Home Computer Security

Sooner or later, your computer may be invaded or infected. Take a few simple precautions to reduce the risk.

The threat to any computer can never be eliminated, even with the latest and greatest gadgets and software. However, there are many ways to minimize those risks to a home computer.

E-mail is probably the most effective transmission for a computer invasion. This is usually embedding code in an attachment that deploys when the attached message is opened. You'll know them as viruses, although they have many names.

The first line of defense is antivirus software. Purchase it, renew it, and keep it updated on a regular basis. These programs are designed to filter and catch the incoming bad guys. In addition, there are plenty of spyware and adware programs available to catch anything hitching a ride on cookies and software downloads.

While we are constantly warned about not opening e-mail attachments from unfamiliar sources, that does not cover the entire picture. The truth is, friends and relatives also own computers that can become infected. If you're accustomed to receiving jokes and pictures from them, then you probably wouldn't hesitate to open up - yes - a virus. Use your antivirus software to scan all incoming e-mail attachments and even any disks that you're loading for the first time.

That takes us to downloading. Do it manually. In other words, never let a program run directly from the Internet. Save it to the hard drive and scan it for defects. Be especially cautious with screensavers as they can pack little advertising surprises intentionally that will hijack your computer. Those can take several hours to remove, especially if you're a novice.

Now, we have to talk about passwords. You may be picking a combination of names and numbers that you'll remember. That makes it too easy for "crackers." (Hackers is the term used most often - and mistakenly. Hackers are people who have an intense interest in computers but are not the bad guys. Crackers are the evil ones who invade, intercept, hijack, and generally create those viruses, worms, and Trojans.

Everyone uses passwords; for banking, forums, chat rooms, travel, etc. There are certain steps you can take to reduce the risk of a cracker collecting those special phrases. Change them often, if possible. Never use your real name or a date that means anything. Intersperse letters with numbers rather than using a string of letters followed by a set of numbers. Avoid the letters "A" and "Z" as well as the numbers "1" and "0." After exiting any site where you have logged in, first log out and then shut the browser down and begin again. Never store passwords on the computer or allow the software to automatically log you in. If you're active in online groups, sign up for a free e-mail service rather than using the one provided by your ISP.

Firewalls should be active. The firewall system built into Windows may not be adequate. There are other programs available that will have stronger filters.

Back up all files on a regular basis. In addition, back up important e-mail addresses, e-mail messages and the configurations for your particular system. Keep these in secure place.

If you are upgrading to a new computer, consider keeping the old one. If the new computer becomes infected or the hard drive is damaged, you'll be able to reconnect immediately and seek help through Internet resources.