Computer Security

[Wanetom]

hummm nice information on computer problems


good tips very helpful for everyone

thanks for the share

 

[Catz Part Deux]

Actually, the best freeware I've downloaded in a few years is this one:

CCleaner - Update

It's fast, it's free, it's helped me solve 2 virus infections that spybot couldn't touch, and it fixes registry issues. It is by far the best virus cleaner online these days. I am not kidding when I say this program (crap cleaner) works like magic.

 

[Simba]

If your computer uses an Apple operating system, please check with Apple Products for online updates at:
Apple - Support - Downloads

Users of Microsoft operating systems 95 - XP check for Microsoft Critical Updates online at:
http://windowsupdates.microsoft.com/

If you use a Microsoft XP product, make sure that you have downloaded Security Service Pack 2. If you are unsure go to: Microsoft Updates and click on "View Installation History" in left page frame.

I highly recommnd using Mozilla Firefox as your default web browser. This is a free product and is available at: Mozilla.org - Home of the Mozilla Project

Tips and Advice for Microsoft/Internet Explorer Users

• Scan Disc and Defragment your hard drive weekly

• If you have a DSL (24/7) Internet connection, use a router as an interface between your computer and the Internet. I highly recomend using a Linksys product.

• Always use the latest edition of Microsoft Internet Explorer. Microsoft is about to unveil IE 7.0 and availability can be determined here:
Search Buddy - Recommended Internet Search Engine

• Install a firewall program on your computer. At a minimum download the free Zone Labs firewall. I highly recommend purchasing Zone Alarm Pro. All Zone Alarm products can be found here: http://www.zonelabs.com

• Install an anti-virus program on your computer. I highly recommend Panda Antivirus Platinum available online at: ANTIVIRUS - Download - SOFTWARE 2010 - Buy - CLOUD - Protection - News - PANDA SECURITY

• Install a Registry checking program on your computer. I highly recommend using Registry Mechanic available online at: PC Tools - Award Winning PC Software and Utilities

• It is critical that you scan your computer often using anti-spyware software. I have found that using one program is not enough, as hackers are sophisticated and move quickly to exploit vulnerabilities. Therefore I recommend a multi-layered approach. To ensure maximum protection it is necessary to use four anti-spyware programs:

1) Microsoft Antispyware for Windows XP available at: Search Buddy - Recommended Internet Search Engine

2) AdAware Security Edition Plus available at: http://www.lavasoftusa.com/

3) Spybot Search and Destroy available at: The home of Spybot-S&D!

4) Hijack This available at: |MG| HijackThis 1.99.1 Download

Other Tips and Advice

• Make sure you receive a warning prompt before any ActiveX components, embedded objects, mime objects, scripts, and JavaScript's are downloaded to your computer. Do not put any website into your "Trusted Site" zone unless you are certain of their good-reputation.

• If you are considering using a "wireless" technology such as Bluetooth, be aware of security concerns and address these issues beforehand.

• If you use connect clients such as mIRC, Vincula-Neo etc., understand and appreciate the security issues involved.

• For greater online stealth, obtain a proxy address and alias if you know how to do this.

• Be aware of the possible dangers inherent in certain web-servers that allow peer-to-peer (p2p) connections.

• Always make sure that a webpage with forms and fields which require input of any personal information such as name, address, phone-number, credit card number, passwords, etc., are bona-fide, secure, and encrypted.

• A free online Anti-virus scan is available here -
HouseCall - Free Online Virus Scan - Trend Micro USA

• You can check to see if you have any unexplained open ports with a free online scan available here -
Port scan - dslreports.com

• You can check on your Internet stealth with a free online scan available here -
http://stealthtests.lockdowncorp.com/

• You can download ping software here -
Free - http://www.advtoolware.com/t4e/fp/fp_default.htm
Recommended - Ping Tool | WS_Ping ProPack

• You can do a "whois" search of an IP address here -
http://www.arin.net/

• You can do a "whois" search for a domain name owner here -
Domain Names, Web Hosting, Search Engine Optimisation & Web Design

• This site contains a database of known high-risk websites (blacklisted) -
Spyware Information

• You can freely post questions about Microsoft/Internet Explorer security concerns and receive replies from Microsoft and industry security specialists here -
Help and Support

• Techie Note: While the Symantec (Norton's) corporation offers many excellent computer security tools and enjoys world-wide recognition, their software has a propensity to act as a system-administrator and claim unbridled control over the operating system. Just be aware and be a bit wary of this attribute.


Safe Surfing!

But lets's be fair. Make sure to share with everyone, that according to the FBI testimony before Congress, next to China, Israel is the source of most hacking attempts against American military, banking, and personal computers. So watch any postings that will draw the ire of the JIDF (Jewish Internet Defense Force).

 

[ricksfolly]

Kudos to Simon for the excellent info! ... and additional big thanx to vauge. I encourage everyone who is computer savy to post security tips, pertinint links, and complimentary software recomendations here.

Computer security is somewhat like Homeland security... we have to be right all of the time while hackers need to be right only once.>>

This over-exaggerated hacker scare even got to 60 minutes, and as usual they milked it for all it was worth. Facts are, no computer can get to your Email if you don't let him in, and they don't have the power to black out cities, or do other physical damage. Just to be safe, never respond to posts you're not familiar with.

ricksfolly