Internet Security Setup

DISCLAIMER

On this page I will be discussing my Internet security setup. I am not making any warranties or guarantees whatsoever. Years ago I researched various sites and articles on Internet security, and found a mix that I was comfortable with. I highly recommend anyone who has a computer to do a thorough research on the topic, and come up with something they feel secure with.

INTRODUCTION

There are three types of softwares I think of to first install on a new computer: firewall, anti-spyware, antivirus. In addition, I would also install Mozilla Firefox, and I use it as my main browser.

I usually try to install the firewall before I even connect my computer to the Internet. But when that option was not available I settled for connecting online, and the first website I would visit is the firewall company's or http://www.download.com

I would then proceed to download and/or install my anti-spyware, antivirus programs, and an Internet Browser alternative to Internet Explorer.

Below are programs I use, have used, or would consider for use for each type. All of which are free (as of July 21, 2006), and unless noted otherwise are available at http://www.download.com:

Firewall:

ZoneAlarm

Anti-Spyware:

Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition

Spybot Search & Destroy

SpywareBlaster and SpywareGuard (http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/)

Anti-virus

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition

Browser

Mozilla Firefox

Any questions as to the basic use of the programs are covered on the Help file, usually on the menu or appears as a ? icon on top of the program's window.

REGULAR UPDATE CHECKS AND MORE TIPS

I usually check for updates on each one of these programs every 2 or 3 weeks. Two programs that require an extra step once updated are SpywareBlaster and Spybot:

SpywareBlaster- once updated make sure to read the prompt, and activate Enable All Protection

Spybot- once updated go to the Immunize section and click the Immunize icon (+) to ensure that any Immunize updates are applied

Also, I try to ensure that my Windows Operating System, Win XP, is properly updated using Windows Update (Start > All Programs > Windows Update). Windows XP usually gets an update once a month.

Lastly, I primarily use Mozilla Firefox as my Internet Browser, and only use Internet Explorer when I cannot properly view a page.

My "Internet Security" setup thus include: Firewall, Anti-Spyware, Antivirus, and Mozilla Firefox. Of course regularly updating these programs, and the Windows Operating System is vital in maintaining their effectiveness. In addition, a very important preventative method is to only visit reputable websites. Watch what programs are being installed in your computer, and what emails or instant message links you click that leads to a website or installation of a program. Be aware, educated, and vigilant.

SUMMARY TABLE

	Program Name	Download Site	Minimum Check for Updates
Firewall
	ZoneAlarm	http://www.download.com/	Every 2 weeks
Anti-Spyware
	Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition	http://www.download.com/	Every 2 weeks
	Spybot Search & Destroy	http://www.download.com/	Every 2 weeks
	SpywareBlaster	http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/	Every 2 weeks
	SpywareGuard	http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/	Every 2 weeks
Anti-virus
	AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition	http://www.download.com/	Every 2 weeks
Browser
	Mozilla Firefox	http://www.download.com/	Every 2 weeks
	Opera	http://www.download.com/	Every 2 weeks
Operating System
	Windows Update	http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com	Once a month