|
Okay, here are the RawAlex tips for keeping your system clean and neat and tidy and (rarely) infected:
1 - Install a hardware firewall. Any of the linksys / dlink / cisco dsl router / cable mode routers will do the trick. They will stop ANY outside attempts to connect to your system, as the outside people cannot directly talk to your PC. You can then block specific ports as you feel the need to limit this even more. (today alone so far, my firewall is showing over 150 failed attempts to open ports directly on the system)
2 - Do not accept attachments in your email. Filter all attachments, and either forward them directly to hotmail, or ask people to use hotmail / yahoo mail to reach you for attachments. They have very good and VERY current filters, major virus outbreaks will be filtered before you get them!
3 - in email, always turn off the preview pane. You should never have an emai opened without your permission. A very high percentage of spams use a 1X1 img src tag to track people who actually read mail - this means you will get tons more spam if you email address is confirmed.
4 - Every moring before you start working, run adaware and any other spybot program you are comfortable with.
5 - Don't install any software that you are not 100% sure about. Programs like Kazaa and others also load a shitpile of crap onto your system (like gator and others). If you do install new software, reboot your system, and run your spybot programs right away to remove any bullshit. Run the again after the first time you run the new piece of software.
6 - If you want to trade files with kazaa of others, get a second PC with nothing important on it except that, and run it there.
7 - always password protect shared directories when sharing on windows. Most viruses check all drives and all visible network drives, and try to infect them all. With a simple password on directories, the virus cannot get into networked computers.
8 Run WINDOWS UPDATE every chance you get. Keeping your system up to date will keep out most of the crap. Most auto installed junk uses security holes that have long since been patched but still work on most PCs because people don't update!
More than anything, don't do stupid things, don't open mail from people you don't know... and stay up to date!
Alex
|