Security check

[shadowdude]

After reading up on inernet security I've done all of the following.

1.Firewall my connection
2.Automatically keep my anti virus software up to date
3.Get windows updates regularly
4.Automatically scan for spyware
5.Switched browsers from IE to Firefox

Is there anything I left out that I could still do to keep my computer secure?

 

[Thrawn]

Not access the internet at all, but I don't think that's the kinda response you're looking for heh.

 

[Solver]

If you are leaving your computer on overnight, it might be a good idea to schedule scans for viruses in during the night.

Well, with the steps you've taken, you should be pretty secure. Even worms that are super-uber-puper normally use holes that have been already patched, so with Windows update you'll likely eliminate that problem as well. The only thing you could really do for even more security would be to switch to, say, Linux, but you're probably not looking to do that .

 

[hbdragon88]

You could try Opera, but seeing that Firefox, according to what other people say, is faster, has more features, and is more lightweight, Firefox will do in a pinch. Right?

By the way, IE isn't that bad - just don't go on porn or cracks sites. The only time I got spyware was when I was downloading a crack. I've also got Spyware Blaster behind me, so I'm not getting any ActiveX popups for spyware anymore (like Gator). Sure, it's not as fast as the almighty Firefox, but it's installed by default!

 

[Plexus]

So, what hbd's saying: "If you're lazy or just don't care, stick with IE."

 

[hbdragon88]

So, what hbd's saying: "If you're lazy or just don't care, stick with IE."

Basically, I'm just ranting, if you'll look back at my last few posts on the Computer Talk forum. I'm not in my best mood and it doesn't help that I get a "use firefox!" right in my face when I'm still smarting over Gmail's denial of Opera.

 

[LordKestrel]

Just having a firewall isn't useful, it needs to be running, and configured to deny access unless expressly permitted. Assuming you're using something like ZoneAlarm, set it to always ask you when new applications try to connect, and go in there and remove everything that's already been added. Then, as you run applications, you can decide whether you feel they need to get out to the internet. Also, set it to deny all inbound access, and don't set your internet connection as a trusted network.