| Wow, sounds like a big topic, doesn't it? It's not so bad. | | | | start with "FW:"-ask friends who send forwards not to |
| Sure, you can go buy expensive solutions-in-a-box. | | | | send them, as you do not open or read them anyway. |
| There are offerings like Norton Anti-Virus, Webroot | | | | Forwards are arguably a waste of time and ones with |
| Spy Sweeper, and Lavasoft Ad Aware. The first two | | | | attachments are not worth the risk. |
| will cost you, whereas Ad Aware is a free download. | | | | Tip #2: When downloading and installing a program, |
| All three are decent programs. | | | | don't just click Next or Yes. |
| Here's the deal, though: before you invest in such | | | | When you download and install a program, don't just |
| programs, you might want to think about ways that | | | | click Next or Yes when the installation prompts you |
| you can prevent/eliminate spyware, adware, and | | | | with options. Uncheck boxes with toolbars and other |
| viruses on your own. Then, you can decide if it's worth | | | | add-ons that you may not want. |
| it to install a solution-in-a-box. You may find that you | | | | Tip #3: Don't just install things when prompted while |
| don't need them after all. | | | | surfing the net! |
| The first thing to consider is whether you're using a | | | | When a website says, "This site wants to install bla bla |
| router. If you use a router for your home network | | | | bla," make sure it's a site you trust and that you |
| (which allows multiple computers to connect to the | | | | REALLY NEED whatever you are trying to access. |
| same internet connection) then you most likely have a | | | | For example, if you are on a major broadcasting |
| firewall running already. You probably already use | | | | company's site trying to watch a video, it's obviously |
| Windows XP which has a built in firewall as well | | | | ok. If you are on some unknown site trying to get |
| (Windows Firewall). | | | | something, think twice. |
| A firewall blocks internet traffic that might cause harm | | | | If you weren't trying to get anything at all, definitely click |
| to your computer. This traffic flows on virtual | | | | the red X in the corner! Never click Yes or No, just |
| pathways called ports. Firewalls block ports, essentially | | | | click the Red X. If that doesn't work, press ALT+F4 on |
| preventing hackers from accessing your system | | | | your keyboard to close the site! |
| without your permission or knowledge. | | | | Eliminating Things Manually: |
| If you're already running a firewall on Windows XP and | | | | Tip#1: Stop unneeded processes! |
| in your router, you are already protected to a large | | | | Press CTRL+ALT+DEL (all at once) and see what is |
| degree. The other type of protection you will need in | | | | running in the Processes tab. See something you don't |
| order to prevent malicious processes from running on | | | | recognize? Google it. If it's not needed, you'll want to |
| your machine consists of one thing: you. | | | | end it by right clicking it and choosing End Process. Do |
| That's right, other than a firewall, the number one way | | | | this any time your system acts up. Go through the list |
| to prevent malicious software from getting on your | | | | and see if anything weird is there, then Google it. |
| system is by you preventing it from ever getting onto | | | | (NOTE: Don't end something unless you are sure it is |
| your system. | | | | not needed!) |
| There is a common myth that spyware, adware, and | | | | Tip #2: Control what runs when Windows XP starts |
| viruses are these magical, nebulous processes that no | | | | up! |
| one understands. There are a few viruses that are | | | | Click START, go to RUN and type msconfig, then click |
| terribly complex, but for the most part these types of | | | | OK. Choose selective startup, and go to the Startup |
| malicious processes are simple to prevent and | | | | tab. Anything you don't recognize here? Google it. If it's |
| eliminate. | | | | not necessary, uncheck the box. Go through the whole |
| Preventing Malicious Processes from Getting Installed: | | | | list and do this, then click OK and restart when you are |
| Tip #1: Do not download all kinds of random stuff! | | | | ready. After rebooting, Windows will remind you that |
| For example, it's ok to download a picture (by right | | | | you've chosen selective startup. |
| clicking it and choosing "Save Picture As") from a | | | | Here's more: |
| website. There is no harm in this, generally. However, | | | | If these things don't help, try asking a search engine |
| downloading screensavers and "free" games and | | | | your question (type your question then press Go or |
| other supposedly free software constantly is not good. | | | | Search). You'll be surprised the other tips you'll find. |
| It doesn't mean all free stuff is bad, just be careful only | | | | Once you learn to do these things, you may not need |
| to download free programs from sites you trust (big | | | | other software to do it for you. You'll save money, plus |
| name sites are often a good choice). | | | | you'll feel more in control of your computer! Finally, you'll |
| It's also ok to open an attachment from a friend you | | | | prevent anti-spyware programs and the like from |
| trust, but avoid opening and reading email forwards, | | | | having to run and steal precious CPU and RAM |
| especially if they have attachments! Email forwards | | | | resources (which can slow your system even more!). |