Steps
- Install a firewall to secure your system. A firewall blocks connections on various ports to prevent hacking/cracking into your computer and can encrypt/decrypt traffic and proxy all traffic from the internet. Some internet modems (usually included with high-speed connection solutions) have one pre-installed. You can usually unblock ports at will to allow a certain program to access it. Some examples include:
- McAfee Firewall PLus
- ZoneAlarm Firewall
- Install Anti-virus software to detect any viruses/spyware/malware hidden in your computer. These can eventually lead to system failure if not found quickly. Viruses/worms/[[spyware/malware will also slow down your computer significantly. Some examples of Antivirus software include:
- McAfee Antivirus
- Avast! Antivirus (Can be used on both Linux and Windows systems)
- Regularly delete your history and cookies from your browser. Saving the history takes up a bit of space and may help to delete the files if they are not needed. (Keep your history from the previous day in case you need it and you don't think your system is in trouble). Most browsers will also give you the option to clear your HTTP cookies - text sent between the client and server to authenticate information about users.
- Keep sensitive data secure encrypt it using something like FreeOTFE, which creates a new (encrypted) "virtual drive" on your computer. Ideally, the "disk image" it creates should be stored on a removable USB drive.
- Regularly backup your computer in the case that a virus takes over your computer to the point you have no control over it and that you might have valuable information on it. You can do such on USB flash disks, CDs, DVDs and Tape devices.
Tips
- Always remember to make sure you have the updated versions of your software as older versions may have security bugs ("errors") in them.
Warnings
- If you think you have a virus/spyware, the best thing for you to do is virus scan your computer. remove the virus, and change your passwords.
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