5 things you need before connecting to the internet
With a clean desktop waiting to be given your personal touch of customized wallpapers and a bunch of icons indicating files and program shortcuts, a newly purchased computer can be exciting. You realize how much faster everything runs in your fresh new computer compared to your corporate-issue office desktop. It’s time to function with it now. Do you really know what you are doing?
If you are the type of person who sees the personal computer as the 21st century typewriter, there is really not much to worry about. However, if you are the type who tries to make full use of this multi-functional machine, you might find yourself instantly attacked by pop-up ads, viruses, HTTP requests for /system32/cmd.exe or pesky neighbors who try to free-ride on your wireless home network. So before plunging into the risky business of the World Wide Web, here are the 5 essentials before considering yourself secure.
* Personal Firewalls
A personal firewall is generally a software application that protects a computer from unauthorized external access. At the very least, you must enable the built-in firewall provided by your operating system. Some people choose to install extra firewalls such as the Tiny Personal Firewall and some feel the need to purchase advanced firewalls such as the Zone Alarm Pro. The type of firewall you need, ranging from basic to advanced, really depends on your internet activities.
* Network Firewalls
Similar to personal firewalls, network firewalls protects a computer from unauthorized access in an internal computer network. The come in different forms such as hardware devices, software applications, or combinations of both. Choose according to your need but most are able to depend on free solutions such as SmoothWall.
* Anti-Virus.
An anti-virus program runs discreetly in your system. It detects viruses and takes corrective action. Although one can be careful with opening files from unknown sources and entering only reliable websites, not all viruses can be avoided that way. Viruses now are more devious which is why anti-virus programs are important. Some of these programs are freely distributed but the more dependable ones are purchased especially if you want regular updates of virus definitions. Some reliable anti-virus programs include BitDefender, Norton, and AVG.
* Anti-Spyware
Anti-Spyware protects your computer from software that secretly monitors your computer usage, collects personal information, and possibly interferes with your controls. Since spyware are covertly installed on your computer, anti-spyware are essential. Some of common programs include Ad-Aware and SpyBot Search and Destroy.
* Anti-Spam
Anti-Spam is used to keep commercial advertising that floods the internet with many copies of the same message from entering a system. Most SPAMs are not really dangerous but are equally irritating. Examples of Anti-Spam, either software or hardware, include SpamNet or SPAMSoap.
You are ready to surf once you have all these. However, these five essential tools cannot completely protect your computer. It pays to be careful and beware of the nasty things that exist on the web