Copied and pasted....
More and More computers im seeing just aren't secure, so i made this guide up. It includes the links and the directions. Lets also make this thread for posting other security tips and things.
SLEEKLUXURY'S GUIDE TO COMPUTER SECUIRTY ?SLEEKLUXURY2004
Ok.......so now you set up your DSL or Cable modem even ISDN, & even if you don't and your on dial-up, your ready to surf the web, at high speeds or low speeds, and not give a care about the stuff out there, just search the net right? wrong. You may want to do that, but the truth is the world isn't all nice, there are bad people out there hackers, and if your unprotected from worms, Trojans, and viruses, its like jumping into a swarm of bees stark naked, your going to get stung, bad. So here are some security tips you should try before you go out and surf the net, carefree:
1. WINDOWS UPDATE
You should make sure your Operating System is up-to-date, meaning having the latest patches, if your not sure if your Operating System is up-to-date, then Click Here and Click "Scan for Updates" and install any install any "Critical Updates and Services Packs" found. The windows XP and Driver Updates are not needed, but are recommended. Reboot the PC if you have to.
2. ANTI-VIRUS
This is probably the most important thing next to having a firewall, an Anti-Virus subscription. The web is not all good, malicious code, Trojans, and viruses can be installed without you even knowing it 98% of the time. You could just be surfing the net and catch a Worm. That's why Virus scanners are important, some are free and some aren't, here are some good ones.
NOT FREE:
Norton Anti-Virus? 2004, by Symantec is a reliable, and probably the most common used Virus Scanner out there, it has earned many Virus Bulletin awards for its virus detecting and cleaning excellence. This one is $49.95, or your have the option to buy a bundle for $49.95, yes the same price, that comes with the Norton Anti-Virus? 2004, and:
? Norton? Personal Firewall
? Norton? Privacy Control
? Norton AntiSpam?
? Norton? Parental Control
Downloading after buy from the site is cheaper, and mailing the product is a little more, but it worth it.
FOR MORE INFO ON THIS PRODUCT INCLUDING ITS SPECS:
http://www.symantecstore.com/dr/sat...;CACHE_ID=39910
Mcafee also offers great Virus scanning and cleaning, I have Mcafee and it hasn't ever done me wrong, its help in the hard times a lot, I would recommend this. Prices range from $34.95 to the Pro Version for $59.99 and the security suite for $69.99. Downloading after buy from the site is cheaper, and mailing the product is a little more, but it worth it.
FOR MORE INFO ON THESE PRODUCTS INCLUDING THERE SPECS:
http://us.mcafee.com/root/catalog.asp?catid=av
Free Virus scanners:
There are some free Virus Scanning programs:
AVG offers Virus Protection for free, I have experience with this one as well, and as far as I can see, it works, it picked up a Trojan for me, I found it easy. You get almost all you would with the ones you pay for, Updates, Outlook Integration for protection from email born viruses, and a shield that constantly scans invisibly. You get the basic Interface, and the free version has no Technical Support. They also offer a full version for a little over $33.
http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php
Avast 4 Home Edition also offers free Virus Protection for non-commercial uses. I haven't tried this one, but im sure this one is good to. More info can be found at:
http://www.avast.com/i_idt_226.html
AntiVir Personal Edition is free, i haven't used it, but i heard it works well:
http://www.free-av.com/index.htm
There are many other Virus Scanners out there:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...amp;q=antivirus
There are also many online scanners that are updated constantly at least once a day:
Mcafee: http://us.mcafee.com/root/mfs/default.asp?cid=9435 (Mcafee does require that you create a login account but it is free, only hard drive scan)
Trend Micro: http://housecall.trendmicro.com/hou.../start_corp.asp (Free requires no Login, lets you scan floppy, CD/DVD drives, and Hard Drive and can auto clean them)
Bit Defender: http://www.bitdefender.com/scan/Msie/index.php (Free no log in, Scans hard drive, floppy drive, and CD/DVD drives. Also features auto cleaning, archiving scanning, memory scanning and email scanning, and shared document scanning)
Panda Active Scan: http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/ (Does require your email address, free with no login, scans compressed files, disinfects files, scan emails, use the heuristic scan technique to detect un-known (in-the-wild) viruses, neutralizes Trojans, Lets you scan any part of the computer that you want to)
Symantec: http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/...e&venid=sym (Free and scans your hard drive for Viruses & Trojans)
RAV online scan: http://www.ravantivirus.com/scan/indexie.php You can input your email address if you want to receive things from them if not you don?t have to, scans emails, folders, documents, or your whole PC, auto cleaning function, scanning of archives, unpacks executables, and smart scan)
3. ***FIREWALL***
Now this is a must if you surf the Internet and don't want your information or Data on your computer to be looked at, if your unprotected, anyone can just see your system, even get a hold of information such as Credit Card Info, steal Private Info, Card Statements, Social Security Info, Tax info. (i.e. Records), and passwords and other Private things, and could even lead to Identity Theft. Here are some Firewalls:
Zone Alarm
Zone Alarm offers a Free firewall and two others for buy, I use the free Firewall, and I find it very useful and it has stopped many things I didn't want from connecting to the Internet. The free one can be found at:
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/conte...lid=zadb_zadown
The ones for sale offer a higher level of security and more options like tracing where the attacks come from. They can also be found at:
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/conte...sku_list_za.jsp
The plus Version which offers more options than the free. The pro version offers the most options including pop-up/ad blocking, cookie control, and cache cleaning. If your not sure which product is right for you, answer some questions at:
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/conte...jsp?lid=pdb_za2
and the page will tell you which one has the options you want. Most likely the Pro version, which I think is the best one.
Mcafee
Mcafee also does Firewalls, I used this once, until my subscription ran out, but if I weren?t lazy, I would go buy this, Mcafee offers tracking and offers a high level of security between the Internet and your Hard-Drive, where all you do is stored.
This Firewall can be found at:
http://us.mcafee.com/root/package.asp?pkgid=103
Check out there Bundled versions to, for more security and better performance.
Symantec's Norton? Personal Firewall 2004 offers a high level of protection from hackers, It keeps hackers from viewing your PC as do all firewalls, and also has ad-blocking, also protects data being sent out via Instant Messengers, and Office Attachments.
Symantec's Norton? Personal Firewall 2004 offers a phenomenal firewall, it can be found at:
http://www.symantec.com/sabu/nis/npf/
FOR MORE FIREWALLS:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...&q=firewall
4. SPYWARE
Alright this is one of the big Privacy issues on the Internet, Spyware, its cookies or a file put on your PC to track or Monitor your Internet Surfing habits, or to send information to the site that put it there on how you use there product or site. Spyware is basically little "Trackers" and if your like me, your don?t want these on your PC they can cause a noticeable slow in internet speeds and can lead to systems crashes. So how do you get rid of this stuff, well thank goodness its easy and free thanks to these programs:
Ad-Aware 6.0 Personal Build 181. This is probably the most used Spyware scanner and cleaner in the world right now, I use it, Who doesn't??? Its a must. Comes with free updates and everything. You can get more information about it and Downloaded it at:
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/
Before you scan with Ad Aware, check for updates of the reference file by using the "web update".
Then ........
Make sure the following settings are made and on -------"ON=GREEN"
From main window :Click "Start" then " Activate in-depth scan"
Then......
Click "Use custom scanning options>Customize" and have these options on: "Scan within archives" ,"Scan active processes?,? Scan registry", "Deep scan registry" ,"Scan my IE Favorites for banned URL" and "Scan my host-files"
More and More computers im seeing just aren't secure, so i made this guide up. It includes the links and the directions. Lets also make this thread for posting other security tips and things.
SLEEKLUXURY'S GUIDE TO COMPUTER SECUIRTY ?SLEEKLUXURY2004
Ok.......so now you set up your DSL or Cable modem even ISDN, & even if you don't and your on dial-up, your ready to surf the web, at high speeds or low speeds, and not give a care about the stuff out there, just search the net right? wrong. You may want to do that, but the truth is the world isn't all nice, there are bad people out there hackers, and if your unprotected from worms, Trojans, and viruses, its like jumping into a swarm of bees stark naked, your going to get stung, bad. So here are some security tips you should try before you go out and surf the net, carefree:
1. WINDOWS UPDATE
You should make sure your Operating System is up-to-date, meaning having the latest patches, if your not sure if your Operating System is up-to-date, then Click Here and Click "Scan for Updates" and install any install any "Critical Updates and Services Packs" found. The windows XP and Driver Updates are not needed, but are recommended. Reboot the PC if you have to.
2. ANTI-VIRUS
This is probably the most important thing next to having a firewall, an Anti-Virus subscription. The web is not all good, malicious code, Trojans, and viruses can be installed without you even knowing it 98% of the time. You could just be surfing the net and catch a Worm. That's why Virus scanners are important, some are free and some aren't, here are some good ones.
NOT FREE:
Norton Anti-Virus? 2004, by Symantec is a reliable, and probably the most common used Virus Scanner out there, it has earned many Virus Bulletin awards for its virus detecting and cleaning excellence. This one is $49.95, or your have the option to buy a bundle for $49.95, yes the same price, that comes with the Norton Anti-Virus? 2004, and:
? Norton? Personal Firewall
? Norton? Privacy Control
? Norton AntiSpam?
? Norton? Parental Control
Downloading after buy from the site is cheaper, and mailing the product is a little more, but it worth it.
FOR MORE INFO ON THIS PRODUCT INCLUDING ITS SPECS:
http://www.symantecstore.com/dr/sat...;CACHE_ID=39910
Mcafee also offers great Virus scanning and cleaning, I have Mcafee and it hasn't ever done me wrong, its help in the hard times a lot, I would recommend this. Prices range from $34.95 to the Pro Version for $59.99 and the security suite for $69.99. Downloading after buy from the site is cheaper, and mailing the product is a little more, but it worth it.
FOR MORE INFO ON THESE PRODUCTS INCLUDING THERE SPECS:
http://us.mcafee.com/root/catalog.asp?catid=av
Free Virus scanners:
There are some free Virus Scanning programs:
AVG offers Virus Protection for free, I have experience with this one as well, and as far as I can see, it works, it picked up a Trojan for me, I found it easy. You get almost all you would with the ones you pay for, Updates, Outlook Integration for protection from email born viruses, and a shield that constantly scans invisibly. You get the basic Interface, and the free version has no Technical Support. They also offer a full version for a little over $33.
http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php
Avast 4 Home Edition also offers free Virus Protection for non-commercial uses. I haven't tried this one, but im sure this one is good to. More info can be found at:
http://www.avast.com/i_idt_226.html
AntiVir Personal Edition is free, i haven't used it, but i heard it works well:
http://www.free-av.com/index.htm
There are many other Virus Scanners out there:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...amp;q=antivirus
There are also many online scanners that are updated constantly at least once a day:
Mcafee: http://us.mcafee.com/root/mfs/default.asp?cid=9435 (Mcafee does require that you create a login account but it is free, only hard drive scan)
Trend Micro: http://housecall.trendmicro.com/hou.../start_corp.asp (Free requires no Login, lets you scan floppy, CD/DVD drives, and Hard Drive and can auto clean them)
Bit Defender: http://www.bitdefender.com/scan/Msie/index.php (Free no log in, Scans hard drive, floppy drive, and CD/DVD drives. Also features auto cleaning, archiving scanning, memory scanning and email scanning, and shared document scanning)
Panda Active Scan: http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/ (Does require your email address, free with no login, scans compressed files, disinfects files, scan emails, use the heuristic scan technique to detect un-known (in-the-wild) viruses, neutralizes Trojans, Lets you scan any part of the computer that you want to)
Symantec: http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/...e&venid=sym (Free and scans your hard drive for Viruses & Trojans)
RAV online scan: http://www.ravantivirus.com/scan/indexie.php You can input your email address if you want to receive things from them if not you don?t have to, scans emails, folders, documents, or your whole PC, auto cleaning function, scanning of archives, unpacks executables, and smart scan)
3. ***FIREWALL***
Now this is a must if you surf the Internet and don't want your information or Data on your computer to be looked at, if your unprotected, anyone can just see your system, even get a hold of information such as Credit Card Info, steal Private Info, Card Statements, Social Security Info, Tax info. (i.e. Records), and passwords and other Private things, and could even lead to Identity Theft. Here are some Firewalls:
Zone Alarm
Zone Alarm offers a Free firewall and two others for buy, I use the free Firewall, and I find it very useful and it has stopped many things I didn't want from connecting to the Internet. The free one can be found at:
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/conte...lid=zadb_zadown
The ones for sale offer a higher level of security and more options like tracing where the attacks come from. They can also be found at:
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/conte...sku_list_za.jsp
The plus Version which offers more options than the free. The pro version offers the most options including pop-up/ad blocking, cookie control, and cache cleaning. If your not sure which product is right for you, answer some questions at:
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/conte...jsp?lid=pdb_za2
and the page will tell you which one has the options you want. Most likely the Pro version, which I think is the best one.
Mcafee
Mcafee also does Firewalls, I used this once, until my subscription ran out, but if I weren?t lazy, I would go buy this, Mcafee offers tracking and offers a high level of security between the Internet and your Hard-Drive, where all you do is stored.
This Firewall can be found at:
http://us.mcafee.com/root/package.asp?pkgid=103
Check out there Bundled versions to, for more security and better performance.
Symantec's Norton? Personal Firewall 2004 offers a high level of protection from hackers, It keeps hackers from viewing your PC as do all firewalls, and also has ad-blocking, also protects data being sent out via Instant Messengers, and Office Attachments.
Symantec's Norton? Personal Firewall 2004 offers a phenomenal firewall, it can be found at:
http://www.symantec.com/sabu/nis/npf/
FOR MORE FIREWALLS:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...&q=firewall
4. SPYWARE
Alright this is one of the big Privacy issues on the Internet, Spyware, its cookies or a file put on your PC to track or Monitor your Internet Surfing habits, or to send information to the site that put it there on how you use there product or site. Spyware is basically little "Trackers" and if your like me, your don?t want these on your PC they can cause a noticeable slow in internet speeds and can lead to systems crashes. So how do you get rid of this stuff, well thank goodness its easy and free thanks to these programs:
Ad-Aware 6.0 Personal Build 181. This is probably the most used Spyware scanner and cleaner in the world right now, I use it, Who doesn't??? Its a must. Comes with free updates and everything. You can get more information about it and Downloaded it at:
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/
Before you scan with Ad Aware, check for updates of the reference file by using the "web update".
Then ........
Make sure the following settings are made and on -------"ON=GREEN"
From main window :Click "Start" then " Activate in-depth scan"
Then......
Click "Use custom scanning options>Customize" and have these options on: "Scan within archives" ,"Scan active processes?,? Scan registry", "Deep scan registry" ,"Scan my IE Favorites for banned URL" and "Scan my host-files"
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