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6 steps to protecting your Windows computer
06-21-2010, 04:54 PM (This post was last modified: 06-22-2010 01:14 AM by Aakash.)
Post: #1
6 steps to protecting your Windows computer
Windows operating system is not the safest OS around. With the advent of Windows 7, things have changed a little bit. However, it is still far from being termed as the safest. Also, not everyone is using Windows 7.
Most of us are aware that there are continuous security issues with Microsoft’s Windows operating system and other programs. However, what most people do not realize is how easy it is to significantly improve your computer’s security and reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim to ever increasingly sophisticated internet threats.

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1) Windows Update – the first crucial step you need to take to make sure that all your Microsoft applications have all the latest product updates installed. These updates or “patches” address security vulnerabilities and other issues. Microsoft usually issues these updates on a monthly cycle. Visit the Microsoft website or switch on automatic updates from the Windows Control panel. Even if your “new” computer is second hand this is still a critical first step. If you buy a used computer with Windows XP make sure Service Pack 2 or SP2 is installed. Make sure you have not turned automatic updates.

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2) Secure your Browser - IE still holds the largest market share in the browser market. It may not be the safest browser around. If you are running older versions of internet explorer, make sure you upgrade to the latest, IE 8. Every browser has its vulnerabilities and security holes that developers try to patch with updates from time to time. I personally use Opera browser along with Firefox. There are specific settings, plugins, extensions you can employ in your browser to make it more secure. Viruses and other malware often attack IE and change the default home page. Keep an eye on such things. If your home page is changing and strange pop ups have started appearing out of no reason, it is most likely that your pc is infected and your browser is no longer secure.

3) Strong Passwords - people often overlook this but having well thought through passwords is an important for your computer security. A strong password should include at least 8 characters with a mixture of text, symbols and numbers. At a minimum you need to make sure the services most at risk have a strong log-in password. These services include your bank, credit card, other financial services like PayPal, your email address and any other services like Ebay which hackers can use to generate profit. Do not use the same password for your important logins.

4) Anti Virus Protection – We are all aware of computer viruses and the havoc they can wreck on our data. These days, almost all the major pc manufactueres have been bundling full or OEM suites of antivirus software. For example the Dell I purchased was shipped with a 90-day trial of McAfee's Internet Security Suite. The best bet here is to purchase a security package which includes firewall and anti virus software as a minimum. Microsoft has also entered the market with their "OneCare" offering which is very aggressively priced. Microsoft Security Essentials is available for free download.

Microsoft Security Essentials provides real-time protection for your home PC that guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.

If you're looking to purchase a robust and great quality antivirus, I'll suggest Kaspersky antivirus. Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010 monitors all virus entry points leaving you with a virus-free PC Purchase Kaspersky Antivirus 2010 here.

5) Software Firewall - if you are using a broadband connection then a firewall is definite requirement to manage the traffic flowing between your computer and the internet. A firewall monitors the inbound internet traffic passing through the ports of your computer. Better products also monitor outbound traffic from your computer to the internet. As per above the best bet here is buy a firewall application as part of a security package which most vendors offer as standard. If a hardware firewall is included as part of your router package then you do not need anything else. A company called Zone Labs offer a great free firewall product called Zone Alarm which should be used as a minimum. Windows XP & Seven does ship with a free firewall but the product does not monitor outbound communication and therefore does not offer adequate protection.

Also see ZoneAlarm Pro Firewall 2010 Review & how it can protect your pc.

6) Anti Spyware Tool - this software is the last piece in your basic internet security set up. Antispyware helps combat spyware and adware. There is a good mixture of free and paid versions on offer. Good free software include Microsoft's Windows Defender, Spybot Search & Destroy, MalwareBytes Antimalware etc. Free tools though are effective, they are certainly not effective as their paid counterparts.
Be careful if you decide to purchase a solution. There are a number of rogue vendors out there which aggressively push products which offer you little value. Stick to trusted names like Webroot's Spy Sweeper or PC Tool's Spyware Doctor. These products always come out well on independent tests. Spyware Doctor is a top-rated malware & spyware removal utility that detects, removes and protects your PC from thousands of potential spyware, adware, trojans, keyloggers, spybots and tracking threats. Download Spyware Doctor here.
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07-16-2010, 08:06 PM
Post: #2
RE: 6 steps to protecting your Windows computer
When you open the Microsoft Windows Update page for updates. Page recommends which updates are required depending on the version of Windows. You must install all critical updates for Microsoft suggested.
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07-16-2010, 11:57 PM
Post: #3
RE: 6 steps to protecting your Windows computer
These are the the step to protect the window.
1. Do regular backups.
2. Be available to install your system if it dies because of viruses.
3. Protect your network connection with Firewall
4. Use antivirus software.
5. On a regular basis update operational system.
6. Use spam protection

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08-21-2010, 04:27 PM (This post was last modified: 09-04-2010 09:15 PM by Aakash.)
Post: #4
RE: 6 steps to protecting your Windows computer
There are few tips for all to keep the system clean form the virus and for saving the window .Keep your firewall turned on.. Keep all your software and your operating system up-to-date.Keep your antivirus software up to date. Keep your antispyware technology up to date.Viruses and spyware are two kinds of malicious software that you need to protect your computer from. You need antispyware technology to help prevent spyware, and you need to keep it regularly updated. Microsoft Security Essentials will help protect against spyware and other unwanted software.
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09-21-2010, 02:04 PM
Post: #5
RE: 6 steps to protecting your Windows computer
These all steps which you can share is really very great. . Keep your antispyware technology up to date.Viruses and spyware are two kinds of malicious software that you need to protect your computer from these is one of the latest technology which you can share with us.
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09-24-2010, 11:53 PM
Post: #6
RE: 6 steps to protecting your Windows computer
Here I am shearing some of my steps to protecting your Windows computer.

- Do regular backups.
- Use antivirus software.
- Use an Internet firewall.
- Be available to install your system if it dies because of viruses.
- Never open an e-mail attachment from someone you don't know.
- On a regular basis update in operation system.
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11-25-2010, 05:52 AM
Post: #7
RE: 6 steps to protecting your Windows computer
I have used two steps for protecting the windows computer.First of all to secure our computer we have to install the virus detection program.And as secondly and lastly shut down or switch off the power when the computer is properly shuted down.
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11-25-2010, 05:58 AM
Post: #8
RE: 6 steps to protecting your Windows computer
I think these is best 6 step to protect the window:
1. Do regular backups.
2. Be available to install your system if it dies because of viruses.
3. Everyday shut down procedure when you are close window
4. Use antivirus software.
5. Be available to install your system if it dies because of viruses.
6. Use spam protection
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12-15-2010, 06:43 AM (This post was last modified: 12-16-2010 08:46 AM by reetblak.)
Post: #9
RE: 6 steps to protecting your Windows computer
Use an Internet firewall.
Be available to install your system if it dies because of viruses.
Do regular backups.
Use antivirus software.
On a regular basis update in operation system.
Never open an e-mail attachment from someone you don't know.
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02-04-2011, 05:06 AM
Post: #10
RE: 6 steps to protecting your Windows computer
You have given a very good and a nice information for protecting the windows computer. The information which you have given for the protecting windows computer is beneficial for me also for others who wants to know this. I liked and very much impressed by this.
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