Hi! Anyone know ways to improve computer security other than anti virus programs?

Question

*Are* there other ways to improve the security on your computer besides anti-virus programs? ... also if you have time, do you know what the difference between hardware and software firewalls is? or where i could find the info... (and please don't say google :) )

Thanx, Etain@}-,-`-of SEEKER COUNCIL... or can i call u Etain? :)

Answer 1

Yeah, there are multiple ways to improve security. Like you mentioned in your question. A firewall is a great idea to improve your online security. This will help you to monitor the incoming and outgoing traffic on your PC.

Hard firewall provides more protection because it is actually a firewall that is separate from your computer. Software firewall is part of your computer software technology and can be broken. A hardware firewall is usually a small box that sits between a modem and a computer or network. The firewall is either based on "network address translation" (NAT) which hides your computer from the Internet or NAT plus "stateful packet inspection" (SPI) for more protection.

Another way is to use a program that will allow you to "secure delete" your internet history and hard drive space. this is done by encrypting and then deleting. This technique is becoming more popular do to hacker sifting deleted internet history for valuable account and personal information. Here a link on secure delete information.
http://www.delete-computer-history.com/internet-privacy-software.html

Also a proxy is a good choice because it can protect your PC
IP address and prevent your computer from being tracked to your location. Also this helps PC speed and security by surfing through a secure server. You can encrypt your online traffic and downloads with some anonymous proxy networks

If you are not interesting in installed multiple security components on your PC you could consider an all in one security suit such as Total Net Shield. This will limit software conflicts.

http://www.delete-computer-history.com/proxy-website-list.html

Answer 2

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Answer 3

There are quite a few good things that can be done to protect yourself here.

1) disable activex
2) disable .vbs and .vbe file execution.
3) up to date firewall.
4) up to date anti-virus software.
5) up to spam blocker.
6) an enhanced local and global policies for extra security on the system.
7) use Firefox instead of IE
8) Do not store personal information on your computer. ie.. credit card numbers and bank account information.
9) Use a minimum of 8 character passwords using upper/lower case, numerals, and hyphens for extra password security.

Not much difference between a hard/software firewall, other than the hardware is long before it anything hits your system.

Answer 4

A hardware firewall is a router, which is a firewall due to the software programmed into it. A software firewall is Window's Firewall, Black Ice Defender, or Zone Alarm. Window's Firewall can be configured to protect your system just all well as any other, and it's free and on your system already.

I help keep my system secure by doing the following:

• I constantly monitor the autorun entries in my registry--that's where many viruses are planted so they start with Windows everytime your system boots.

• I set my system and system32 folder to detail view and sort by date, so I can see any new entries in those folders (they show up at the top of the list). If there are new files there, and I didn't place them there, then something else did.

• If I see a suspicious looking file name (virus writers like to name files with stupid names), I search these two websites to see if they are legit files.

http://www.liutilities.com/products/wintaskspro/processlibrary/

http://www.neuber.com/taskmanager/process/index.html

Answer 5

The only other way I know that would improve your computer's security is two-fold:

1) Set your computer to something other than 'administrator' rights. This won't give you full access to some of your internet capabilities, but it will limit the number of viruses and spam getting into your system.

2) Have a second computer than the one you operate for the internet--but not connected. This will guarantee zero virus infections and spyware problems.

Answer 6

ways improve computer security anti virus programs

Answer 7

What You Can Do To Protect Yourself

Install Anti-Virus Software and Update it Daily! Always leave it Functioning and Enabled!

Make sure your Anti-Virus Software is set to monitor your E-Mail Program that you send and receive E-Mail with!

Do not temporarily disable your Anti-Virus Software as it is too easy to forget to re-enable it!

Always keep your computer updated with the latest Security Patches! Microsoft releases them frequently as infected E-Mail Attachments may attempt to exploit program vulnerabilities.

Do not open attachments unless you are absolutely certain of the sender and the contents!

Answer 8

My windows is nice and clean with just a windows firewall windows defender spyware program and eTrust Anti-virus.

Mostly if you don't go to Adult website, or search keygen, hacking stuff then you should be fine. But I personally recommend check for sypware at least twice a week and erase all your broswer history, internet content file.

Answer 9

There's actually a windows firewall that's already on your PC and you can check to see if it's on by looking under it in your control panel. Other than improving security, I think it's preferable to use Mozilla Firefox instead of the regular IE because it actually prevents your password and personal information from being stolen. Other than that I don't think you need more security.

Answer 10

Run Secunia Software Inspector http://securitynewsfromthenet.blogspot.com/ .Securina will tell you which of your software is outdated and have holes in them through which the spyware/virus are entering.
which currently contains rules for detecting more than 4,000 different applications
The results are used to advise you on how to update to more secure releases of the insecure applications.
Microsoft Windows Update is used to determine if your system is missing security updates from Microsoft.
* Detects insecure versions of applications installed
* Verifies that all Microsoft patches are applied
* Assists you in updating your system and applications
* Runs through your browser. No installation or download is required.

Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) 2.0 is an easy-to-use tool that helps small and medium businesses determine their security state in accordance with Microsoft security recommendations and offers specific remediation guidance. Improve your security management process by using MBSA to detect common security misconfigurations and missing security updates on your computer systems.
The Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) checks computers running Microsoft Windows® Server 2003, Windows Server "Longhorn", Windows Vista, Windows XP, or Windows 2000 for common security misconfigurations. You must have administrator privileges for each computer you want to scan.
http://www.filehippo.com/download_mbsa/