SeniorNet Hawke's Bay

Introduction

This big topic tends to open many areas of discussion - and sometimes confusion.

Two developments which have accompanied the rapid growth of the internet are increasing commercialisation and its use to rapidly spread annoyances such as viruses. Going online unprotected is like a learner driver venturing out onto a motorway without any knowledge of the road code, driving hazards, or speed limits, and definitely without seat belts. The good news is that implementing computer security precautions is far easier than learning to drive. As with driving, undoubtedly the benefits far outweigh any apparent disadvantages.

Here, on this very long page, we will attempt to provide some assistance to SeniorNetters by breaking down the topic into a number of areas. Please note that any mention of specific software or advice does not represent any endorsement by SeniorNet or the designer of this site. Software mentioned below is based on experiences with Windows XP: it is left to the user to ensure suitability, especially if they have a different operating system (Windows Vista, Windows 7 etc). All care taken, but no guarantees offered!

When visiting sites for downloading, you will often see both free and trial commercial versions of the same product. Do take care to download the version you really want. Because download links frequently change, we have included here both direct download links, and links to the manufacturer's main site for more information and in case the download page has moved.

Viruses

Computer viruses share many of the characteristics of biological viruses. They can cause considerable damage to your computer’s health. They can make your computer infectious. Just as jetliners have enabled human infections to travel worldwide very quickly, so the internet has transported some computer viruses worldwide in a matter of a few hours.

As with a biological infection, prevention is far better than attempting a cure.

1. Invest in a good antivirus program.
While many excellent products can be purchased (do check on the costs of any renewal fees), some of the best are free:

2. Update it regularly.
Often this will happen automatically when you are online.

3. Periodically run complete scans.
Not forgetting to also scan any floppy disks, memory cards etc which may be inserted.

Sometimes, especially if you suspect a virus may have tampered with your antivirus software or you simply want to double-check the effectiveness of your computer's antivirus defences, it can be a good idea to also do an online virus scan. Below are links to two online antivirus services. Please be sure to read and understand the online instructions for each service before using them.

For lots of additional information about viruses, including a large searchable encyclopedia of viruses, a ready-reference to many scams and hoaxes and alerts about the latest malware, you may like to check out the resources at Trend Micro.

If you think of your computer as being a house, then your antivirus program is a security guard protecting your main doors (email and the web). However, like your house, your computer has other ways an intruder can gain access. No doubt your house has many windows. Your computer has even more potential entry points, known as ports. The job of protecting any exposed ports (open windows) belongs to a firewall.

Windows XP comes with its own firewall which, with the installation of Service Pack 2, should automatically be turned on. If, however, you are concerned about XP's firewall monitoring traffic in only one direction, or perhaps have an older version of Windows, you can download a more comprehensive firewall free of charge. It is important, however, that you have no more than one firewall running:

1. Ensure you have an operating firewall.
Via the Control Panel, verify the XP firewall is on, or obtain one:

NB: Sygate's free firewall was purchased, and then discontinued, by Symantec, but the version here still works fine.

Spyware

Spyware covers a range of malicious programs which, generally without your being aware of them, install themselves on your computer and carry out tasks without your permission. A few of the operations these programs may secretly undertake include monitoring every key you press, stealing your passwords, recording your credit card numbers, reporting your personal information to other sites, and even serving you with a helping of pornography! Needless to say, this undesirable activity can also slow down your computer and internet use.

Where does spyware originate? Sometimes it is included with the many innocent-looking free gimmicks and games you can find on the web, or simply served up by a web page:

1. Invest in good spyware protection.
Again, many of the best products are available free of change. Unlike antivirus programs and firewalls, it is often a good idea to install more than one anti-spyware program - on the theory that what one misses the other may find.

2. Complete the initial program setup.
This may involve following instructions via a program wizard.

3. Periodically download updates & scan your computer.
With the free versions you generally must remember to do this manually.

Spam

Computer spam refers to the volume of unsolicited junk messages that many internet users receive each time they check their email. Partly because it is so cheap to send to millions of people, the amount of spam has grown phenomenally. According to e-mail security vendor MessageLabs, at least two thirds of all email traffic world-wide now consists of spam!

Email addresses can easily be 'harvested' by automated spam-bots. You probably can’t avoid getting some spam, but you may be able to reduce the amount by not listing your email address in an obvious way on web sites, reading the fine print of any online agreements, using the anti-spam services of your internet service provider, not replying to spam messages, and installing some protection software.

1. Invest in good anti-spam protection.
As is usual, many of the best anti-spam products are available free of change. The author's favourite is the NZ-written Mailwasher:

2. Complete the initial program setup.
This will probably involve entering a few details for your email account.

Other Considerations

While precautions taken in the above areas will certainly decrease your chances of being attacked by many of the computer gremlins, there are many additional areas to be aware of:

Making regular backups is an activity that many people intend to get around to, but few actually achieve. It is a component of computer security which is often overlooked - until the day comes when your computer takes a nosedive / is stolen / dropped or whatever, and you suddenly realise that the only copies you have of three years' worth of digital photographs were on your computer!

Backing up involves frequently taking duplicate copies of important information from your computer, and storing that information in a safe place. Due to their capacity and reliability, CDs and DVDs are an ideal backup storage medium for the home user.

Yes, free programs are available to help with the task, such as EZBack-it-up, from rdcomp.net.

No doubt in your SeniorNet classes you will cover the importance of using regular Windows Updates, Disk Defragmenter, and Error-checking (Scan Disk). Keeping your computer away from serious amounts of dust (long-pile carpet), not bumping it with the vacuum cleaner while it's turned on, and investing in a surge protector (for everything connected to the computer) can all help with extending its life and keeping your data secure. Be a little cautious about handing over control of your precious investment to the 'computer wiz' grandchildren when they visit - often teenagers know lots about playing games but very little about care and security!

Finally, confident in the knowledge that adequate precautions are in place, do remember to enjoy your computing experience!