Step 1: Protect Your Computer
Step 2: Keep Your Computer Up-To-Date
Step 3: Defend Against Unauthorized Use

Step 1: Protect Your Computer

The software you need to install to protect your pc consists of firewall, antivirus, and antispyware, as well as, downloading the security updates to your operating system when vailable.

A firewall is a software application or hardware device used to protect a computer and home network from unauthorized access. Firewall protection is vital for High-Speed Internet subscriber because of the always-on connection. Below are lists of benefits that a firewall software can provide:

• Blocking intrusions attempts and unwanted inbound traffic (i.e. port scans)
• Program Control - what allowed to access the Internet
• Logging inbound/outbound traffic

A software firewall is a program installed on your computer that controls which applications are allowed to use the Internet connection. If you are uncertain whether a software firewall has been installed on your computer, you can check in the All Programs folder. Some common brand names for software firewalls for home users include F-Secure, McAfee, Norton Internet Security, and ZoneAlarm.

The built-in firewall of Microsoft Windows Vista is turned on by default. If you have Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), the built-in firewall can be enabled from the Windows Security Center:

If you have Windows XP, but you do not have Service Pack 2 on your computer, you can download it by visiting Windows Update. A built-in firewall is not available in other versions of Windows. It is recommended that you use a firewall from a third party.

Many wireless access points and broadband routers for home networking have built-in hardware firewalls, which provide good protection against intrusion attempts and unwanted inbound traffic. However, if a computer becomes infected, it may use the Internet connection in the background to send out malicious traffic or open a back door for future exploitation.

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Step 2: Keep Your Computer Up-To-Date

Installing the recommended software discussed in step one will protect your computer, but in order to keep it protected, you need to keep it up-to-date.

Any software that is installed in your computer particularly, firewall, antivirus, and antispyware need to be constantly updated. It is recommended that you update the virus and spyware definition once a week. Upgrade your firewall software if there's a newer version. In addition, download the security updates for your operating system and office suite. To download the latest security updates for Windows operating system, Office suites, and other Microsoft applications, visit Microsoft update at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/.

For Macintosh users, you can download the security updates by visiting http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/.

Step 3: Defend Against Unauthorized Use

Once your computer has all the essential software installed and updated, guard your computer against unauthorized use.

Discourage unauthorized use of your computer by following these steps:

• Set a strong password on your pc and online accounts.
• Secure your wireless home network and be very cautious when surfing the Internet using a hotspot. Click Here for more information.
• Clear your web browser history after accessing your online accounts.
• Avoid using Remember my password for your pc and online accounts.

Furthermore, educate yourself on the latest security news on how to safeguard your computer when accessing the Internet by visiting DeWaldSr.com's Tampa Bay Shippers's Online Security webpage.

Disclaimer:

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