Preventing Hackers

Here are some basic precautions to protect against hackers.

1. Goto windowsupdate.microsoft.com at least once a week and install all critical patches.
2. Run an antivirus program at least once a week. Update your virus signature files every time you use it.
3. Use a firewall such as Zone Alarm. (Some firewalls have had major security problems. Be sure you have the latest update)
4. Check your computer for trojans by clicking on: http://security.symantec.com http://www.trojanscan.com
5. Don't click on email attachments.
6. Don't install Napster, Kazaa, ChainCast, or any software from an unknown source. The former will turn your computer into a server and the latter may contain trojans and viruses.
7. Turn off sharing, especially on your C:\ and D:\ drive. This is very dangerous! If you must share a disk, make sure it requires a password. Otherwise, anyone in the Internet can use your computer to back up their files without your knowledge. Never share any folder without a password.
8. Put a good password on your PC. If you have a password on your PC that is easy to guess, your computer can be easily taken over by hackers.
   A bad password would be things like 'password', '12345', your name, license plate number, or any word that could be found in an English dictionary or a dictionary in your native language.
9. Report any network slowness or strange computer behavior so it can be checked by me (if it's a network problem) or Brad (if it's a Windows or Mac problem).
10. Windows PCs with static IP numbers are especially easy targets. You should always set "Obtain an IP address automatically" in Windows unless you are running a server and you are knowledgeable in computer security.