Hi all

I have spoken or met quite a few home users not keeping their machines update to data and secure. Most users that I have spoken to have asked how do we keep our machine(s) secure? Or what is a firewall? Or what is Anti Virus Software

I will quickly give you some details on how to keep your machine secure and will provide you with some website links from where you can download free software to keep your machine protected. Please note, most free software is for personal use only so please read the agreement before downloading and installing any free software.

How to keep your machine secure?

Firewall:

A good piece of software to use to protect your machine from hackers is Zone Alarm
Zone Alarm is designed to protect your DSL or cable connected PC from hackers. This program includes four interlocking security services: a firewall, an application control, an Internet lock, and Zones. The firewall controls the door to your computer and allows only traffic you understand and initiate. The application control allows you to decide which applications can and cannot use the Internet. The Internet lock blocks Internet traffic while your computer is unattended or while you're not using the Internet, and it can be activated automatically with your computer's screensaver or after a set period of inactivity. Zones monitor all activity on your computer and alert you when a new application attempts to access the Internet. Version 7.0 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes. Sourced from Download.com

AntiVirus

A good piece of Anti Virus Software is AVG 7.5 (Versions available for Windows and Linux)

Antivirus software is an application you install on your machine to protect your system from viruses, worms and malicious code. Most antivirus programs will monitor traffic and files while you are on the Internet and scan incoming email and file attachments and check all local files.

Once you have installed Anti Virus software, make sure you keep it up to date. Anti virus software need frequent updates to stop new viruses. Always download the anti virus updates as soon as you are notified that a download is available. Some antivirus programs offer an auto update feature, where updates are automatically installed for you.

Spyware

Some spyware can be dangerous and can keep track of what you are doing online and detect your key strokes so credit card and other personal information can be retrieved. Some spyware is able use your machine and dial out from your telephone line to a premium line number at £1.50 per minute and you won't even know until you receive your telephone bill. The less dangerous spyware will pop up a message to say something like, ‘A virus was found on your machine, click here to download removal software’. You will then be taken to a website where you will be prompted to purchase some Anti Virus Software.

If you come across spyware on your machine or are suspicious that you may have spyware on your machine and are after free spyware removal software, you can download Spybot Search And Destroy (Please note, this is for personal use).

If you are interested in free software that will continue to monitor spyware, you can download Microsoft Defender software.

Windows Updates:

It is always good to keep you machine up to date with the latest Windows updates. To install these manually, you can open an Internet page, click tools and then click Windows updates and follow the instructions. Most computers have been set to download new updates automatically and you are notified with a little yellow icon which appears towards the bottom right corner notifying you that updates are being downloaded or are ready to be installed. Some users ignore these but you must remember that Microsoft release some patches that help protect your machine from hackers and other bugs.

If you want access to a list of links which includes other free Anti Virus or Firewall software, then click here. Registration is fast and free.

If you have any questions, please feel free to post here and I will be happy to help.

Thanks