As more and more people are using broadband to connect to the Internet, it is essential to use Antivirus Software, a Firewall, and Spyware Cleaning Software. The following articles suggest a number of options, and some further security precautions you can take. In addition there are a number of free utility programs that can make it easier to use your computer effectively.
| Overview | |||
| Internet | PC | ||
| Firewalls - Free | Acronis True Image 9 - Disk Imaging Software | ||
| Microsoft Internet Explorer - Free | Antivirus Software - Free | ||
| Mozilla Browser - Firefox - Free | SyncBack - backup and synchronisation software - Free | ||
| Roboform - Free (for 10) | File Renamer - Free | ||
| File and Information Manager - Free | |||
| Password Encrypter - Free | |||
| Networking PCs to share Internet Access | |||
| Spyware Cleaner - Various - Free | |||
| www.gr8ict.com/ This page was last updated on 22-Jun-2008. | |||
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Overview
Making sure your computer is secure when using the Internet is not simple to do yourself, so your need to eitherSimplest solution
1. If you buy a new PC, make sure it has the latest version of Windows (XP or 2003). Make sure it has XP Service pack 2 installed and that you know how to use Windows Update http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com. Perhaps invest in a second hard drive so that you can easily keep back up copies of valuable files.
2. Use a simple all in one-solution, called a Security Suite, that includes a firewall and antivirus software. When you pay for this, you get upgrades for the next year, and you can then pay a subscription to keep the updates running after that. Warning: Just running a security suite without keeping Windows up-to-date may not work - Years ago I suffered spyware on my machine despite Windows XP and updated Norton Firewall and AntiVirus.
3. Always keep any files you may want to use again backed up safely onto CD, DVD or an external hard-drive.
For Users who are confident with downloading and installing software from the web -
1. Install and use all the recommended security software on this page. All the recommendations are the software that I currently. They're free and they work!
- Keep windows updated and all latest patches installed
- Use Kerio Firewall (Free) - see Firewalls No.4. Check your system with with a free scan at shields up or http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
- Use AVG Antivirus software (Free) - see Antivirus No.2
- Use Adaware SE anti-spyware (Free) - see Spyware cleaner No.1
2. Backup Data AND your main disc drive. Back up date using SyncBack every week onto a separate Hard Drive. Use disc imaging software such as Acronis True Image 9 to backup a copy of your main hard drive, and create a bootable CD. If your hard drive breaks, you can buy a new hard drive, install it, boot up on the CD, then copy the old image onto it. Your computer will then work as it was within maybe 15 minutes. Think of the hours to reload the entire operating system!!!!
3. Keep up-to-date with the latest news at
- http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/default.stm and
- http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/
- Check your ISP connection speed by going to this link: http://specials.zdnet.co.uk/misc/band-test/speedtest50.html
4. Use this Password Encrypter to remember all you logons.
5. Network more than one PC to share an internet connection:
Chris Sharples 22/06/2008
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Acronis Disc Imaging Software |
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| Use - to copy an image of your hard disc in case it fails... |
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| Cost - approx £20.00 | |||||||
| Description | |||||||
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Use disc imaging software such as
Acronis True Image 9 to backup a
copy of your main hard drive, and create a bootable CD. If your
hard drive breaks, you can buy a new hard drive, install it, boot up on
the CD, then copy the old image onto it. Your computer will then
work as it was within maybe 15 minutes. Think of the hours to
reload the entire operating system!!!! You can even keep a spare hard
drive in your PC ready to go... If you have to rebuild windows XP then try |
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AntiVirus Software - Various |
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| Use - to protect against viruses from e-mails and the Internet |
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| Cost - Free / buy | |||||||
| Description | |||||||
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Antivirus software scans e-mails and e-mail
attachments to warn against viruses. you can also schedule regular
antivirus scans to ensure there are no viruses on your computer.
Any antivirus software MUST offer regular downloads to ensure your
protection is up-to-date against the latest viruses. Useful Downloads - 1. The simplest solution is to get Antivirus software as part of a Security Suite 2. The cheapest and best solution if you have a little bit of computer know-how (there is no documentation or support) is to use AVG Free Edition which is free to home users AND includes free weekly updates. free v8 (June 2008) http://www.grisoft.com/us.product-avg-anti-virus-free-edition Useful links 1. http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/ 2. Put 'antivirus' and 'review' into Google. |
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File Manager - Xplorer² Lite |
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| Use - File Manager |
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| Cost - freeware | |||||||
| Description | |||||||
| I recommend this utility as a big improvement on Windows file manager. A particular favourite (for music information...) is the ability to export file information as text for printing etc | |||||||
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File Renamer - Rename Master |
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| Use - use it to rename multiple files. |
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| Cost - freeware | |||||||
| Description | |||||||
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recommend Rename
Master as a FREE utility for renaming large groups of files with a few
clicks. Anyone that has worked with websites, file archives, or collections
of music, videos, or pictures has probably spent way too much time renaming
hundreds of files.
This utility will add, remove, or replace parts of the filename with ease and also supports renaming via file properties, MP3 tags, JPEG JFIF and EXIF tags. Batch renaming that's simple to use, yet still very powerful. This program is a must for organising MP3 files or any other batch file renaming required. Check out the online help sheet. |
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Firewalls - Various |
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| Use - firewall |
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| Cost - Free / buy | |||||||
| Description | |||||||
| Means
that you can control incoming and outgoing contact with the internet to
avoid hackers and spyware causing you problems. Useful Downloads - ONLY USE ONE FIREWALL 1. You could use windows XP firewall (but this only stops incoming not outgoing connections); 2. Use a firewall as part of a Security Suite 3. I Recommend ZoneAlarm OR Kerio KPF4 personal Firewalls 4. Better still (the solution I use) is to download Kerio Personal Firewall 2 here and then this configuration file. Install KPF2, then click File / admin / Misc open up the admin panel -> miscellaneous -> Load and select this file. Thanks to MB for this! Check you are fully secure by going to shields up. |
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Useful links Shields up by Steve Gibson - Test your firewall and find out lots more http://www.pcflank.com/art41b.htm - all you need to know about firewalls. Use Leaktest, Firehole and copycat to test your firewall. Zone Alarm help at http://www.donhoover.net/adding.html |
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Microsoft Internet Explorer |
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| Use - web browser |
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| Cost - comes with Windows | |||||||
| Description | |||||||
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The most commonly used browser by far... see google zeitgeist. Beware security loopholes and use a personal firewall and virus software - use Mozilla Firefox in preference. Both work with with Avant Browser and Roboform for easy web browsing. |
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Mozilla - Firefox 3 |
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| Use - browser |
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| Cost - free | |||||||
| Description | |||||||
| Highly
recommended free browser. Much less risk than using Internet
Explorer. Use with Add-ons Especially "NoScript" June 08 - Firefox 3 guide |
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Networking more than one PC to share an Internet Connection |
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| Use - Using Kerio Firewall 2 to protect your Internet machine AND allow another access via Internet Connection Sharing. |
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| Cost - Free (plus a network cable). | |||||||
| Description | |||||||
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1. Make sure both computers have a network interface card (NIC), and the chosen gateway machine has a separate connection to the Internet eg. ADSL modem. 2. Make sure the host machine runs XP, the client(s) can be anything from Win98SE or later. 3. Get a crossover network cable to join the two together. 4. Follow the instructions at Start / My Network Places / Set up a home or small office network / Next / Checklist for creating a network. |
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5. Find article Q306126 on http://support.microsoft.com/ 6. Download Kerio Personal Firewall 2 here and then this configuration file. Install KPF2, then click File / admin / Misc open up the admin panel -> miscellaneous -> Load and select this file. Thanks to MB for this! 7. Check you are fully secure by going to shields up. Other useful links http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/ http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_tutorials/Windows_XP/ |
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Roboform |
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| Use - automatic form filling when surfing the web |
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| Cost - Freeware for 10 or less (unlimited needs pro version, £16 @ 20-01-05) | |||||||
| Description | |||||||
| Roboform enables you to fill in forms
on web pages automatically. As you browse the web, you often have to fill in 'forms'. This add-on to any browser allows you to set up 'pass-cards' for frequently visited web sites. This makes browsing the web much quicker and easier as you can autocomplete usernames and paswords as you browse. You can also set up your identity to quickly fill in personal information when required. All passcards can be protected with a single password. The author, see developer website, assures that this is not spyware, but it is strongly recommended not to add credit card details to a passcard... Update - 31-12-04 - Roboform only allows 10 passcards now, before you have to pay. Update - 20-01-05 - Roboform adaptor for Mozilla firefox now available - Recommended. I recommend Mozilla Firefox, and then use the Mozilla Roboform version for the 10 websites I log onto most often. |
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Spyware Cleaners - Various |
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| Use - preventing and detecting 'spyware' on your computer |
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| Cost - Free | |||||||
| Description | |||||||
| Detects
'spyware' on your computer and deletes it. Spyware is software that can install itself when you are browsing
the internet, and then automatically connect your computer to sites you
may not want. Useful Downloads - I recommend this link: http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=44525 and I recommend the following free spyware cleaner software: 1. Free - Adaware SE (www.lavasoft.com) and the VX plugin and/or spybot search and destroy. 2. CCleaner - Temp File/Cookies/index.dat cleaner For advanced users only, if your computer is infected, investigate http://hijack-this.net/ and use the web forums to help. |
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SyncBack Freeware v3.2.7 |
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| Use - Backup and synchronise your files |
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| Cost - Freeware. | |||||||
| Description | |||||||
| I recommend this software that helps you easily backup and synchronise your files to: the same drive; a different drive or medium (CDRW, CompactFlash, etc); an FTP server; a Network; or a Zip archive. More... | |||||||
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Whisper32 |
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| Use - software to keep all you usernames and passwords safe. |
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| Cost - freeware, Needs latest version to work on XP. | |||||||
| Description | |||||||
| I recommend this software that runs on your computer, not connected to a browser. You can save all of your usernames and passwords on it, safely encrypted. And then access them with only one username and password that you need to remember! | ![]() |
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