.

How fast is your internet connection? Test your internet connection speed.

Browse the Internet Safely
Are you concerned about your online privacy?  Check out our new section on how to best Protect your Privacy Online - with tips and advice on browsing, protecting and encrypting information on your computer.

Downloading files from the Internet can feel like playing a game of chance. You never know when you're going to encounter a file that damages your system. While the possibility of that happening is relatively slim, getting to know some of the security features in Internet Explorer 6 and keeping your PC protected will help you make informed decisions and avoid putting your computer at risk.  Norton AntiVirus 2007 – Download the newest version of premier antivirus protection!  Install the latest version of Norton Internet Security and protect your PC -Click Here.

A file you download from the Web—for example, a game, a picture, or even a program—can be just what you bargained for, or it can be a vehicle for more malevolent intent. For this reason, Internet Explorer has stepped up its scrutiny of any file you begin to download, open, or save from the Web. Internet Explorer checks to see whether the file is the type of file it says it is and provides strong warnings if there are irregularities in how the file describes itself or if there seems to be a potential for harm based on the particular type of file (as shown in the following image). Internet Explorer also offers more concise information to help you understand the implications of opening or saving a file.

Make sure your security settings on Internet Explorer (the browser of choice for most users) are set adequately. Browser-based attacks occur when a user goes to a Web page that contains hidden code intended to sabotage a computer or compromise privacy.  Check out a tutorial on how to make internet explorer safer.

A common method of attack involves phishing with e-mails that link to a malicious Web server. Many firewalls don't help because the attacks happen after the user clicks on the link. Traditional firewalls examine traffic coming into the network, but guarding against browser attacks requires that traffic leaving the network also be inspected.  Find out more on how to prevent phishing attacks.

To access security settings you click on Tools on the menu bar, then Internet Options on the pull-down menu. Then click on Security. Internet Explorer categorizes sites as Internet, Local Intranet, Trusted Site, or Restricted Site zones. You can adjust settings for each or use the Default Level button for pre-defined security settings from Microsoft.  Check out our suggestions on how to protect your PC privacy.  Also, check out our tips below on how to safely browse the internet and use email:

• Do not open attachments from users that you do not know. This is one of the most effective ways for viruses to infect you. If you do not know the user, then simply do not open the email and delete it.
• Never open an attachment that is a .exe, .pif, .com, or .bat unless you specifically know the file is clean. The majority of these are always bad!
• Avoid illegal sites (hacking/pirate websites), because that's where most malware is present.
• Don't click on links inside popups.
• Don't click on links in spam messages claiming to offer anti-spyware software; because most of these so called removers ARE spyware.
• Download free software only from sites you know and trust. Because a lot of free software can bundle other software, including spyware.

>>Continue to our next step: Update your PC's Operating System

Clean Up Steps:
1. Quick PC Fixes
2. Eliminate Spyware
3. Anti-Virus Scan
4. Set-Up a Firewall
5. Update your Computer
6. Backup your Data

Protect your PC:
1. Protect your Privacy
2. Secure your Wireless Network
3. Avoid Internet Phishing

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