Ways to Secure Your Computer System

You need to think about ways that you can improve your computer security  Today, more and more people are using their computers for everything from communication to online banking, investing and shopping. As we do these things on a more regular basis, we open ourselves up to potential computer attacks. While some may be looking to phish for your personal information and identity, others want to use your computer as a platform from which to attack other unknowing targets. Below are a few cost-effective steps you can take to make your computer more secure.

Make backups of important information. You should make multiple copies of you important files store them in a safe place separate from your computer.

Update and patch your operating system, web browser and software frequently.
If you use Windows as your operating system, start by going to Microsoft Windows Update and run the update wizard. This program will help you find the latest patches for your Windows computer. If you use the Microsoft Office programs you should go to Microsoft Office Update to locate any new patches for your Microsoft Office programs.

Install a firewall. Without a good firewall, viruses, worms, Trojans, malware and adware can access your computer from the Internet. The Windows XP operating system has a firewall built in but you have to turn the feature on. You turn the firewall on by selecting Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Security Center. Click the Windows Firewall link then the On option button. While you are in the Security Center, you could also set your Internet security options and turn the Automatic Windows Update feature on. If you buy a firewall you need to consider the benefits and differences between hardware and software based firewall programs. You might want to consider Panda Antivirus + Firewall 2007, Kaspersky Internet Security 6.0 or ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite.

Check your browser and email security settings. Active-X and JavaScript are often used by hackers to install malicious programs on your computers. While cookies are low computer security concerns, they do track your movements on the Internet. Try to delete cookies everyday. It is better to be bothered with looking up or remembering your login information rather than have a cookie remember your logins for you. At a minimum set your browser security setting for the “internet zone” to High, and your “trusted sites zone” to Medium Low.

Install antivirus software Set your software for automatic updates so that you always receive the most current versions. Besides the suite packages above you might want to look into these fine antivirus programs. Computer Associates' Internet Security Suite, DefenderPro Anti-Virus Software, F-Secure Anti-Virus 2007 and ZoneAlarm.

Do not open unknown email attachments. It is not enough that you may recognize the address from which the email originates because many viruses get spread from a familiar address.

Do not run programs from unknown origins. Also, do not send these types of programs to friends and coworkers because they contain funny or amusing stories or jokes. They may contain a Trojan horse waiting to infect a computer.

Disable hidden filename extensions. By default, the Windows operating system is set to “hide file extensions for known file types”. Disable this option so that file extensions will display in the Explorer window. Some file extensions will still remain hidden, but you are more likely to see any unusual file extensions that do not belong.

Turn your computer off and disconnect it from the network when not in use. A hacker can not attack your computer when you are not connected to the network or your computer is off.

Make a boot disk on a CD or floppy disk. In case your computer is damaged or compromised by a malicious program you will at least be able to boot your computer with the boot disk. You will need to make this boot disk before you experience a hostile breach of your system.