The How-To Resource Library Check here for help building your best defense against spyware, scams, malicious software and things that go bump in the night...
computer security tips and guides pertaining to the health of your computer
- Anti-Spyware: Install Ad-Aware, Spybot S & D
Much like anti-virus software, anti-spyware should be installed on your computer to check and remove any spyware or malware installed or hiding on your computer.
| - Anti-Spyware: Scan with Ad-Aware
Regularly check your computer for spyware and adware. Here's help in running an Ad-Aware scan of your computer.
| - Anti-Spyware: Scan with SpyBot S & D
Regularly check your computer for spyware and adware. Here's help in running a Spybot Search & Destroy scan of your computer.
| - Anti-Virus: Enable On-Access Scans
[for McAfee VirusScan] Viruses can “slip through” in spite of your best efforts. Performing virus scans is a simple task that can be automated...
| - Anti-Virus: Installing Antivirus Software
Installing McAfee Antivirus for PCs and Virex for Mac OS X
| - Anti-Virus: Manual (on-demand) Scans
[for McAfee VirusScan] Viruses can “slip through” in spite of your best efforts. Scans can be performed manually ("on demand"), automated, or both.
| - Anti-Virus: Updating Definitions
[McAfee] Because of the constant release of new viruses and variants, current antivirus definitions are the most essential part of keeping your computer safe and running properly.
| - Backing Up Files
Advice on backing up files, documents, bookmarks, etc.
| - Disable File and Print Sharing
As a general rule, you should always disable "File and Print Sharing" on your local machine unless you have a specific need to allow access to your files and printers from another computer. Even when enabled, "File and Print sharing" is easily compromised, and great care should be taken as to what files are shared to others.
| - Disable Guest Accounts
In addition to the Administrator account, your operating system also comes with a Guest account. This account is often enabled without you knowing and can be exploited to gain access to essential parts of your computer.
| - Guard Against Telephone Fraud
Who's calling you? Sort the con artists from legitimate callers...
| - Passwords: Require Login Password
Requiring a login password helps protect your computer from unauthorized use.
| - Passwords: Using Screen Saver Passwords
Using a screen saver password can help deter unwanted access to your computer when you step away from your desk.
| - Passwords: Using Strong Passwords
An effective password is the first line of defense against intruders and if the password is complex enough, it will be the barrier to most intrusion attempts.
| - Read the Warning Signs
Even if you have done everything right, your computer may still become affected by malicious software or intent. It may be difficult to know if and when your computer is affected; here are some general guidelines to help you detect when your computer is compromised.
| - Updates: Microsoft Office
It is highly recommended to periodically update your Office Suite with the latest files available.
| - Updates: Operating System (automatic)
Keep your computer's operating system (OS) up to date automatically with Microsoft's Auto-Updates.
| - Updates: Operating System (manual)
Keep your computer's operating system (OS) up to date with Microsoft Updates.
| - Updates: Other Third-Party Software
Like operating system and office software, many other software packages are updated by their authors. Check for these, too, periodically.
| - Updates: Web Browsers
How to check for updates to Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari and Netscape. |
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online safety advice regarding being online...
- Avoid Downloading Malware
Malware (MALicious SoftWARE) is software that may be bundled with other, often free software applications.
| - Check Firewall Status
A firewall is hardware or software that helps to protect against intruders and worms by checking what connects to your computer and blocking some connection attempts if they are thought to be harmful.
| - Clear Cache and History
Regularly clearing browser caches and histories helps improve performance and aids in keeping your personal information further from snoops.
| - Cope with Cookies
A cookie is a small amount of information created by some websites you vist and stored on your computer. When you visit these websites again, the cookie allows the site to remember your settings, your details if you have entered them before, and many other useful things. Generally, cookies are not harmful.
| - Disable Filesharing and P2P
File sharing using P2P (peer to peer) networks is a common and widely used method of exchanging files over the internet... (needs better description)
| - Email: Filtering Viruses and Spam (junkmail)
Even when using junk mail filtering, be sure to scan your junk mail for any misplaced or mismarked emails before emptying your junk mail folder.
| - Email: Opening in Text-Only
Many forms of viruses and other malicious software attempt to distribute themselves by email. To prevent this code from hiding and activating on your computer, you should ensure that your computer is set to open your email as text-only, so that you may see the full details of your email.
| - Guard Against Internet Fraud
Basic tips on dealing with internet fraud
| - Popup Blockers
A pop-up blocker is recommended for your computer to prevent unwanted windows from opening.
| - Secure Site Check
How can you know if you're using a secure site? |
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advanced topics guidance for the tech-minded and others seeking walk-throughs of more advanced IS-related tasks
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