08-31-2010, 07:26 PM
Welcome!
Hey everyone,
I'm just writing this guide for very basic computer protection for the really basic user. I wrote it in plain English and provided links so nobody should have any issues.
Why is it "very basic" as opposed to "basic"?
Good question. This guide will only give one or two options for each type of protection. By this I mean, instead of posting all known free antivirus programs, I will only post one or two that I have used and approve of. This will hopefully make it easier for the general computer user to get protected quicker instead of having to mill through a bunch of links and still not sure which program is a good choice for them.
Step 1 - Common Sense
Yes, this is step one, because it is really the most important. For an unrelated example in terms of computer use, if you are a crazy or reckless driver, and you're on a very heavily congested highway, then you are more likely to cause an accident or some other sort of issue. The same applies to computer security as you are essentially "behind the wheel", or keyboard in this case, of your vehicle/computer. You are in complete control of your computer and it is your choice alone as to how safe you will ultimately be. If you are visiting random websites and just downloading pornography or downloading random files that at first glance seem cool, you will just increase the likelihood of being infected or compromised. So learn good safe computer habits early on, and then you can sleep well at night knowing you, your information, and your computer will be safe whenever you use it.
Step 2 - Updates
Step two is updates. By this I mean, make sure that not only your operating system is up to date, but also make sure your programs like your web browsers are as up to date as possible. Updates generally fixed known bugs and security issues found in the older version of the software, and only serve to help you out. If you're running Windows as your operating system, you can head to your Control Panel and make sure Automatic Updates are turned on. In Windows XP, Automatic Updates options are located in the Security Center of your Control Panel. You can also check for updates by running Internet Explorer and clicking on "Tools" or "Safety" and clicking "Windows Update". However, it is recommended you simply turn on Automatic Updates since your computer won't forget to check for updates, you may though.
Step 3 - Web Browsers
Now you may be saying, I already have Internet Explorer, what does it matter what web browser I use?
Well, it honestly makes a big deal. You see, it is simple statistics really. The majority of people in the world have Windows as their primary operating systems. Windows comes more often than not, with Internet Explorer. Hackers/crackers/malicious programmers love this because knowing that Internet Explorer is installed and used by many in the world, it gives them a larger pool to attempt to infect or whatever their intent maybe.
Therefore, to separate yourself from the majority, you can switch to a new web browser. I personally recommend Mozilla Firefox. It is easy to use, highly customizable, and comes with a slew of plugins that can further help you protect yourself. See here for Privacy and Security plugins.
Step 4 - Virus Protection/Antivirus
Now, I shouldn't really have to explain why this is important. It's in the name! This helps protects your computer from malicious programs such as Viruses, worms, trojans, etc.
Anyways, i've worked with many Antivirus programs over the years and I personally like and use Avira Antivirus. It's simple to use and it has great detection rates and doesn't affect your computers performance.
Always make sure that you never have more than one antivirus program installed on your computer at once as this can create conflicting issues and aren't fun to try and fix.
Step 5 - Firewall
Firewalls are very important for your computer safety and security. Basically, a firewall makes sure nothing gains unauthorized access to computer. For example, someone trying to hack into your computer from somewhere else is going to have a much tougher time if you have a good, solid firewall.
I personally recommend Online Armor. It's quick and easy to use and runs in the background. It also doesn't impact computer speed or performance.
Step 6 - Anti-Spyware
Ah, good ole' Anti-Spyware. This is also usually included in many antivirus programs, but is very important to also have a program dedicated simply to getting rid of and scanning for spyware. Spyware is a type of program that usually sends information back to whoever got the program onto your computer in the first place. For example, your internet history or things like that.
For this section I will provide two programs. Anti-Spyware is nice in that they very rarely conflict with each other so you can have as many programs as you want. But two will suffice.
The first program is a prevention one called SpywareBlaster. This program prevents things like harmful cookies from being download and instead, blocks them so you don't have to worry. The updates are usually for it's database which will put in more known harmful cookies and other things to block.
The second program is used for scanning, and it's called MalwareBytes. This program is talked about a lot here, simply because it's the best in my opinion. It's thorough and fast. Used in combination with SpywareBlaster, you probably won't run into any problems.
Step 7 - CCleaner
It's not a necessity program, but CCleaner is definitely a good program to have. It cleans out your computer and also your registry. It gets rid of your browsing history too. Overall, it helps speed up your computer, and who doesn't want that?
Closing
First off, I would like to thank you for reading all of this!
Just know that the above are programs I have used and I find to work quite well together. You can use whatever program you want, it's all up to you, but I have had great success with the programs above.
Also, I really hope you have learned something out of this. With everything in the world being moved into the world of computers, it is vital for you to have as much protection as possible. Hackers will evolved, and so will safety from the hackers which is why common sense will always be your first step in computer safety.
I would just like to completely close by saying to make sure you update all of the individual programs as often as possible to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Legal Stuff
I am not responsible for any damage to you or anyone elses computer. This tutorial does not serve as a substitute to professional training. The above programs or applications are not mine, or have any connection to me.
If you are going to copy this, please cite me.
Hey everyone,
I'm just writing this guide for very basic computer protection for the really basic user. I wrote it in plain English and provided links so nobody should have any issues.
Why is it "very basic" as opposed to "basic"?
Good question. This guide will only give one or two options for each type of protection. By this I mean, instead of posting all known free antivirus programs, I will only post one or two that I have used and approve of. This will hopefully make it easier for the general computer user to get protected quicker instead of having to mill through a bunch of links and still not sure which program is a good choice for them.
Step 1 - Common Sense
Yes, this is step one, because it is really the most important. For an unrelated example in terms of computer use, if you are a crazy or reckless driver, and you're on a very heavily congested highway, then you are more likely to cause an accident or some other sort of issue. The same applies to computer security as you are essentially "behind the wheel", or keyboard in this case, of your vehicle/computer. You are in complete control of your computer and it is your choice alone as to how safe you will ultimately be. If you are visiting random websites and just downloading pornography or downloading random files that at first glance seem cool, you will just increase the likelihood of being infected or compromised. So learn good safe computer habits early on, and then you can sleep well at night knowing you, your information, and your computer will be safe whenever you use it.
Step 2 - Updates
Step two is updates. By this I mean, make sure that not only your operating system is up to date, but also make sure your programs like your web browsers are as up to date as possible. Updates generally fixed known bugs and security issues found in the older version of the software, and only serve to help you out. If you're running Windows as your operating system, you can head to your Control Panel and make sure Automatic Updates are turned on. In Windows XP, Automatic Updates options are located in the Security Center of your Control Panel. You can also check for updates by running Internet Explorer and clicking on "Tools" or "Safety" and clicking "Windows Update". However, it is recommended you simply turn on Automatic Updates since your computer won't forget to check for updates, you may though.
Step 3 - Web Browsers
Now you may be saying, I already have Internet Explorer, what does it matter what web browser I use?
Well, it honestly makes a big deal. You see, it is simple statistics really. The majority of people in the world have Windows as their primary operating systems. Windows comes more often than not, with Internet Explorer. Hackers/crackers/malicious programmers love this because knowing that Internet Explorer is installed and used by many in the world, it gives them a larger pool to attempt to infect or whatever their intent maybe.
Therefore, to separate yourself from the majority, you can switch to a new web browser. I personally recommend Mozilla Firefox. It is easy to use, highly customizable, and comes with a slew of plugins that can further help you protect yourself. See here for Privacy and Security plugins.
Step 4 - Virus Protection/Antivirus
Now, I shouldn't really have to explain why this is important. It's in the name! This helps protects your computer from malicious programs such as Viruses, worms, trojans, etc.
Anyways, i've worked with many Antivirus programs over the years and I personally like and use Avira Antivirus. It's simple to use and it has great detection rates and doesn't affect your computers performance.
Always make sure that you never have more than one antivirus program installed on your computer at once as this can create conflicting issues and aren't fun to try and fix.
Step 5 - Firewall
Firewalls are very important for your computer safety and security. Basically, a firewall makes sure nothing gains unauthorized access to computer. For example, someone trying to hack into your computer from somewhere else is going to have a much tougher time if you have a good, solid firewall.
I personally recommend Online Armor. It's quick and easy to use and runs in the background. It also doesn't impact computer speed or performance.
Step 6 - Anti-Spyware
Ah, good ole' Anti-Spyware. This is also usually included in many antivirus programs, but is very important to also have a program dedicated simply to getting rid of and scanning for spyware. Spyware is a type of program that usually sends information back to whoever got the program onto your computer in the first place. For example, your internet history or things like that.
For this section I will provide two programs. Anti-Spyware is nice in that they very rarely conflict with each other so you can have as many programs as you want. But two will suffice.
The first program is a prevention one called SpywareBlaster. This program prevents things like harmful cookies from being download and instead, blocks them so you don't have to worry. The updates are usually for it's database which will put in more known harmful cookies and other things to block.
The second program is used for scanning, and it's called MalwareBytes. This program is talked about a lot here, simply because it's the best in my opinion. It's thorough and fast. Used in combination with SpywareBlaster, you probably won't run into any problems.
Step 7 - CCleaner
It's not a necessity program, but CCleaner is definitely a good program to have. It cleans out your computer and also your registry. It gets rid of your browsing history too. Overall, it helps speed up your computer, and who doesn't want that?
Closing
First off, I would like to thank you for reading all of this!
Just know that the above are programs I have used and I find to work quite well together. You can use whatever program you want, it's all up to you, but I have had great success with the programs above.
Also, I really hope you have learned something out of this. With everything in the world being moved into the world of computers, it is vital for you to have as much protection as possible. Hackers will evolved, and so will safety from the hackers which is why common sense will always be your first step in computer safety.
I would just like to completely close by saying to make sure you update all of the individual programs as often as possible to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Legal Stuff
I am not responsible for any damage to you or anyone elses computer. This tutorial does not serve as a substitute to professional training. The above programs or applications are not mine, or have any connection to me.
If you are going to copy this, please cite me.
