| A computer is only as good as it's user, and | | | | should get a free firewall of your own. |
| unfortunately there are many, many, many less savvy | | | | Recommended: PCTools Firewall Plus or Comodo |
| computer users out there. For you to keep your | | | | Internet Security Firewall |
| computer secure, and therefore fast, there are some | | | | Wireless Security |
| basic security practices that you must employ. | | | | If you use a wireless router in your home, chances are |
| Protection from Spyware/Adware | | | | it is very easy for anyone within 200 feet of your |
| Spyware and Adware are programs that are installed | | | | home to access your signal. This can be dangerous if |
| without knowledge on your PC. These programs track | | | | someone has bad intentions. Set up a wireless |
| your internet activity, for the purpose of targeting you | | | | password to access your wireless network. If you |
| with ads, popups, or obtaining private information from | | | | don't know how to do this, ask any manual you have |
| you. They slow down your computer, and can be a | | | | for your router, or ask the company. |
| security risk. To prevent them, you use a free | | | | Good Passwords |
| antispyware program. | | | | Passwords do nothing if they are not chosen well. A |
| Recommended: MalwareBytes AntiMalware or | | | | secure password should be longer than 7 characters, |
| Lavasoft's AdAware | | | | and contain at least one number/symbol and a mixture |
| Protection from Viruses | | | | of upper and lower case letters. In addition, you should |
| Viruses are more dire than spyware, because they | | | | not use the same password everywhere you have an |
| intend direct damage to your system, and may have | | | | account. |
| the intent of stealing identity information. Viruses | | | | Safe Email |
| replicate and spread themselves unlike Spyware. To | | | | Be weary of what you open. If you do not recognize |
| combat viruses you need a well trusted antivirus. | | | | the sender or subject, do not open it, especially if the |
| Recommended: Avira AntiVir and Avast! Home Edition | | | | email contains an attachment. Common sense is the |
| are excellent free solutions | | | | best medicine here. |
| Protection from hackers | | | | If you follow these security practices, you should |
| Hackers attempt direct access to your computer | | | | remain a safe computer user. Rest easy knowing that |
| through security gaps. Antispyware and antivirus | | | | you won't be one of the many victims of online crime, |
| programs do not protect from this sort of threat, which | | | | or have to use your hard-earned money on replacing |
| is the most dangerous of all. If your internet modem or | | | | your computer every few years due to infections. |
| wireless router does not have a built in firewall, you | | | | |