Computer Defense System - By: Teach Tech45

Computer security is very important today. Without a great computer defense system, if you go online, you leave yourself open to all kinds of attacks both minor and very serious. Today all business and commerce is conducted by way of the computer. Additionally, once a transaction is completed, it is sent over the Internet to another computer where the transaction is verified and completed. It is very important to be aware of the steps that you need to take before you connect to the Internet to secure your computer. Those who wish to compromise systems are becoming more cleaver in their approaches everyday. It also seems with technology changing everyday, it is harder and harder to keep up.
A good computer defense system first means making sure that on a fresh install of any operating system, Apple OS included, all software updates are downloaded and any security updates are applied. In windows, set your security update options to at least "notify" you of updates even if you don't want to download them automatically. It is also most prudent to make sure all critical updates are downloaded and applied as soon as they become available. Microsoft Windows makes this easy with the Windows Update feature. Similarly there is a feature called software update in the Finder under the "Apple Menu" called software update. It is essential that you do this regularly. If you do not have options set to notify you immediately of updates, check for them a minimum of two to three times a month.
Another Part of your computer Defense System is your anti-virus software. In recent years their has been a tendency for the best know names in the anti-virus business to bloat their product with more and more features that many users will not use or use very sparingly. This taxes computer resources and slows down your computer because it is trying to do more and more background processes. There are many retail packages out there, but they are not all created equal. Also, be aware that program definition files (that tell the program about what viruses may exist on your computer) often expires at the end of a year meaning you will have to renew your anti-virus definition subscription in order to continue to receive updates. An alternative is a free antiviral software solution that provides updates for free. One of the best is by a company called Grisoft. It is called AVG. While I cannot put a link here, if you type "AVG Free" into Google, the link to the download page will be on the tope of the list.
For your computer to be running properly, you also need to enable any firewalls on your system. For example, in the Control Panel of recent Windows OS versions (like XP or Vista), you will find a security section (Tab or Icon). Once there, make sure the Windows firewall is enabled. However limit the installation of firewall software because not only can this cause program conflicts and slow down your system, cryptic warnings about a possible intrusion will not benefit you and scare an inexperienced user. Instead install a router or get someone to do it for you. Even if you only have one computer because a router is a physical firewall blocking potentially harmful Internet traffic for you. Also much lower prices on computers now means having multiple computers is affordable. A router allows multiple computers to share a single Internet connection.
Another important consideration is not to install toolbars unless from a recognized and trusted source. A good computer defense system recognizes that many of these installations are actually malware in disguise that can do things in the background that may harm and compromise your system. Also, do not download email attachments. This is one of the major ways that a virus or other malicious or self-executing code actually gets on your system in the first place. You need to exercise do vigilance when on the Internet and click with care. Also make sure that things like Active X controls are not automatically set to run on a page. (Unless on a trusted site that requires it.) Additionally, think seriously about changing the browser you use to surf the Internet with. Type "Get Firefox" in Google. Firefox is a better browsing alternative than its man competitor and it is more secure because it is more of a basic browser that does not automatically execute advanced functions that can lead to viruses, malware, Trojan horses and other malicious code that can seriously harm your computer.
A good computer defense system requires more than what has just been detailed, but these steps are important and will go along way toward a more secure and safe computer system. For even more extensive information; look to the end of this article for links showing you where you can go next.

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