The Basics of Home Computer Security

We often hear talking about home computer security but do you really need it or is it just an investment you can avoid? There is no doubt: the answer is "yes" and especially if your home computer has access to the Internet.

No matter if your connection is through broadband, ADSL or a traditional dial up you need to set up a good Internet safety system. Even if your computer is not connected with the outside world a minimum of security software is necessary because if you load a CD or a DVD into your computer an infected file on the disk can damage your system. In this case anti-virus software is enough to protect you against these problems.

Setting up a home computer security system for a computer which has access to the Internet requires more actions. Before you start with installing software it is necessary that you are aware how the Internet works, how files can be infected and how to deal with the problems which come up.

What are the basics for your home computer security system?

1) INSTALL ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE

This kind of software checks to see if the files on your computer are infected. If you open a website or download a file your anti-virus program will automatically scan the file. Also in emails the files are checked and many of them are blocked or the program asks if you want to mark the file as safe or not. If you receive an email from an unknown sender it's better to be careful and delete the email. Personally I have the best experience with the anti-virus program "Avast" which you can download for free.

2) INSTALL ANTI-SPYWARE SOFTWARE

This kind of software protects you against spyware; spyware is unwanted software which can penetrate in your computer when you download files, software or by visiting some sites. Spyware makes your computer slower and has a purpose to collect information about the user and to spread to advertisers or other people. I can recommend you Windows Defender and Spybot to protect you against spyware.

3) INSTALL A FIREWALL

When you make use of the operating system Windows Vista or Windows XP with service pack 2 there is automatically a firewall integrated in this operating system. If you prefer to use another kind of firewall there are a lot of choices and many of them you can download for free. Zone Alarm is a popular firewall which you can also download for free but there is also a paid pro-version. Some people will tell you this version offers you more possibilities but I am not a fan of this version because it often gives problems when combined with other anti-virus programs.

4) PATCH YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM

Hackers always try to find some flaws in your system; it is necessary these patches are updated regularly. You can compare it with some holes which hackers and some viruses try to use to come in your system. You can compare it to leaving the door open on your house and a thief can enter your home easily and steal all they want. If you use of the operating system Windows the automatic update of Windows will patch your computer very quickly.

5) BE CAREFUL WITH ATTACHMENTS IN AN EMAIL

If you don't know the senders don't open the attachment and delete the email because many of them contain viruses. Normally your anti-virus scan program will block the infected files but every day new viruses are created and the possibility exists your software doesn't recognize that virus. Worms and Trojan horses often come in your system this way. If these are settled on the hard disk of your computer you can't fix it anymore with an anti-virus scan.

6) MAKE REGULAR BACK-UPS OR COPIES OF YOUR FILES

If one of your files is damaged you can restore them from your back-up files. Normally you have to do it every time you create or modify a new file but I suggest you to do it once each day you use your computer.

7) USE OF PASSWORDS

Passwords are very important: protect your files with passwords and make a combination of letters and numbers. Use passwords which you can remember or make passwords where you can save on a place where nobody can find them. Don't store them in a document you save on your hard disk. When you register on some Internet sites don't use always the same password.

8) DOWNLOADS

Be careful when you download and install programs from the Internet. Be sure that the software is safe! If you see a certifier's label there is a higher chance the software is safe.

If you pay attention on all these tips you will have a safe home computer system but that doesn't mean that you are totally protected.

Home security is a necessity; and I can't warn you enough it is necessary. If you invest in these security tools you'll feel much safer. Hackers these days are the greatest criminals of the new technology.