2007-03-21 20:36:28 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
You should have an anti virus, eg Norton.
2007-03-21 20:40:13 · answer #1 · answered by Scotty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
how extreme do you wanna go with it, is more the question. first off, get a decent firewall and make sure it's configured properly. only allow incoming and outgoing permissions for what you need and make sure it's set for that. if you use a wireless internet connection, make sure you use encryption such as WPA or WEP. I always suggest WPA for people who live in cities as although WEP is a reasonable encryption method, if you live in a tower block with a budding programmer then he might just take advantage. download a reputable anti-virus application and always ALWAYS make sure it's up to date. most people seem to think an anti-virus app works itself. download a spyware detection tool and run that weekly, it does make a difference seriously. update your operating system also periodically as certain exploits n bugs may be fixed by a downloadable patch. don't download anything taht you don't need or aren't sure as to how safe it is, just don't take a chance. stay away from p2p applications unless you know what you're doing and how to keep safe.
also, be aware that just because you have all up to date security shizz on your computer dosn't mean your safe. one of the biggest killers to a computer or network is the user itself. make sure that the websites you surf are safe and trusted, never EVER make an online transaction without making sure its encrypted. also, be aware of the sites which you or a family member may surf. people who surf porn and those poxy emoticon/msn pic websites are usually the ones who's computers get cained. if you wanna go really extreme, buy a hardware firewall from cisco systems, upgrade to a radius server and permanently employ SSL transfers on your home network through a layer 3 switch, get a pocketguard and a big pair of huge black thick rimmed glasses. coffee and insomnia is also a must. hope this helped.
2007-03-22 19:30:55 · answer #2 · answered by DEAN L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Microsoft windows is inherently insecure, you can help to plug some of the leaks with some add on programs like anti spyware ,anti virus, malicious software removal tools and numerous security updates. Better solutions would include a properly set up router with firewall (try netgear) and Linux
2007-03-25 07:01:50 · answer #3 · answered by marc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need a firewall. Get that from www.microsoft.com
Then get defender, also from microsoft. While you are there, get a virus detector/killer
The firewall stops things coming in that should not and things going out that should not.
Viruses are things that stupid people do to make your computer go wrong(they think they are clever) so you need something to stop that. There are lots of these free(google "virus") or you can buy a very good one from Symantec (on line or from a computer shop).
It all sounds very difficult, but it isn't really. Do one bit today and then another bit when you have sorted tnat out. Some viruses come from emails, so get that done first. Good luck.
2007-03-22 03:52:34 · answer #4 · answered by R.E.M.E. 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As already said get Norton Antivirus/Personal Firewall. I would also get Norton Anti-Spyware software, but I believe Yahoo are supporting this already. If you do any online shopping etc then also get a program called "Window Washer" from Webroot as that wipes all credit card info from your PC, especially important nowadays in these days of internet fraud.
2007-03-22 03:44:02 · answer #5 · answered by Jock 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here is a simple tutorial on how to cleanup your computer. They are real basic steps, but it is a good first step to take and will often clean out 95% of the junk (such as spyware, viruses, etc) off your computer. All the tools used are free of use. Here is the link:
http://www.cleancomputerhelp.com/how-to-cleanup
2007-03-22 14:43:39 · answer #6 · answered by patrick j 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check the firewall setting, may be your antivirus is not registered, go for the security center of your antivirus and then slove all the problem which the antivius security center mentions. you can solve the problems also and then you can make your computer safe also.
2007-03-22 03:47:17 · answer #7 · answered by sumanth_ns 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Install anti-virus software, a Firewall and maybe an anti-spyware tool.
2007-03-22 03:50:31 · answer #8 · answered by Desperado 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
download a firewall specially Zonealarm Pro and an antivirus tool NORTON, or PC Cillen etc add a spyware tool too..
and u r done
2007-03-22 03:40:31 · answer #9 · answered by hanoi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get norton security this is normally preinstalled on new PCs
2007-03-22 04:17:10 · answer #10 · answered by rockabillygraham 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a firewall to stop hackers getting in. And if you don't have anti-virus installed, then where have you been for the last ten years.
2007-03-22 03:39:05 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋