Some basics on personal computer security

My sister pinged me on facebook today to ask the following question:

Hiya bro…I need your help. I need to know what anti-virus program to put on my laptop (window 7)…i’m like really uneducated about this whole thing. Tell me what to get and how to install it properly.

I decided I’d do better to answer her here than to try to write it up in facebook.

First, recognize that I no longer run Windows, so my expertise in Windows security is, well, weak. But as I Google the topic, the recommendations don’t appear to have changed a lot since last I managed Windows machines. Here are the ideas you need to consider.

Basic Needs

According to most sources, you need to cover at least 2 security needs on your personal computer before connecting to the internet:

• Anti-virus protection
• Firewall

There are other considerations, too, such as backing up your files regularly, having a rescue disc for the computer in case of all-out failure, etc. But the 2 must-have-don’t-even-think-about-not-having-them are these 2 items: virus and firewall protections.

In addition to installing the anti-virus software, you must keep the virus definitions updated. Most programs will do this automatically as long as your subscription is current.

Simplest Solution

The simplest solution to getting all you need (and probably more) is to install a full Internet Security Suite. Probably the 2 biggest names are Norton and McAfee. Other reputable names include ZoneLabs, Grisoft AVG, Computer Associates (CA), and Trend Micro.

Your first step should be to check with your ISP (Cable or DSL provider, for example) to see if they offer a discounted or free security suite. In my area, Comcast offers free Norton Security Suite for home subscribers. Totally free. Dad uses Computer Associates (CA) that was offered from his Time-Warner Roadrunner cable internet provider in North Carolina. (That may have changed; he’s been away from there for a while.)

If you have a new computer, your second step should be to see what security suite may have been included (trial version) with your computer. Most come with a few months of coverage from either Norton or McAfee. If you bought a service plan with your new computer, that plan may include (or have an upgrade option for) a security suite with some sort of service or virus repair guarantee.

Economical Solutions

You can also get most of the coverage for these 2 basic needs from free software packages. I still think that for most home users who don’t want to think about this too much, getting a full commercial suite, even if you have to pay for it, is better. But here are some valid free options.

• For Anti-Virus, try Grisoft’s AVG from http://free.avg.com.
• For Firewall, try ZoneLab’s ZoneAlarm from http://www.zonelabs.com.

Both of these companies offer both paid and free options, so if you only want the free, be sure you select the right downloads.

Home Wireless Network Security

If you run a wireless network, you need to secure that network. This means enabling whatever security features are included on your wireless router. Check your documentation. You’ll generally end up with a “key” (a string of numbers and letters) that you’ll have to enter on your wireless devices to access the network.

I can’t tell you how to do this. First, each router is slightly different. Second, and worse, I can’t ever find where to enter that friggin’ code on Windows XP, and I have no idea on Windows 7, never having used it. But if you want to know where to enter it on openSUSE Linux desktop, it’s very simple and straightforward, and I can tell you where.

But no, really, secure the wireless network.

References

Here are some references for more information about these security recommendations.

• http://www.cert.org/homeusers/HomeComputerSecurity/
• http://www.comptechdoc.org/docs/ctdp/homesec/
• http://www.sysmod.com/free-home-computer-security.htm
• http://www.sunshadowz.com/