Security Enhancement Tips.

10 Fast and Free Security Enhancements

We all knew that computer safety is how much important for us, we always worried about our computer safety and security.

Before you spend a dime on security, there are many precautions you can take that will protect you against the most common threats.

Check Updates Regularly

Updates are very important for computers, Check Windows Update and Office Update regularly http://office.microsoft.com/productupdates and during the updates please have your Office CD ready. 

Windows Me, 2000, and XP users can configure automatic updates. Click on the Automatic Updates tab in the System control panel and choose the appropriate options.

Install personal Firewall

Firewall is a software or hardware which filtered the network and put the rules and regulation for inbound and outbound network traffic also play a important part in computer security.

you can install a personal firewall (software) from  SyGate (www.sygate.com) and ZoneAlarm (www.zonelabs.com) offer free versions they both offer a free version of firewall for personal user.

Use Spyware Blocker

Spyware programs are designed to track and remove the latest spyware and adware which is really needed in nowadays because lots of hackers use spyware and adware in their attack.

you can Install a free spyware blocker like SpyBot Search & Destroy (http://security.kolla.de). SpyBot is also paranoid and ruthless in hunting out tracking cookies.

Block Pop-up and spam messages

Pop-up and spam messages are unwanted message which comes up when we open some website blocking this is a good idea to make your computer safe, to Block pop-up spam messages in Windows NT, 2000, or XP by disabling the Windows Messenger service (this is unrelated to the instant messaging program). Open Control Panel | Administrative Tools | Services and you'll see Messenger. Right-click and go to Properties. Set Start-up Type to Disabled and press the Stop button. Bye-bye, spam pop-ups! Any good firewall will also stop them.

User Strong password

Its always said that we have to use strong passwords and change them periodically. Passwords should have at least seven to eight characters; use letters and numbers and have at least one symbol. A decent example would be f8izKro@l. This will make it much harder for anyone to gain access to your accounts.

Outlook security

If you're using Outlook or Outlook Express, use the current version or one with the Outlook Security Update installed. The update and current versions patch numerous vulnerabilities.

User Anti Virus program

Buy antivirus software and keep it up to date. If you're not willing to pay, try Grisoft AVG Free Edition (Grisoft Inc., www.grisoft.com). And double check your Anti Virus with the free.

If you just need a online-only scanners available at www.pandasoftware.com/activescan and http://housecall.trendmicro.com.

Wireless Security

If you have a wireless network, turn on the security features, Use MAC filtering, turn off SSID broadcast, and even use WEP with the biggest key you can get.

E-mail Security

Join a respectable e-mail security list, such as the one found at our own Security Supersite at http://security.ziffdavis.com, so that you learn about emerging threats quickly and can take proper precautions.

Be skeptical of things on the Internet. 

Don't assume that e-mail "From:" a particular person is actually from that person until you have further reason to believe it's that person. Don't assume that an attachment is what it says it is. Don't give out your password to anyone, even if that person claims to be from "support."