
|
|
Three Security Essentials for Your Home PC(s)While there are many things that can be done to improve the security of home computers and networks, most security experts agree that regardless of the operating system you use (Macintosh, Windows or Linux), the following three techniques are fundamental:
Before You Proceed: Make sure you have Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) installed. Running SP2 is one of the most important security measures you can take. Furthermore, these instructions may not work unless you are running SP2. Also, please note that these instructions are aimed specifically at students, faculty and staff members at the University of Michigan, who are all covered by the University’s anti-virus software license. Requirement 1: Keep Software Up-To-DateEnable Automatic UpdatesThe best way to keep your system up-to-date is to let Windows do it automatically through Automatic Updates. To enable this:
Use Microsoft Update instead of Windows UpdateAn important complementary aspect of enabling automatic updates is to configure it to use MicrosoftUpdate instead of Windows Update. This allows automatic updates to download critical updates for applications that run on Windows, such as Microsoft Office. Windows Update only updates the operating system while Microsoft Update updates both the operating system and Microsoft applications. Microsoft Update does not, however, update non-Microsoft applications. To enable Microsoft Update:
Requirement 2: Use a Host-Based FirewallA host-based firewall is a firewall that is running on the computer itself. This is in contrast to an external firewall that may exist on your network between your machine and the Internet.
Example of Your Firewall WorkingAfter enabling the firewall, if you run a program such as instant messaging or a multi-player network game that needs to accept information from the Internet, the firewall may ask if you want to block or unblock (allow) the connection. For example, here is a pop-up that results from launching AOL Instant Messenger:
Requirement 3: Install Anti-Virus SoftwareFor anti-virus information at the University of Michigan, visit http://virusbusters.itcs.umich.edu. The University of Michigan maintains a license for members of the University community to use anti-virus software for non-commercial use on their personal and work computers. As of late 2006, Windows users at U-M can install McAfee’s VirusScan product. U-M’s installation package keeps the anti-virus software updated automatically and also includes an anti-spyware component. Remember to MonitorNow that you’ve put the automatic update, firewall and anti-virus software into place, remember to periodically monitor their status. When you log in and use your computer as an administrator you can inadvertently disable the essential security software described here. Periodically check the status of these protection mechanisms by using the Security Center control panel applet. To check your protection status:
|
|
Last modified
January 21, 2008
|