Essential Computer Security Steps

What steps can you take for your computer's protection? Layers of security are your best bet. 

Each step can be relatively simple and not too technical, but taken together they'll provide significant security and privacy.  To be properly protected in this high risk age you need to:

• Install a firewall
• Install anti-virus software-- and keep it up to date
• Keep your operating system up to date -- apply all patches and updates as soon as possible
• If you use Outlook Express 6, think carefully before slackening its tight default security settings
• Disable file sharing, if you don't need it
• Resist the knee-jerk urge to run attachments on emails -- this is how viruses, worms and Trojans are spread
• Check your network protocols-in particular, make sure that NetBEUI/NetBIOS is 'unbound' from your Internet network interface
• Educate your kids about the risks of the Internet. If you run Windows XP, consider setting up limited user accounts for every user except you
• Perform frequent backups. Make sure you can restore your precious data if disaster strikes
• Don't be fooled by Web pop-up windows, especially those pesky 'security test' ones. These warnings are bogus -- never click on them, just close the window
• Use P2P file sharing services, such as Kazaa or Morpheus, with extreme caution - they're a real security threat, and are often riddled with spyware