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Protect your computer

Some key tips to help protect your computer

Anti-virus software
Firewall security
Operating system security

Anti-virus software

Anti-virus software is designed to protect you from viruses, Trojans and spyware. Effective anti-virus software is an integral part of maximizing your security on the Internet. It is essential that anti-virus software is kept up to date and set to automatically download updates. Also, it’s prudent to regularly perform full scans of your computer to help you stay virus free.

Be cautious with downloading files from the Internet. It’s best to assume that all downloads and file attachments included in e-mail messages could be infected, so make sure your virus protection software is set to scan all downloads and attachment files, particularly if you don't know or trust the person who has sent you the attachment.

Independent reviews of Anti-Virus software are available at the following locations:

Important points to remember:

  • Update your anti-virus software regularly using either its built-in update tool or through the software vendor's website.
  • Perform regular full system scans.
  • Be cautious while downloading files and opening email attachments from unknown senders.
  • Scan all downloaded files and attachments before opening them

Firewall security

A firewall is software designed to shield your computer from unauthorised access and block unwanted Internet activity. If you are using your home computer to access the Internet, you should use a software firewall. If you use any other PC (for example, at work) check that your employer is maintaining a firewall.

We recommend that your firewall is set up to work on both incoming and outgoing Internet communications, so that you control not only what you allow into your PC, but also have control over what leaves it.

Like anti-virus software, a range of personal firewalls are available as free downloads.  For more information and advice on different firewall software, visit FirewallGuide.com (opens in a new window).

Important points to remember:

  • Make sure your computer has a firewall installed and running
  • Keep your firewall software up-to-date at all times
  • Set your firewall to monitor both incoming and outgoing internet traffic so you have complete control

Operating system security

It is quite common for security problems to be discovered in existing software, particularly your computer’s operating system (eg- Microsoft Windows). When this happens, the software company will usually issue an update known as a patch. You should regularly check for updates to the main software on your computer by visiting the supplier’s website or using the update features in the software where available. Since everything on your computer relies on your operating system working properly it is very important to keep it up to date.

If you have a Windows computer you should regularly visit Windows Update (opens in new window) to check for new patches from Microsoft. If you have Windows XP or Windows Vista, you can also use the built-in update tool to keep Windows up-to-date.

If you have an Apple computer running OS X, you should run the ‘Software Update’ tool regularly.

It is essential to ensure your browser software is kept up to date. You can use the following free tool for checking if you have all the latest updates and patches applied for software on your computer:
Secunia Personal Software Inspector: http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/personal/.

Important points to remember:

  • Security holes and bugs in software are discovered quite regularly, so it is good practice to check for patches
  • If you have a Windows computer, check Microsoft's Windows Update (opens in new window) website regularly or use the automatic update tool
  • If you have an Apple computer running OS X, run the ‘Software Update’ tool regularly

     


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