| Start With the Basics - Protect Your | | | | you will have to remember to manually run the |
| PCGuarding Access to Your PC - Get a | | | | scans. Spybot can be scheduled to run |
| FirewallBeginning in the Zhou Dynasty, which | | | | automatically as one of its "Advanced Mode" |
| was in the 11th century BC, construction was | | | | features. |
| begun on what was to become the Great Wall of | | | | |
| China. For 2,700 years, culminating in the | | | | Spring Cleaning - Think About Privacy |
| mid-1600s, construction continued on the wall | | | | SoftwareAs you use your computer, and surf |
| until it stretched 4,163 miles from east to | | | | the web, traces of your activity get left |
| west China. The wall was constructed to | | | | behind, stored on your computer in lists, |
| prevent invasion by other states of China and | | | | temporary files, and caches. The best case is |
| outer tribes.When you connect your PC to the | | | | that these "leftovers" can clutter up your |
| Internet either through cable, dial-up, or | | | | PC, and, with time, degrade its performance. |
| DSL, it is like China prior to the Great | | | | The worst case is that someone who gains |
| Wall. Anyone can invade your PC, and plunder, | | | | unauthorized access to your PC can read these |
| pillage, and destroy content on your PC. A | | | | files and learn a fair amount about you, |
| firewall acts just like the Great Wall of | | | | potentially helping them to steal your |
| China. When installed, it acts as a barrier | | | | identity.Privacy software removes all traces |
| between your PC and the outside world. It | | | | of your PC and Internet activity, helping to |
| prevents unwanted and unauthorized access to | | | | protect your privacy.As with antivirus |
| your PC over your Internet | | | | software and anti-spyware software, privacy |
| connection.Firewalls come in two basic forms: | | | | software should be run on a regular basis. |
| | | | It, too, can be setup to run automatically on |
| Hardware firewalls - hardware firewalls are | | | | a regular basis so that an end-user does not |
| a piece of hardware, like a PC, that gets | | | | have to do anything to protect their privacy. |
| installed between your PC and your Internet | | | | The first time the privacy software is run it |
| connection. Literally, a cable from your | | | | is not at all uncommon for it to recover in |
| cable or DSL modem gets connected to the | | | | excess of 500MB of disk space by deleting the |
| hardware firewall. Another cable is connected | | | | "leftover stuff" on your PC.To prevent |
| from the hardware firewall to your PC. When | | | | unauthorized intruders from being able to |
| done, the hardware firewall acts as a barrier | | | | gather information about you, select one of |
| between your PC and the Internet. It lets you | | | | the privacy packages and install it on your |
| get out to the Internet, but it does not | | | | PC.Think Before You Click - Use Some Common |
| allow unauthorized access from the Internet | | | | SenseA little common sense can go a long way |
| to your PC. Many cable, DSL, and wireless | | | | when trying to protect your PC. Most of what |
| routers/switches have firewalls built into | | | | can compromise your security will come |
| them. | | | | through e-mail, or when you are surfing the |
| | | | web. Because of this, you definitely need to |
| Software firewalls - A software firewall | | | | think before you click. If you have not |
| serves the same purpose as a hardware | | | | realized it already, most unsolicited e-mail |
| firewall. It, however, is software that gets | | | | is garbage. No matter how good the offer may |
| installed directly onto your PC. The software | | | | sound, the common sense rule of "if it sounds |
| monitors all inbound and outbound Internet | | | | too good to be true, it is..." applies. Most |
| traffic, and creates a software barrier | | | | of what you receive unsolicited is designed |
| between the Internet port into your PC and | | | | to scam you out of money, to trick you into |
| everything else on your PC. Once installed, | | | | divulging private information, to install |
| it lets you get out to the Internet, but it | | | | spyware and adware on your computer, or to |
| does not allow unauthorized access from the | | | | install viruses on your computer.Identifying |
| Internet to your PC. Software firewalls have | | | | Suspect E-MailsSo how do you identify the bad |
| an advantage in that they can implement rigid | | | | "stuff"? It actually is fairly easy to |
| controls over what software installed on your | | | | identify "suspect" e-mails. Common bad or |
| PC will be allowed to access the Internet. | | | | suspect e-mails include: |
| | | | |
| Many people use both a hardware firewall and | | | | E-mails from people or companies with whom |
| a software firewall. It is similar to having | | | | you have never corresponded or conducted |
| a fence to protect access to your yard, and | | | | business. You may receive e-mails that you |
| then a front door to protect access to your | | | | need to verify your account information from |
| house. Everyone should use at least one | | | | a company that you do not do business with. |
| firewall, hardware or software. If you have a | | | | You may receive a message that looks like it |
| laptop, you should use a software firewall. | | | | is from eBay that says they are going to shut |
| That way the firewall goes with you, wherever | | | | off your account and you have never done |
| you go, protecting your PC. | | | | business with eBay. Individuals and groups |
| | | | trying to perpetrate fraud will go to great |
| Find more information on software firewalls | | | | lengths to try to look like a legitimate |
| here. | | | | business. You need to use common sense. If it |
| | | | does not "feel" right, it probably is not. |
| Find more information on free software | | | | |
| firewalls here. | | | | E-mails with gibberish in the title or in |
| | | | the body of the message. |
| | | | |
| | | | E-mails from friends, relatives, or business |
| Plug the Holes - Make Sure to Download | | | | associates that do not make any sense. |
| Operating System Updates and PatchesBy now, | | | | |
| the security holes and flaws in Windows have | | | | E-mails from yourself that you never sent or |
| become legendary. To their credit, Microsoft | | | | e-mails that are "returned" to you from |
| publishes a steady stream of fixes, patches, | | | | someone that you have never corresponded |
| and update releases to plug all known | | | | with. |
| security holes, flaws, and problems. In order | | | | |
| for your PC to benefit from these patches and | | | | This list can go on forever with the many |
| updates, you must, at a minimum, download and | | | | subtle variations. The bottom line is that if |
| install the critical security updates that | | | | it does not feel right then consider it to be |
| Microsoft makes available. You can do this | | | | a bad e-mail.Suspect e-mails should be |
| one of two ways: | | | | deleted. Never click on links in suspect |
| | | | e-mails. Never open file attachments to |
| You may download and install them manually | | | | suspect e-mails. Never reply or forward |
| by visiting the "Microsoft Update" link on | | | | suspect e-mails. Simply delete them and move |
| the Microsoft web site. | | | | on.Safe SurfingInstalling firewall software |
| | | | and antivirus software, and running |
| For newer versions of Windows, such as | | | | anti-spyware software and privacy software |
| Windows XP, you can turn on the "Automatic | | | | should go a long way to protecting you when |
| Updates" feature of the operating system and | | | | your are surfing. Here, again, some common |
| allow the updates to be downloaded and | | | | sense applies. Avoid sites that do not "feel" |
| installed automatically. | | | | right. Sites that are constantly trying to |
| | | | get you to fill out forms before you have |
| Either method works well. The "Automatic | | | | much of a chance to learn anything about the |
| Updates" route takes the thought and work out | | | | site and the organization who owns the site |
| of the process. Regardless of which method | | | | are highly suspect. Pornography sites are |
| you choose, the important thing is to keep | | | | famous for downloading spyware and viruses |
| Windows up to date. Out of date versions of | | | | onto people's computers. Stick to sites you |
| Windows can leave your PC open to hackers and | | | | know, the sites of reputable companies, and |
| viruses.If you are using Mac OS or LINUX, | | | | sites that come recommended by people you |
| then none of this applies. You are already | | | | trust and you should be okay.Protecting Your |
| using inherently more secure operating | | | | KidsNow that you have taken care of the |
| systems. It is still, however, important to | | | | basics and protected you PC, it is time to |
| install updates and patches to these | | | | specifically worry about keeping your kids |
| operating systems as well to be up to date | | | | safe. When trying to protect your children, |
| and to provide the best protection against | | | | it is important to: |
| unwanted intrusion.Take Your Medicine - | | | | |
| Install Antivirus SoftwareA computer virus is | | | | Set expectations |
| an unwanted software program that: | | | | |
| | | | Monitor and control what your children do |
| Gets loaded onto your PC | | | | online |
| | | | |
| Replicates itself, meaning that it copies | | | | Use some common sense |
| itself and distributes itself to other | | | | |
| computers | | | | Setting Online ExpectationsIt is important |
| | | | for you as a parent to be clear with your |
| A virus can get onto your computer from any | | | | children what you expect of them when they |
| of several sources, including: | | | | are using the PC. You need to be clear about |
| | | | what you consider to be appropriate online |
| From a removable disk | | | | behavior, as well as what is and is not |
| | | | appropriate to be accessing online. Children |
| From an attachment to an e-mail message | | | | should be taught: |
| | | | |
| From a download while surfing the web | | | | That they should never give out personal |
| | | | information such as their name, address, |
| From a worm through a known hole or flaw in | | | | e-mail address, phone number, or age to |
| your operating system | | | | anyone over the Internet without your express |
| | | | permission. |
| Once on your PC, the impact of a virus can | | | | |
| range from relatively benign to rendering | | | | That they should never fill out forms |
| your PC unusable.Antivirus software is | | | | without your permission. |
| software that you use to protect yourself | | | | |
| from computer viruses. It can detect and | | | | That they should tell you if they come |
| remove known computer viruses. There are many | | | | across anything or anyone online that they |
| excellent antivirus packages available that | | | | feel is not appropriate or that makes them |
| are relatively inexpensive. There are also | | | | uncomfortable. |
| several excellent antivirus packages | | | | |
| available for free for home, non-commercial | | | | That they should ask before downloading or |
| use. | | | | installing software on a PC. |
| | | | |
| Find more information on antivirus packages | | | | That they should never, under any |
| here | | | | circumstances, arrange to meet alone with |
| | | | someone who they have met online. This can be |
| Find more information on free antivirus | | | | especially important for your teenage |
| packages here | | | | children who may feel that they have met the |
| | | | boy or girl of their dreams online. If they |
| To prevent viruses form being able to harm | | | | feel that they absolutely must meet this |
| your PC, you need to select one of the | | | | individual, then they should arrange to do it |
| antivirus packages and install it on your | | | | with a responsible adult present. You should |
| PC.TIPS: Make sure that your antivirus | | | | remind them that it is very easy for someone |
| software is setup to: | | | | to masquerade as someone else online. |
| | | | |
| Automatically check for updates so that its' | | | | Monitor and Control What Your Children Do |
| virus definitions database is up to date and | | | | OnlineThe PC that your children use should be |
| you are protected from the latest threats. | | | | setup in a public location where it is easy |
| Most updates are provided on an annual | | | | for you to monitor what your children are |
| subscription basis. Make sure that you renew | | | | doing. It is very difficult for a child to |
| your subscription when it expires. Free | | | | engage in questionable online activities when |
| products, such as AVG Anti-Virus Free | | | | everyone in the family can easily look over |
| Edition, provide the updates at no cost. | | | | their shoulder. If you have children who |
| | | | participate in chat rooms or use instant |
| Automatically perform a virus scan at least | | | | messaging software you should regularly ask |
| once a week. If the PC is used to surf the | | | | them who they are communicating with. If they |
| web extensively then you may wish to perform | | | | are evasive or do not tell you, take away |
| virus scans more frequently, even once a day. | | | | their computer privileges. Having a safe mad |
| | | | child is better than having an unsafe happy |
| Stop the Spies - Install Anti-Spyware | | | | one.There is also software that can help |
| SoftwareAdware is any software that displays | | | | parents protect their children. Software to |
| advertisements on your computer screen, | | | | help keep children safe comes in two forms: |
| either through banner advertisements within | | | | monitoring software, and parental control |
| an application, or through pop-up windows. | | | | software.Monitoring software allows parents |
| Spyware, which may also be known as a spybot, | | | | to monitor activity on the family PC. Many |
| or tracking software, is computer technology | | | | packages will allow you to monitor computer |
| installed on an individual's PC that gathers | | | | activity including web surfing activity, |
| information about them and their computer | | | | e-mail messages, chat, and instant messaging. |
| use. Adware and spyware removal software, or | | | | Some software will even allow screen shots to |
| anti-spyware software, is software that is | | | | be taken at predetermined increments of time. |
| installed on your computer to combat the | | | | Many of these packages will operate in |
| threats of adware and spyware. It will search | | | | stealth mode, meaning that no one will know |
| your computer's memory, file system, system | | | | that the software is even installed and |
| registry, and browser caches for the | | | | running. Of course telling your children that |
| existence of adware and spyware. It will then | | | | you have software that is monitoring their |
| remove or quarantine any items that it finds. | | | | activity may also act a a deterrent. |
| Adware and spyware removal software may also | | | | Monitoring software typically does not filter |
| monitor for, and actively block, the | | | | out any bad content. It simply lets you know |
| downloading of spyware applications.There are | | | | if someone is accessing things that are |
| two excellent anti-spyware programs available | | | | inappropriate.Parental control software, or |
| for free, Ad-Aware SE Personal from Lavasoft, | | | | Internet filtering software, allows parents |
| and Spybot Search & Destroy from Safer | | | | to control content that is displayed and |
| Networking Ltd. There are also many excellent | | | | block specific web sites. Some filtering |
| anti-spyware packages that range in price | | | | software will filter e-mails and chat rooms, |
| from $19.95 to $39.95. Select and install one | | | | block pop ups, and even monitor chat rooms. |
| of these packages and run it on a regular | | | | This software is, by its very nature, more |
| basis. | | | | intrusive than monitoring software. It will |
| | | | filter out a lot of bad stuff. It may also |
| Find more information on anti-spyware | | | | miss some bad stuff. It may also filter out |
| packages here | | | | some good things.The choice of which software |
| | | | to use will come down to personal preference. |
| Find more information on free anti-spyware | | | | Some parents use both. If you choose to use |
| packages here | | | | no software than having the family PC in a |
| | | | public place and asking questions about what |
| To prevent adware and spyware from being | | | | your children are doing online becomes much |
| able to gather information about you, you | | | | more important.Use Some Common SenseYou |
| need to select one of the anti-spyware | | | | should be aware if your child becomes |
| packages and install it on your PC.TIPS: | | | | secretive about what they are doing online. |
| Similar to antivirus software, make sure that | | | | Averting a computer monitor, or quickly |
| your anti-spyware software is setup to: | | | | turning it off whenever someone walks into |
| | | | the room is not normal computer behavior. It |
| Automatically check for updates so that its' | | | | is, however, the behavior of an individual |
| adware/spyware definitions database is up to | | | | who is trying to hide something. If your |
| date and you are protected from the latest | | | | child is exhibiting "odd" computer behavior |
| threats. The two free packages, Ad-Aware and | | | | question them. If you get no answers or you |
| Spybot do not have automatic update features, | | | | do not like the answers, take away their |
| so you will need to perform this task | | | | computer privileges and/or get software that |
| manually. Ad-Aware at least tells you that | | | | monitors their activity. As has already been |
| your definitions database is getting old and | | | | stated, a mad safe child is better than a |
| asks you if you want to update it. | | | | happy unsafe one.Rob Pirozzi is a freelance |
| | | | writer who provides timely, quality |
| Automatically perform an adware/spyware scan | | | | professional writing of all types. He is also |
| at least once a week. If the PC is used to | | | | the publisher of the web site |
| surf the web extensively then you may wish to | | | | NuttyAboutSports.com, a web site dedicated to |
| perform scans more frequently, even once a | | | | fans of popular North American Sports, |
| day. Ad-Aware SE Personal will only run | | | | including baseball, basketball, football, |
| automatically at system startup time. If you | | | | hockey, lacrosse, motor sports, softball, |
| leave your computer on all of the time then | | | | soccer, and tennis! |