    |
 |
  |
  |
|
|
Standards and Guidelines for Computer Configuration and Maintenance or ……. What Can I do to Protect My Computer and Data? Have a Copy or Backup of at least your data There is often no way to re-create pictures, letters, documents, spreadsheets, accounting data, email and address books. So, it’s very important to have copies. And, remember that protecting this data from fire and theft is as important as protecting it from a computer failure. This means keeping a copy at another location. The best way to prepare for making a copy is to keep everything in one Folder and set of SubFolders. Then just copy the whole thing. You can use a separate hard drive for immediately-available copies. You can use a DVD for copies that you will store away from the computer. There are a variety of programs available to help create the copies. Often the copy process can be scheduled and automated. You might want to keep a running “clone” of the entire hard drive if you must get up and running again in a very short time. Protect your computer from threats: worms, viruses, Trojan horses, adware and spyware
We like to use an analogy to help folks understand the difference between antivirus software and firewall software:
Antivirus software is like a deaf security guard at your front door. He checks "ID" when someone tries to enter. He also periodicially "scans" the house, checking everyone's "ID" and kicks out any bad characters. But, because this guard can't hear, he can't detect someone breaking in through the back door.
Firewall software is like having locks on all the doors and windows. It keeps characters from entering through those portals or "ports" unless they're invited and have a key. Antivirus software Don’t think that because your Internet Service Provider filters your email for viruses that you’re perfectly safe! Viruses have other ways of getting into your computer. So, have antivirus software installed, up-to-date and running on the computer.
Sometimes people are fooled into thinking that they have protection just because they keep their antivirus software up-to-date. Not quite ..... While your email may be effectively screened, the computer files could have viruses lurking. So, peridic scans are also necessary! Schedule them. You may wish to download free antivirus software from Grisoft called AVG. http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5 Make sure that the programs are kept updated! Most serious threats are the newest ones – so if you get behind on the updates, it’s like having no protection. Firewall Don’t think that because you have antivirus software running on your computer that it’s safe from worms and Trojan horses. It isn’t. Threats can get into your computer by other means. So make sure you have a firewall running or at least that the computer is isolated from the internet by a router. Anti-adware and anti-spyware Don’t think that because you have antivirus software and a firewall running that you’re safe from adware and spyware. You aren’t. The threats run from benign to quite malicious and can bring your computer to its knees. Coastal Computers & Networks recommends that you use two complementary programs: Lavasoft’s Ad-Aware SE Personal and Kolla’s Spybot Search & Destroy Both programs can be downloaded from: or from: You might also purchase and install Webroot’s Spy Sweeper. Good practice suggests that you run these programs once each week or two. Make sure that the programs are kept updated! Most serious threats are the newest ones – so if you get behind on the updates, it’s like having no protection. The best thing is to start the program, update it and then scan your computer. |