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Security:
Adhere to the following guidelines and you should have a happy and healthy computer. If you need help with anything , please contact me via my "volunteer" page to discuss a free home consultation.
Basic Computer Security
- Use an alternate browser to Internet Explorer. I recommend Firefox.
- Use updated antivirus, anti-spyware, and a firewall besides Windows firewall.
- Go to my programs page to get FREE versions of all these programs.
- Don't allow any browser to save: cookies, passwords, or forms.
- If you need cookies, set your browser to delete them upon close.
- Set your browser cache to a manageable size, around 500MB.
- Set your computer to Automatically Update from Microsoft and install.
- Set anti-spyware, antivirus, and other security programs to automatically update also.
- Monthly check for updates from Microsoft and all other programs.
- Monthly scan your computer for spyware, viruses, etc.
- Don't open email attachments, even from people you know. Confirm them first.
- Advanced: Use a hardware firewall on top of a software one. This can be any type of router.
- Advanced: Disable services that aren't needed.
Alternate Operating System
For those of you bold enough to attempt ditching Windows®, I would suggest looking at LINUX. Fedora Core is my personal favorite choice but I hear good things about SUSE. Don't just shrug this off, it is a totally viable option. Yes it takes some setup and reading but it is a great option for older computers and for kids to use. So here's what I suggest: Keep your Windows XP® computer for yourself but setup your secondary computer with LINUX and test it out. Try out all the features and read a few reviews to check out new features. Once you are comfortable with it you can then use it as a permanent, free OS, secure, secondary computer. Got smaller kids? Let them use LINUX to surf the net and chat on IM. You won't have to worry about them messing up your delicate Windows® computer.