How safe?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Guest
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G

Guest

I have win. xp home ed., firewall enabled, norton anti
virus (all auto updated) and a DSL Home network through a
Linksys Router. No static IP address.
How safe is my computer from (1) viruses? (2) being
hacked?
 
I have win. xp home ed., firewall enabled, norton anti
virus (all auto updated) and a DSL Home network through a
Linksys Router. No static IP address.
How safe is my computer from (1) viruses? (2) being
hacked?
Click to expand...

You need to be sure of the following:

Windows Updates are downloaded and installed automatically.
Virus definitions are downloaded at least weekly, and full virus scans
done weekly.
Install a better personal firewall.
Install Ad-aware, Spybot, and Spyware Blaster; where possible, download
updates, run scans, and immunize the PC.
Give the Administrator account - and all accounts with administrator
privileges - strong passwords. You might also consider renaming the
Administrator account.
Create a password reset disk for the Administrator account.
Never login to the PC with an account that has administrator privileges,
unless it is necessary.
Backup your important data files regularly.
Make sure you have all the install CDs (hopefully you have a backup copy
of each CD as well) for the operating system and applications, including
CD keys.
Cross your fingers and pray to whatever god(s) you believe in.

This may seem a bit overboard, but it results in pretty good protection.
Others may want to add something I've forgotten.

--
The reader should exercise normal caution and backup the Registry and
data files regularly, and especially before making any changes to their
PC, as well as performing regular virus and spyware scans. I am not
liable for problems or mishaps that occur from the reader using advice
posted here.
 
Only way to keep a computer safe from viruses and being
hacked is not to put it on the internet and never install
any software on it. You have a good start and I really
can't give alot advise in a message board. It is good you
are using network based firewall for the best protection
from outside hackers. You should add a host based
intrustion detection system for people inside your
network (you dont need IDS if your living alone or only
have one computer) If you computer is password protected,
make sure you use strong passwords (IE: both numbers and
letters, min 8 characters) Keep up to date with Windows
updates, etc. There is alot more to securing a network
but sounds like you have a good start
 
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