Safe Computing Practices

So how did my PC get infected in the first place? Don't guess. Safe Computing Practices.

1. Keep your Windows updated!
   Go to Start > Windows Update or navigate to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com, and install ALL Critical security updates listed (you will need to use Internet Explorer to do this). If you're running Windows XP, that of course includes Service Pack 2 (SP2)!
   
   It's important always to keep current with the latest security fixes from Microsoft. This can patch many of the security holes through which attackers can infect your computer. Please either enable Automatic Updates under Start > Control Panel > Automatic Updates, or get into the habit of checking for Windows updates regularly.
   
   
2. Watch what you download!
   Many "freeware" programs come with an enormous amount of bundled spyware that will slow down your system, spawn pop-up advertisements, or just plain crash your browser or even Windows itself.
   
   Peer-to-peer (P2P) programs like Kazaa, BearShare, Grokster, Imesh, eMule, BitComet, and others are amongst the most notorious.
   
   Note also that even if the P2P software you are using is "clean", a large percentage of the files served on the P2P network are likely to be infected. Do not open any files without being certain of what they are!
   
   
3. Avoid questionable web sites!
   Many disreputable sites will attempt to install malware on your system through "drive-by" exploits just by visiting the site in your browser. Lyrics sites, free software sites (especially ones that target young children), cracked software sites, and pornography sites are some of the worst offenders.
   
   Most of these drive-by attempts will be thwarted if you keep your Windows updated and your internet browser secured (see below). Nevertheless, it is very important only to visit web sites that are trustworthy and reputable.
   
   In addition, never give out personal information of any sort online. And never click "OK" to a pop-up unless it is signed by a reputable company and you know what it is!
   
   
4. Delete spam email without reading it
   Don't open, and immediately delete, messages with file attachments unless you know what they contain. Don't open, and immediately delete, cartoons, videos, and similar "good for a laugh" files forwarded by your well-meaning friends. Turn off HTML mail. Don't use Outlook or Outlook Express. If you must use Microsoft Office, enable macro virus protection; in Office 2000, turn the security level to "high" and don't trust any sources unless you have to. If you're using Windows, turn off the "hide file extensions for known file types" option; it lets Trojan horses masquerade as other types of files. Uninstall the Windows Scripting Host if you can get along without it. If you can't, at least change your file associations so that script files aren't automatically sent to the Scripting Host if you double-click them.
   DO NOT OPEN EMAIL ATTACHMENTS THAT YOU ARE NOT EXPECTING.
   
   
5. Make Internet Explorer more secure
   
   1. From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
   2. Click once on the Security tab
   3. Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
   4. Click once on the Custom Level button.
   1. Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
   2. Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable
   3. Change the Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable
   4. Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt
   5. Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
   6. Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt
   7. When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
   8. If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
   5. Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.
   
   
   
6. Install Antivirus & Firewall programs
   Please only run one anti-virus program and one firewall on your system. ( Running more than one of these at a time can cause system crashes and/or conflicts with each other.)
   
   Anti-Virus. There are many excellent anti-virus programs both commercial or free. Some very good and easy-to-use free antivirus programs are AVG, Avast, and AntiVir. Some reputable commercial packages are Kaspersky, Norton, and Mcafee. It's a good idea to set your antivirus to receive automatic updates so you are always as fully protected as possible from the newest threats.
   
   Firewall. It is also critical that you use a firewall to protect your computer from hackers. We don't recommend the firewall that comes built into Windows. It doesn't block everything that may try to get in, it doesn't block anything at all outbound, and the entire firewall is written to the registry. Since most malware accesses the registry and can disable the Windows firewall, it's preferable to install one of these excellent third party solutions. Two good free ones are ZoneAlarm and Outpost.
   
   
7. Install other Cleaning / Protection Software
   Spybot Search & Destroy is a must-have free scanner. It has a TeaTimer option which detects when known malicious processes try to start and terminates them. It also detects when something wants to change critical registry keys and prompts you to allow this or not. PC Washer is another must-have system cleaning utility which removes spyware/adware and cleans junk files & internet caches. Keep your PC clear is always a good idea.
   
   

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