From GGCWiki

[edit] Security Basics

[edit] 4 steps to protect your computer

Keep your firewall turned on

"Connecting your computer to the Internet without using a firewall could result in it being hijacked by a hacker. A computer firewall is a security (protective) system which helps to block unauthorized Internet access to your computer. It acts as a barrier (like a wall!) between your computer ports and the Internet and should close and hide ('stealth') all your unused ports. It allows you to control the data which passes to and from your ports." Five Minutes (Cited from http://www.build-your-own-cheap-computer.com/computer-firewall.html)

Keep your operating system up-to-date

"High priority updates are critical to the security and reliability of your computer. They offer the latest protection against malicious online activities. Microsoft provides new updates, as necessary, on the second Tuesday of the month." (Cited from http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/default.mspx) Most newer versions of operating systems have an Automatic Update option, but older versions do not have this. Users of older versions may need to rely on third-party programs to update their operating system. (http://www.staysafe.org/toolbox/get_the_basics/protect_your_computer/keep_up-to-date.html)

Use updated anti-virus software

Viruses and spyware are two kinds of malicious software that you need to protect your computer against. You need antivirus technology to help prevent viruses, and you need to keep it regularly updated. (Cited from http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/default.mspx)

How to Update Your Anti-Virus Software can be found at http://www.aarp.org/learntech/computers/howto/a2002-07-18-upgradevirus.html

One free antivirus software is AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 7.5.488

There are also numerous professional anti-virus softwares as well. These include. Norton Antivirus, McAfee, and AVG Complete.

Use updated antispyware technology

Viruses and spyware are two kinds of usually malicious software that you need to protect your computer against. You need antispyware technology to help prevent spyware, and you need to keep it regularly updated.

information can be found on this link WWW.Microsoft.Com

In Vista Malicious software or "Malware" like spyware and viruses should be protected against to the greatest degree. Vista has a Malicious software removal tool, that can be used with an anti-malware program in order to protect against malware even more effectively. Place password on computer account

Encrypting Data Data can be encrypted using free software from this site, "http://howto.wired.com/wiredhowtos/index.cgi?page_name=encrypt_your_data;action=display;category=Work"

You can place a password on your computer account so family member and roommate can not access your informations

|www.oit.duke.edu

Here is a link to GSU security standards

Georgia Tech OIT

There are many sites that offer information on Vista

• • Like Windows Vista Blog
  • A Firewall can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours to install on Windows 2003. It can take alot longer if you have an older version of Windows.