PC Security guides

Local Area Networks or LANs have provided a lot of convenience for offices. Now, people do not have to run about the workplace just to send notes, or even reports to their colleagues and bosses. However, the office LAN can also be a means for one to lose privacy and it is thus important to know how to use it and protect your data.

The office LAN allows people to conveniently send and receive data to each other and even access particular computers without having to move around. But this also makes it convenient for confidential data to be accessed by prying eyes within and without the workplace.

Here are some tips on how to use your office LAN while still protecting your data:

1. Modify the default network name or SSID of your LAN. Hackers already know usual SSIDs of most leading LAN routers and thus they could easily gain access your own office network. Changing the network name is one easy step to make it more difficult for hackers to do their job.

2. Change your network administrator password frequently. Hackers also know the default authentication information for most LAN hardware and it is thus important not to let them take advantage of this.

3. Activate the highest security level for your office LAN. Hackers will have a more difficult time getting through your data when you set your LAN to the highest security level.

4. Keep your LAN hardware up-to-date. Normally, your office network hardware manufacturer would post upgrades and updates on their websites. You would want to take advantage of these things as they help boost your network security.

5. Think about using media-access control. By implementing this system, you can control which particular computers may access particular parts of the network. You would have control over who would be able to gain particular data saved in particular places.

6. If you are using a wireless router, try to place it as nearest to the center of your office as possible so that people outside the building or people in other floors may not be able to pick up your signal.

7. Disable your print and file sharing on the computer when you are not using it. It may be easier to just have it on all the time, but that makes you vulnerable to people who might want to see your shared files without your permission.

It is easy to be victimized by prying eyes with the very convenient office LAN. But you can keep yourself protected if you know how to use it properly.

Consistent computer security is the quest of all computer users everywhere in the world. And that’s because viruses moves fast and can propagate by the second. Software are constantly given patches but viruses are always restructured to work around it.

So the never-ending battle between viruses and computers continues. Your computer system has only one power against hackers and the damage that they can make. And that’s going to be a modern PC security software package.

The big question will be: “Where can I get the most modern computer security software?” You can buy them from the popular anti-virus software companies, for starters. And to guide which company to contact, read on the following:

1. Symantec Corporation. Symantec is the maker of the famed Norton Anti-Virus Software. Over time, their anti-virus software has evolved following the current systems and the new virus threats. You can buy and download the program, as well as other helpful ones, over the Internet. Check out their website and know what your options are.

2. McAfee Corporation. McAfee is considered to be Norton’s best competitor. They have an extensive line of anti-virus and security software just like their counterpart. If you have purchased their product before, you have the option of upgrading your software to the most current one to somehow save on the costs of buying new installation software.

3. GRISOFT S.R.O. Grisoft is a Czech corporation that released AVG, a relatively new software that can secure your computer systems. They have a free version available for home users. If you are out of budget, you now know where you can get modern PC security software at no cost to you.

4. Zone Labs. Who haven’t heard of the much-celebrated Zone Alarm System? Zone Alarm must be the first to come up with the programs that get rid of spy ware from a computer. Zone Labs offer a 15-day free trial version of their Zone Alarm program for users to experience optimum security prior to buying.

5. Trend Micro Enterprise. Trend Micro’s flagship security software is PC-cillin. And just like Zone Labs, you can try their modern PC security software, which includes Internet security and virus protection, for a specific period of time. They also have regular updates and patches to their software.

These are the companies you can go to for you to find a modern computer security package. Read all about their products and you will surely find one that gives premium protection that fits your budget.

If you are at your wit’s end because of viruses, spywares, and malwares always invading your computer system, there is one thing you can do to keep your sanity and computer intact. You can install one of Norton’s PC security software and give your computer the protection it needs.

They have security solutions that fit your network. Home computer users, small business, and enterprises can fully benefit from one of Norton’s specially tailored Internet security software.

1. Norton Anti-Virus 2007. Norton’s newest anti-virus software is called Norton Anti-Virus 2007. It has the ability to detect and remove both viruses and spy wares. Hazardous programs are effectively blocked before even before they had the chance to penetrate. E-mails are shielded as well. Viruses originating from e-mails will be screened accordingly and are prevented from spreading.

2. Norton Internet Security 2007. This software is helpful in preventing identity thefts. It also has the ability to detect as well as eliminate spy wares. Viruses and Internet worms are also removed. This software provides the most protection against possible hackers.

3. Norton Personal Firewall. The Norton Personal Firewall is a state-of-the-art program that regulates and monitors all incoming as well as outgoing Internet traffics. All intruders and identity thieves are blocked. The software also has the ability to make your computer undetected on the Internet, protecting it from possible hackers. It also automatically repairs the security loopholes of your computer by downloading the necessary patches.

4. Norton System Works 2006. For a complete computer protection coupled by performance checking and fixing, the Norton System Works is the best software yet. It guards the computer from crashes as well as installation and user errors while protecting it from the viruses, spy wares, and Internet hackers.

5. Symantec Antivirus for Handheld. If you use your PDA in surfing the Internet, you are going to need this software. It works just like the PC version. It also updates itself automatically when in synch with your computer.

6. Symantec Mobile Security. Just like your handheld, you needed protection for your mobile phones as well. This one will work with a computer that has Symbian as their platform. With this installed, you are sure that mobile phone viruses are warded off from your phone.

These are the Norton PC security programs that you can choose from. One of these would surely fit your specific security requirement. Just evaluate each of it so you’ll be properly guided on finding out the best one for you.

Instant messaging software allows people to chat with friends from anywhere, even across the globe. The instant messaging software is widely used because it provides real-time conversations, for as long as two people who wish to talk are online. The intended recipient can also read the messages immediately as it will flash on the screen, unlike emails that you need to open every now and then.

Yahoo, MSN, and AOL provide the most popular Internet messenger tools and software today. And because their programs are widely used, hackers had created worms to infiltrate it. To penetrate computers through instant messengers even proved to be more convenient than doing it through e-mails, because users always leave these instant messengers running about even if they are out.

But don’t stop using your Internet messenger just yet. There is still hope in securing your computer and your network amidst all the hackers lurking right outside. For one, be wary of the links you click. Always put your guard up. Ignore all kinds of messages, no matter how intriguing they may seem, if they don’t come from somebody you know.

Just one click on those links will take you to the download zone of applets that will propagate the worm. All the while you thought the installation screen you are clicking through allows you to view photos or sites it tells you about, but what it is doing is it puts viruses in your computer.

To further ensure that your PC is secure even as you exchange instant messages with friends, you can opt to install a tight security program. You can buy the one that works as an Internet firewall, spy checker, and anti-virus software all in one. Specifically look for the one that protects Internet messenger software from the major providers.

For emails, it usually comes built-in. But for Internet messengers, it has to be especially stated. Zone Labs had recently released IMSecure, a program that effectively encrypts your messages. It can also block questionable URLs coming from people not in your friends list.

Anti-software giants Norton and McAfee also integrated instant messenger scanning. Their program also protects the computer from receiving viruses from the file transfer option the messenger window has. Every URL’s sent are also screened.

Always remember that viruses and worms can be very persistent. They would look for any holes in your network and through your computer into your personal information. And then they would propagate and do the same to every person in your messenger list. Don’t compromise. Always secure your network.

With all the hackers roaming the Internet nowadays, installing firewall becomes a necessity. Firewalls installed in your computer make it protected from spy programs and possible identity theft. A computer connecting to the Internet without a firewall is like a soldier going to a battle without armor.

The first step in installing a firewall is to know what type you are going to need. There are several software companies providing one today. They are headed of course by many of the software giants such as Microsoft Corporation.

Good news to Windows XP users, Microsoft already integrated firewall to it. If you are using that operating system, all you need is to turn the feature on. Unfortunately though, for operating systems released before to Windows XP, there’s really no other choice but to buy the software.

The most popular software vendors are McAfee, Norton, and AVG. You can either get a CD or download the software from their website. Installation is mostly straightforward, but you might need to know a few things before you proceed in doing it.

1. Firewalls can block file and printer sharing. If you had setup your computers to share files with others in your house, installing a firewall on any one of them can suspend that feature. Before you become overeager in putting up the firewall, read through the installation windows flashing in front of you and select the option that allows you to continue with file and printer sharing.

2. Firewalls can temporarily take you off the Internet. This usually happens if you connect through a local area network or if you are using a router. Several routers have difficulty sharing Internet access to computers with newly installed firewall. While this should be solved by power cycling, some routers are simply not compatible with certain firewalls. Better call the firewall or the router company for assistance.

3. Firewalls can block you from entering a secure network. If you work from home and access your office network via a secure channel, you have to coordinate with your office IT department before installing a firewall. The firewall may cut you off entirely because it can put another layer of security to an already secured connection. Find out which firewall works best with your company security protocols.

Those are the three things that you should know before you proceed on installing a firewall. At times, installing a firewall would require extensive knowledge; because installing it is going to be critical both to your computer’s security and workability.

Since information technology is such a susceptible industry, with higher chances of acquiring information even if the owner is not aware of it, experts have come up with strategies that will tend to block intruders and other unscrupulous people.

In PC security and safety, technology experts highly recommend variations on access levels to avoid further problems inspired by fraudulent activities particularly in the Internet.

Access levels are those applications that are readily accessible in the Internet. This means that every user will have a definite and distinct level of approval and permission within the concerned application. Every application describes the kind of access levels obtainable to the “end users.”

Consequently, dynamic administrators will typically have the maximum degree of right to use as well as admission. However, this is still dependent on whether the concerned application is accessible to them or not.

In a business, getting access levels PC data will require the approval of the administrator. They are the ones who control the level of access provided by the company to such information pertinent to the business.

With that in mind, many businesses are not aware of the dangers that open access levels can do to their business. With this kind of access level, hackers and other unscrupulous people can easily gain access to your database, use your network connection, and send fraudulent emails without your knowledge.

And when your Internet Service Provider finds out that you are the one behind those unscrupulous activities, even if you were not directly liable, they will surely lock up your connection.

So the only solution is to enhance your PC security and safety by learning how to vary access levels PC data. Here’s how:

1. Change default settings

Some people are too damn lazy to change their access levels. To avoid further problems, it is best that you take time to alter the “default settings” of your access levels.

Keep in mind that default settings are usually created by the manufacturers. These data are easily hacked by geniuses nowadays. Hence, if you have not yet changed your default settings, chances are, you can be the next victim.

2. Always use an encryption algorithm

Most computer geeks are not aware of the benefits that encryption algorithm can bring. With encryption, your PC data are randomly and periodically encrypted to con hackers and scammers trying to get access to your PC data.

Indeed, learning how to vary access levels on your PC data will not only give you peace but can also safeguard your business as well as your future.

Computers share remarkable features with blocks. Like blocks, you can easily add up whenever you need something else besides the basic features if your PC.

If you want to give your computer a total boost on its speed and performance, you add up more memory, upgrade your video card, or connect a processor with greater speed.

With so many advancement in hand, having two or more computers at home becomes a normal scenario. That is because most tech-savvy people would rather have a different PC for their business aside from the one being used for personal purposes.

The problem is that the task of transferring one file to another and sharing hardware devices to cut back expenses can be very tedious. Hence, it is best that you learn how to setup a safe home network.

Why safe? Since you will be sharing most of your files to the other PC, PC security and safety becomes low. The chances of contracting a virus or other malicious software are increased.

Files and Internet sharing

If you are planning to share your Internet with the other computer at home, it is best that you use a router. In this way, you can share your Internet without the extra bill. You do not even have to buy another modem just to let the other PC working.

First, you must create your home network. With the use of a reliable cable, you can now connect two or more computers at home by accessing the “Network and Internet Connections” setup from the control panel. Just follow the instructions stated therein.

Once connected to a network, its now time you share the Internet connection. You can do this by using a router. This mean device can easily share your files or folders from one PC to another. Best of all, you can share Internet connection without any trouble.

Instructions on how to use your router are usually included on the manual of each device. Just keep in mind that in order for your network function properly, use “port 1” as the “default port area.”

Consequently, for safer Internet sharing and networking, your computers must have PC security services installed. The point here is that you can never blame the other computer for contracting spyware and Trojans and transmitting them to you.

If you want to build a safe home network, it is best that you pay attention to your PC security and safety program.

Viruses can be very deadly—for both humans and computers. Hence, it is important to keep your computer in top shape by using a very powerful anti-virus software.

Once infected, your pc will notably lose its power, your files corrupted, and even destroying your system as well as your hardware.

In 2003, statistical reports show that computer viruses can gravely affect the entire industry, thereby, causing more than $50 billion in destructions.

Considering the fact that the quantity of new viruses identified each month keep on growing, experts recommend that installing a powerful anti-virus software onto your system is not just a want but also a necessity. An updated anti-virus software will guarantee PC security and safety at all times.

To get you started, here are some simple steps on how to scan your system for viruses. These tips will help you thwart any possible threats to your computer.

1. Get a reliable anti-virus software

Before you can start scanning your system for viruses, it is important that you have installed the best, if not the greatest, anti-virus software you can afford in the market today. This may cost you a fortune but the protection that it can give you is a good investment.

2. Always scan your system as well as file folders and subfolders

Do not be too lazy to scan only the areas where you thought viruses might thrive. It is always best to have a full system scan. You can access this option from your anti-virus software’s menu.

3. Always scan for viruses any removable disks, such as floppy disks, that you will use before opening them. You can never be too sure about its safety.

4. Always maintain your anti-virus software’s “definition files” updated. Reports show that one company can even process as much as 1200 modern viruses every month. So to enable your anti-virus program detect the newest types of viruses, keep it up-to-date.

5. You can also opt for manual scanning by simply right clicking the filename. In this way, you can individually scan a particular filename for viruses.

Best of all, always create back ups for files that you cannot afford to drop. You will never know how deadly viruses can be and their first attacks will always be unexpected. Keep in mind that it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Certainly, PC security and safety will always be dependent on your anti-virus program. So to maintain a healthy PC, scan your computer for viruses as frequently as possible.

Unless you are outdated, you consider your computer as one of your most valuable asset at home. In fact, it might be one of the most expensive devices you ever have.

More and more people today are seeing the value of computer ownership. From business to personal use, computer use has been one of the primary factors why technology continued to advance and develop.

No wonder why most people panic whenever they experience computer crashes or breakdown. In fact, most people think that whenever their personal computers stop working or the operating system just stopped loading, it is the processing unit or the hard rive that has the problem.

So easily, most people would automatically resort to reformatting their pc without considering some important aspects first.

Experts say that reformatting your pc should be the last option you have to take, not the immediate solution. Reformatting your pc could be very risky, and the only thing that can justify your move is when you cannot use your pc anymore in spite of all the attempts.

Nevertheless, if you think you really need to revert to your personal computer’s default settings, then, do so. Just be sure that you know how to do the process correctly.

1. Back up first!

Before you do anything drastic such as reformatting your PC, it is best that you create back up of your files first. Once your computer has been reformatted, you have to start from scratch. This means that all of your system files and other personal files are removed and configurations are back to its default setting.

So to be sure that you can still use your important files, create a back up by placing them on a mobile disk or floppy disk.

2. Installation Software ready

Never start reformatting if you do not have yet a copy of your installation software, which includes the operating system as well all the other software that you need. Reformatting your pc will be totally useless once you do not have the installation software ready.

3. Create a boot disk

This can be accessed through your computer’s control panel. This will create a boot disk that will enable you to boot your pc using a removable disk.

4. Install operating system

Install your windows operating system. Follow the instructions as you progress with each step. Always reinstall your operating system to the hardware drive, which is by default drive C.

Reformatting is easy but the choice whether to do such thing is hard. Be sure that your reasons are justified before going to the extremes.

Ever been a victim of password theft? Have your account information been stolen and used by other people to make online transactions? Or have you lost some money due to unsecured passwords? If your answer is yes, read on and discover some simple ways to prevent password theft. For those of you who are lucky enough to be spared by these unscrupulous thieves, be vigilant and consider the following when thinking of a password:

1. Do not use your login name
Sure it is easier to remember when you use your name, birthday or similar information as your key but these are the worst kinds of security for your account. These data are the first things that the criminals will try to use to break your password.

2. Make it long
Each letter, number or character that you put in your password increases your defense against password filchers. If possible use 8 or more characters to guard your information. The maxim “the longer the better” truly applies in this case.

3. Mix and Match
Feel free to use the whole keyboard in making your password. Use letters, numbers, and symbols or if it is permitted, use space or the shift key to strengthen further your code.

4. Avoid series of letters or numbers
It may look like plain ingenuity to use 12345678 or 7777777 as your secret code but this technique has been cracked by password hackers. Remember the more diverse your code is the stronger protection it will give you.

5. Use different passwords for your multiple accounts
If any of your accounts has been broken, then similar accounts using the same password is at risk. It is imperative that you use different passwords for your accounts.

6. Change your password every 2 months or as you deem necessary
Changing your code regularly will help keep the thieves away. This is an easy yet an effective way to protect your important information.

7. Keep your password to yourself
This is the simplest and the most obvious way to keep your accounts away from harm. But sad to say, many of us have failed to do this. If possible do not write your password but if it cannot be avoided, protect your records and do not leave them lying around for everybody to see.

Our passwords are the first line of defense against computer hackers. It is also the weakest in providing computer security. Password cracking programs continue to improve as you read this. Do your part and protect yourself from these crooks. Be vigilant, check your password(s) now and see if they pass these simple tips.