Going online with a new computer

If you hit the Internet, your new computer could be compromised in minutes. The big problem is drive-by attacks. They take advantage of unrepaired holes in Windows.

These days, nearly any site could contain attack software. Most sites have flaws, which are openings for criminals. They post their malicious programs there. If you go to the site, it will try to download to you. A patched copy of Windows would be OK. Unpatched copies are at great risk.

Stay away from e-mail, too. Heaven knows what's in the spam attachments. You probably know better than to open attachments. But we all make mistakes. Better to avoid temptation.

So, what should you do with your new computer? First, activate the Windows Firewall. Click Start>>Control Panel. Double-click Windows Firewall. In the left panel, click "Turn Windows Firewall on or off." Select On, if necessary, and OK.

Open Internet Explorer. Click Tools>>Windows Update. Install all the updates that Microsoft recommends. These will protect you from drive-by attacks.

Next, you need security software. Don't buy it. You have everything you need here: Security Center. You need one antivirus and multiple anti-spyware programs. Antivirus programs can conflict; anti-spyware software does not.

You also need a firewall. Unfortunately, the Windows 7 firewall is inadequate. It hides your computer on the Internet. But it is difficult to set up to block outbound transmissions. So you either have to block everything, or nothing. Neither is acceptable.

You can overcome this with a free program, Windows 7 Firewall Control. If the firewall is set to block all outbound transmission, it tells you what is being blocked. You can then put exceptions in the Windows firewall.

Personally, I wouldn't bother. I'd just use a free third-party firewall. There are  links to ZoneAlarm and PC Tools firewalls on Kim's site. Both support Windows 7. Outpost is also there. But it does not show support for Windows 7.

While you're at my Security Center, download the Firefox browser. It also is free. I consider it safer than Internet Explorer, part of Windows 7. Don't try to remove Internet Explorer from your computer. You can't. Besides, you need it for some things, like updating Windows.

Don't forget other updates. All security programs must be updated regularly. Most will do that automatically. I schedule mine to update in the middle of the night.

Windows Update should also be set up for automatic operation. Click Start>>Control Panel. Double-click Windows Update. In the left panel, click "Change settings." On the next page, find the box next to the green shield. Click the down arrow. Select "Install updates automatically (recommended)." Pick a time to install them. Click OK.

Many other programs need to be updated, too. However, they don't always let you know. To stay on top of that, use the Secunia Personal Software Inspector. It will tell you what is out of date. And it will give you the addresses for updates.

You should also consider installing a HOSTS file. This blocks tracking cookies and other invasive objects. It's more complicated than other security programs. However, the instructions on the Web site are copious.

When you complete your setup, you'll be thoroughly protected. There are a lot of bad guys out there. And they want to separate you from your money. Or, they want to rope your machine into an army of attack computers. Either way, you should be fine. Just use common sense.

Tagged as: Antivirus, PC Security