TECH: Protecting Your Computer

By Dean Davis

With all the potential harm out on the internet, and the increasing demand for content and access, protecting your computer is paramount. Your system and your files could be permanently damaged by viruses contracted via email, browsing and downloading.

Here are 3 ways to protect your PC from harm.

Use an Internet Firewall

A firewall is a piece of software or hardware that creates a protective barrier between your computer and potentially harmful content on the Internet. It helps guard your computer against hackers and many computer viruses and worms.

Top 5 Firewall Products

1. PRIVATEFIREWALL 3.0 from Privacyware- $29.95
2. ZONEALARM PRO from Zone Labs- $39.95
3. PERSONAL FIREWALL Publisher: SurfSecret- $39.99
4. KERIO FIREWALL Publisher: Kerio- $45.00
5. ARMOR2NET FIREWALL Publisher:A2Net Soft - $19.99

Microsoft Windows Firewall

Microsoft's Windows XP comes with an Internet Connection Firewall, which you can activate by following the steps below.

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Network and Internet Connections.
3. Click Network Connections.
4. Switch to Category View
5. Highlight a connection that you want to help protect, and then click Change settings of this connection.
6. Alternatively, right-click the connection, and click Properties
7. Click Advanced and then select Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet.
8. Click OK.

Get Computer Updates

If you are a Microsoft Windows user, Microsoft provides you with regular security updates and patches to ensure that your system remains safe and functional. You can either let your operating system receive and install the updates automatically, or You can access the Windows Update website.

Automatic Updates

Use Automatic Updates to the downloading and installation of any future critical security updates from Microsoft. 

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Performance and Maintenance.
   Click System to open the System Properties dialog box. 
3. Under Automatic Updates, check Keep my computer up to date.
4. Choose a setting. I recommend Automatically download the updates, and install them on the schedule that I specify. I recommend a daily update.

Using Windows Update:

To bring your computer up to date now, go to the Windows Update Web site at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com. On the Windows Update site, click Scan for Updates. Windows Update will scan your computer and give you a pre-selected list of critical updates, including service packs.

Note: Slower modems may take longer. Microsoft Office users should also visit the Office Update site to install the latest security releases.

Use Antivirus Software

One of the best ways to protect your computer from harm is to use antivirus software. Below is a list of the top 5 we reviewed.

Top 10 Antivirus Products

1. Norton Internet Security 2004 from Symantec - $69.99
2. Internet Security Suite from McAfee - $49.99 after rebate
3. PAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE Publisher: PalSol - $19.99
4. TITANIUM ANTIVIRUS 2004 Publisher: Panda $39.95 (@ RegNow)
5. ANTIVIRUS Home Edition Publisher: A.Force - 24.95

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