We are constantly amazed at how many users ignore basic security issues on their computer. The end result is ALWAYS loss of critical information that can’t be recovered and extraordinary expenses rebuilding the system when basic security steps could have saved everything. The three basic security tools you should ALWAYS have on your system are the antivirus, firewall, and spyware eliminator. You should also have a strong backup system.
Anti-Virus
The antivirus tool should constantly monitor incoming and outgoing email for viruses. This tool is uses on a subscription basis. You install the basic tool. Every few days it should automatically update its virus dictionary. Once a year you purchase the subscription update. The tool should be (1) Installed (2) Active and (3) Updated. Don’t receive any email until this is done. It only takes a few seconds online before the first virus will hit you.
Firewall
A firewall protects against some malicious user from hijacking your computer and using it for their own purpose - which could include downloading proprietary information from your system or crashing your system. There are two types: hardware and software. Use both. A router is a small piece of hardware used to connect two networks. Without that router, you are an organic part of the Internet network and your system is available for anyone. The router contains a firewall and separates your computer from the Internet network. With broadband access, the router (with its firewall) protects your network, even if you have only a single computer in your network. Very cheap for the protection they give.
A hardware firewall in a router, however, can’t protect you from viruses on other computers in your network. It’s best to have the software firewall in addition. Norton’s Security product, for example, contains both the antivirus and a software firewall.
Anti-Spyware Product
Finally, a spyware eliminator (Anti-spyware) protects against advertising cookies and trojans. It’s a third class of software that adds security to your system. Microsoft now has a free Anti-spyware product you can download from their site free at:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx
Backup
Also, don’t forget to have a strong backup system and use it. We suggest using a product like Partition Magic to partition your physical disk into two or more virtual disks. Instead of just “C”, you now have “C” and “D”. Then put all your data (DOC, TIF, XLS, etc. files) on the “D” drive. If your system crashes, you only have to reformat and rebuild the C drive. Your data is intact.
If the physical disk crashes, however, you will still lose the data. To protect things here, purchase and external drive or perhaps even one of the keychain drives. Copy the D drive to this drive using the USB port or through a network.
To prevent data loss and expensive recovery of the system, be sure you have these on your system.