Essential Security Measures

1. ENABLE AUTOMATIC WINDOWS UPDATES

2. INSTALL A GOOD SECURITY SUITE and be sure that:

-- the suite updates regularly
-- it has “realtime” or “live” protection enabled, and
-- the software is set to scan at least once/week.

3. INCREASE EMAIL SECURITY:

-- Exercise extreme caution downloading email attachments, especially those with extension .exe.
-- Be wary of “phishing” schemes and unsolicited ads for products.
-- Exercise extreme caution sending private/sensitive information by email.
-- Use a spam guard

4. SECURE A WIRELESS NETWORK: These things must be considered for wireless networks:

-- the SSID (service set identifier)
-- the channel, and
-- the WEP (wired equivalent privacy) encryption key.
-- Check these links for more information about wireless networks

If you enact the set of four security measures outlined above (only three if you have no home network), and read no further, you have greatly reduced chances of unwanted malware infecting your computer.

NOTE:

-- The references and discussions on this page relate primarily to Windows XP Home.
-- Click here to find links about security and maintenance.

DISCLAIMER

The author is paid for neither the advice given here, nor for any products purchased as a result of information given on this site. In fact, the stress is on open source/ free software. This information is the result of many years of struggling with the ever-increasingly severe security issues presented to those who use the web for financial, personal, and private transactions. It is offered freely in the spirit of helping friends, clients, and other interested parties.