Getting a new Windows computer this holiday season? Fresh out of the box, it’s vulnerable to viruses, scams and unwanted advertising. Before going online, lock down your computer by completing the following five steps in order:
1. Establish a firewall. Check that your Windows Firewall is enabled by clicking Start, Control Panel, Windows Firewall. Ensure that “On” is checked. Also, check the “Don’t allow exceptions” box. This blocks requests to connect to your computer from other programs but still lets you connect to the Web.
2. Update Windows. Microsoft periodically patches holes in Windows that could be accessed by hackers. The computer will need to be connected to the Internet to download the updates.
Click Start, All Programs, Windows Update. This will open your Web browser and automatically take you to Windows Update’s website. Once there, click “Express.” Some updates require that you restart the computer. Continue until there are no more critical updates to download.
3. Prevent viruses. Most new computers come with anti-virus software installed. Find and start the anti-virus program, then locate its update feature. As new viruses are written, definitions must be updated. This is a never-ending process.
Typically, anti-virus programs that come with new computers are only good for a short trial period. After that, the program will continue to run and monitor your system, but it will do so with old virus definitions. That’s better than nothing, but not by much.
To continue receiving updates, you’ll have to buy the full product. Expect to pay about $40 for a year’s worth of updates. If you don’t want to pay for continued service, AVG Anti-virus (free.grisoft.com/doc/1) and avast! (www.asw.cz/eng/free_virus_protectio.html) offer free products for personal use.
4. Stop the spies. Spyware and adware are just as prevalent as viruses. Adware sits on your computer and feeds ads to you. Spyware collects information about you and reports back to a computer over the Internet. Ads tailored to your interests are returned to your computer.
Far worse are keyloggers. These programs record your keystrokes and e-mail them to crooks. They are used to steal passwords and credit card numbers. They are distributed via spam.
A number of programs are effective against adware and spyware.
McAfee AntiSpyware (www.mcafee.com/us; $20) and Webroot Spy Sweeper (www.webroot.com; $30) are two well-reviewed products. Ad-Aware SE Personal (www.lavasoftusa.com), Spybot-Search & Destroy (www.safer-networking.org) and Microsoft AntiSpyware (www.microsoft.com) are free.
Anti-spyware software must be updated like anti-virus programs. After installing the program, update its definitions.
5. Extra protection. Consider a stronger firewall. Windows Firewall does not have the features offered by OutpostFree (www.agnitum.com) and ZoneAlarm (www.zonelabs.com). Both are free.
You also might want to consider a security suite. McAfee, Panda Software (www.pandasoftware.com), Symantec (www.symantec.com) and Zone Labs offer anti- virus, anti-spyware and firewall capabilities in one package. Prices are $40 to $80.
