Keep your Windows PC safe

In a world of Internet nasties and web worms, this is a short guide to describe how a few basic steps can help to keep your home PC safe. And the best thing? I'll show you how to do it like a true cheapskate!

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1) Keep your Microsoft software up to date

Many viruses are propagated by security holes in Microsoft software. So the first thing to do is keep your Microsoft Software up to date by installing the critical updates that Microsoft releases for both the Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office. You should also turn on automatic updates; and if you get messages saying you have critical updates that need to be installed, be sure to do this and don't ignore it!

Microsoft have recently made available a single website to update both Windows and Office:

The Microsoft Update website
(Must be opened with Internet Explorer, not Firefox.)

NB, if you've never done this before, it will msot likely be a large download. So if you do not have broadband at home, it would be wise for you to try and get someone with broadband to download major updates like Windows XP Service Pack 2 for you.

2) Install virus protection software and keep it up to date!

It is imperative that you not only install virus protection, but keep it up to date! If you do not, you will not be protected by the latest virus outbreaks. (which is very bad!) Most Anti Virus software will keep itself up to date however it is important that you check the date your virus definitions and make sure you don't let them become more than a week out of date.

You can download a perfectly good free edition of Grisoft AVG Anti Virus for private, non-commercial, single home computer use only. The latest version of AVG periodically checks for updates whenever you are connected to the Internet, which is very good and hassle free.

Other major non-free Anti Virus software providers include McAfee or Norton and these products can be purchased from any good PC retailer.

** Be sure you run a complete hard drive scan when you first install so that any nasties are detected. **

3) Protect yourself from malware

According to Wikipedia, malware is "any software program developed for the purpose of causing harm to a computer system, similar to a virus or trojan horse."

These are often downloaded involuntarily from websites of a dubious nature and can cause pop-up ads, key logging and the dialling of premium rate numbers (to name but a few lovelies!).

Protection from these can be had by various software, but in my opinion, the best is Microsoft's recently released Microsoft Anti Spyware. It actively scans your machine for internet nasties. Install it and it should also keep itself up to date.

Alternatives include Lavasoft's Ad-aware and Spybot Search & Destroy.

** Again, make sure you run a complete hard drive scan when you first install so that any nasties are detected. **

4) Use a firewall

If you have broadband then a good firewall is an absolute necessity. Broadband connects you directly to the internet and puts your computer at considerable risk of malicious attacks. Firewalls can be set up using software running on your PC, or using dedicated hardware. It's possible the appliance you use to connect to the internet (generally an ethernet ADSL modem or cable router) already has one built in. Your Internet Service Provider can help in identifying that. Generally though, It doesn't hurt to install a software firewall as well. Firewalls are complex beasts so you may need to seek advice on setting one up securely to prevent headaches when things don't work as expected!

A reasonably simple to set up firewall is included in Windows XP Service Pack 2, so make sure you turn it on.
You can follow this link to find out more information on how to do this.

If you do not have Windows XP installed (i.e you have Windows 2000 or 98) then you can download a free Firewall from Zonelabs (again for personal, non-business use).

And there we have it. With these 4 easy steps, and regular small maintenance on them, you should be protected from Internet nasties! Much Love. Chris