5 Ways to Keep Your Computer Safe for Free
So here are 5 things you need to do to make your computer safe. There is no way to make your computer absolutely safe but this how-to will make your computer as safe as it can be for free, no shareware, bloatware or any of that stuff.
First off What You'll Need :
- Windows XP (Either Pro or Home Doesn't Matter)
- Knowledge on how to install .exe's (that's it)
1. A Firewall (Very Important)
Any one of the Firewall's I list here are fine no one is superior than the other just maybe a few different features but basically the same
A firewall is an essential to make sure your allowing only traffic to and from your computer that is safe. Some say that you don't need a Software Firewall if you have a Hardware Firewall(Linksys Basestation or something similar) but I suggest for extra security you get one. To see what a hardware firewall see here. Don't Use More Than One Software Firewall.
This is a great Firewall I suggest this and all of the other one's I list but it does seem to be a memory hog sometimes. Great Choice though.
A great unobtrusive firewall I use this one and I suggest It
2. Antivirus Program (Very Important)
An Anti-Virus program is one of the most important pieces of software your computer has or needs. There is no doubt that you need a Anti-Virus Program. Anyone of these I list are just fine to use don't use more than one though.
This one of the best Free Anti-Virus Program I use this program and it works great one thing you will not get is Priority Updates.
This is also a good antivirus program great detection rate the layout is a little less to be desired but is a solid Anti-Virus Program.
3. Updates & Patches (Very Important)
This is the most important thing and the most secure thing to do to a computer is to patch holes and update it. This is not just one single program you run and it updates all of the software, but you need to do this yourself. Usually in any Anti-Virus or Firewall and even in Windows There Will Be a way to update.
Very easy to do just look around on the program that you have and you should either find update in some menu or preferences. Zonealarm, AVG, Avast! and Kerio all have this.
You also need to update your computer using Microsoft Update just go to the link above and Update your computer. If you have Microsoft Office installed it will update that also. But you need to do this with all programs like Java and so on. I won't get into that but just look on the programs website for help on doing updates.
4. Anti-Spyware (Very Important)
This is a program that you need also. Spyware is so easy to get on your machine, just visiting a website can give you spyware and your Anti-Virus program won't pick it up. I suggest more than one.
Ad-Aware Personal provides advanced protection from known data-mining, aggressive advertising, Trojans, dialer's, malware, browser hijackers, and tracking components. This is a program I use also.
Another program just like Ad-Aware but looks for different things. Great program I use it.
5. What You Do Yourself
1. Remove these programs listed below plain and simple.
Limewire
AudioGalaxy
Bearshare
Blubster
edonkey 2000
Grokster
Kazaa
Morpheus
WinMX
iMesh
ANY P2P PROGRAM OR BITORRENT PROGRAM
Meaning any program that you share files and download illegal songs, porn, movies and software git rid of it- not kidding. Read this for more Info.
2. Be Smart
Be smart in the way you surf. Don't download files from unknown sources. Don't click on banner or any type of ads. Don't visit porn sites. Basically don't do stupid things while on the Internet.
3. Optional(Use Host Files)
This is not very important but can block ads and click tracking. A host file is a file that blocks ads from appearing while visiting a site for more on Host Files visit here
4. Clean
Clean out Temp files, cookies, Temporary Internet Files and any other trace your surfing leaves. This will prevent spyware. One Program to use is CCleaner( Crap Cleaner) it cleans the things listed above and other things to make your computer free of clutter.
That's It!
-Matthew Campbell
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