security.firewallmonitor.org

IF you have a broadband connection, do yourself a favour and make sure you occasionally run the free in-built Windows patcher software.

Better still switch it into automatic mode if you don't trust yourself to run it regularly. Not patching windows boxes is one of the biggest causes of 'Zombie' machines and puts you at unnecessary risk especially if you are not running a Firewall ( see next section ).

Whatever else, install Service Pack2 (SP2) - it has lots of security fixes that you will be glad to have!

• Don't use passwords that are based on personal information e.g. familyname, birthdates.
• Try and use lowercase and capitals.
• Never write your password down and keep it in your wallet, if you need to write it down, make sure its kept in a safe place - NOT under you desk or in a draw next to the computer.

Running a firewall like ZoneAlarm is a MUST if you are using a USB type Broadband modem, or older anolgue modem to connect to the Internet. If you are using a Broadband Router like a Linksys or BT Voyager then these devices will have built-in firewalls protecting you.

IF you DO NOT USE a firewall your machine is open to attack from machines on the internet. If you are using a Windows machine then ANY file that is shared on your machine is readily and easily accessable from the outside world. Thats right, all those files in your 'My Documents and Settings' are editable and deletable by ANYBODY.

If you are running Windows XP make sure the built in Firewall is switched ON.

Also, remember to change your login password for your Broadband Router!

One of the biggest mistake made by people is forget to enable their wireless security. Tick or select the WPA or WEP encryption buttons on your firewall setup page. ( usually access through a web browser )

Not doing this, effectively makes you connection Free for anyone who is close enough to use it.

You might have heard of WarDrivers. They are using YOUR connection if you do not set a WEP or WPA password! Its easy to do so DO IT.

You get a virus from:

• Opening a email that is infected.
• Running a software package that you have downloaded.

A virus checker will protect you (or at least let you know that the email or software is infected).

As a golden rule of thumb BE CAREFUL running software that is downloaded from the internet. Assume all exe files from the internet are infected - never run a program that you don't know unless its from a trustworthy site!

If you must run the software program, run a Virus checker.

AVG is a good, free Virus Checker.

This is software package that runs either on request by you the user or silently in the background, protecting you from malicious software secretly installing itself (spyware) or running scripts or recording cookies from Websites that you might visit.

Remember though, not all cookies are bad, some sites require them to operate correctly so simply turning them off in your browser is not always an option.

In my personal opinon if you don't run a Virus Checker then at least run one of these AntiSpyware Detectors.

Microsoft Anti-Spyware

Adaware

Spybot