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Confused?
Is it any wonder that most PC users are confused by all the jargon and technology. Yes, computers are complicated, but they are logical and only do what they are told. Most of us now realise that the much misused term “Computer Error” really means that some human made a mistake and blamed a computer instead. Hopefully, on this page I’ll clear up some other misconceptions.
Computer Security 
One particular area that is shrouded with mystery is Computer Security. Mainstream journalists concentrate on their sensational “Virus attack” headlines, security firms play on user’s fears and software developers are slow to admit problems. The usual advice is to, “buy a security suite, install a firewall and secure your wireless network”. However, is this all really necessary and are we all missing the point?
Consider the security of your home for a minute. At night before we go to sleep, most of us lock our front door, close the windows and turn on the alarm. Frequently, however, burglars will enter a house through an open window or unlocked door. The alarm may sound but the burglar will already be in your house. There are parallels with computer security here. Anti-virus and Anti-spyware software work just like an alarm. They won’t stop malware getting onto your PC, instead they just detect the malware once it’s there, sometimes! So, how did that virus get on my PC in the first place? Well, by any of these methods: a compromised website; a downloaded program or file; an email attachment; a USB flash drive; an open port or a software bug. The latter is easy to deal with, like locking your front door - just enable Automatic updates in Windows. This will keep your operating system up to date and prevent bugs being exploited by hackers and script kiddies. A firewall can prevent unauthorised access to your PC through open ports but these mostly have one fatal weakness, the user. Present a typical user with too many questions, like many firewalls do, and most users will stop reading the prompts offered and just click [OK]. Unless you really understand all the prompts then just stick with the Windows firewall.
The important point
The single most important point crucial to PC security is usually overlooked and that is how you actually use your PC. If you frequently share files and load programs sent to you by others without questioning the source, then you are asking for trouble.
If a family share a PC, is everyone using the PC in the same way, to the same rules? If you have a network of PCs, when one PC is infected it won’t be long before they all are. Use PCs sensibly by installing software only from trusted sources, avoid dodgy websites, avoid the temptation to click [OK] each time a new window pops-up on screen, don’t click on website links within emails (see phishing) and don’t respond to or even open emails that you know are Spam - just delete them.
PC Security software
If you keep Windows up to date, enable a firewall and use your PC sensibly, then why would you have any need for anti-virus software? Surely, few viruses will be able to infect your PC in the first place. Well, I guess the answer is, “just in case”. However, before you rush out and buy the newest version of the same old £40 security suite you’ve always bought, stop for a minute! Some of the best security products are free and in most cases function better than the big-name suites. These include AVG Free (anti-malware), Malwarebytes (anti-malware), ZoneAlarm (firewall) and Microsoft’s own Security Essentials (anti-malware). AVG Free will certainly be much less demanding on your system than several £40 anti-virus products and just as efficient. Malwarebytes will find malware that other programs miss completely and Security Essentials could become very popular with it’s simple layout and ease of use. Some other well known security suites even behave worse than the malware they are supposed to protect us from, not updating properly to newer versions and being very difficult to uninstall should you decide to change your mind and install a different package.  Be wary that most commercial packages are also subscriptions and even if you stop using their product you may still be billed on your credit card. Overall, most PC security products are very overrated and totally ineffective against many newer ‘social engineering’ scams, where the user is tricked to do something they later regret - As you can probably gather I’m not a big fan of most PC security products. Currently, in early 2010, many malware programmes are running rings around them and I’ve repaired more infected PCs in the last few months than all of last year. If you really want to buy a product, then I’d recommend Kaspersky but even that won’t give 100% protection.
Internet safety
This really should be a whole section in itself, but you will find the CommonSense.com and Childnet websites already contains some good advice on this topic. If you have children, take an interest in what they are doing on a PC, be open and communicative and become involved in what your kids do online. Explain to them the risks and how you expect them to use the computer. The latter is especially important for older children. Don’t put your trust in Parental Control Software, because it can be by-passed easily. Remember, educate not regulate.
Wireless network security
Most people now know of the need to secure their wireless network. On most domestic routers you can use two different specifications, WEP or WPA. My advice is to try the WPA option first to secure the network and only if you have problems use WEP. In either case never give your wireless network a name based on either your name or address. Oh, and also don’t do any of the following: Hide your network name (SSID); use MAC filtering; change the default administrator password - you’ll only forget this and have to reset your router to make any changes. These are all bad ideas that will only inconvenience you but not a hacker.
My advice then is to ….
• Use your PC sensibly and responsibly. Avoid running or installing software from un-trusted sources.
• Enable Automatic Updates to ensure that your PC installs all the latest Microsoft security fixes.
• Ensure that other application software is also kept up to date, for example, your Internet Browser, email program, VOIP (Skype) and media players.
• Enable a firewall, but before you install any anti-virus or anti-spyware software please see my comments above.
plus ....
• Are you logged on as an administrator? If you’re not sure, then the answer is probably yes. That means you, and any program that you run, have full access to your PC and files. So will any programs that you didn’t intend to run, like viruses.
• If you have a network, wherever possible use a network cable to connect devices, instead of wireless connections. A cabled network will be faster, more secure, more reliable and won’t be affected by cordless telephones, neighbouring wireless networks, Sky video senders, digital baby monitors, wireless headphones or microwave ovens!
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