Be Your Own IT Department

If you use a computer, you need to know more than just how to use your email and surf the web. You need to know that you are protected. If there isn't someone responsible for the computers in your home or office, then pick someone, quick. Their job is to assure you that everything I've listed below is getting done on a regular basis so you can relax a little.

Antivirus

This should go without saying, but I still run into computers with expired Antivirus software quite often. In 2005, Antivirus software needs to be updated daily, and paid for yearly. If you haven't paid for a subscription, then you don't have current Antivirus Software.

Every month, someone should verify that your installed AV Software is running, and that is updating automatically, with current virus definitions. Sometimes they stop working or updating because they get attacked between updates. You must remain virus free.

Spyware

Spyware is EVIL software that is getting worse every day. Spyware is probably what's wrong with your computer. If you have not run spyware removal software lately then I guarantee that you have some on your system. It's that simple.

For you to remove the Spyware yourself, you must run an updated version of your favorite Spyware removal software at least once a month. Weekly is better. Just like Antivirus software, it needs to be updated all the time. However, unlike Antivirus software, most Anti-Spyware software will not update on its' own. Most have to be set to auto-update and protect you from further infection.

Windows Updates

Microsoft discovers and repairs flaws in their Windows Operating System on a near weekly basis. These "fixes" or "patches" are available for free at their website, and you should insure that your Windows updates are being done. Now that you probably have high speed internet, this step is critical for the security and functionality of your computers. Once you get some spyware, these security holes are being exploited.

In Windows XP, you can schedule this to happen automatically in the Properties of My Computer. I use auto update for myself, and all peer to peer networking customers. In a server environment, I don't recommend it. For other Windows versions than XP, you should update your Windows on a monthly basis at windowsupdate.com

Startup programs

There are dozens of software programs that can start up when Windows loads, slowing your computer to a crawl. These are usually apparent in the task bar by your clock, and by pressing CTL ? ALT ? DEL to see the services and applications. If you need a scroll bar, you're bogged down! By using a Windows utility called msconfig you can manage your startup items. Go to Start ? run and type msconfig ? then press Enter. Go to the Startup tab and you'll see the choices under the startup tab. Be careful in there, and pay attention.

Firewall

A Firewall keeps people from coming into your computer over the internet. Spyware and Trojan horse viruses make it easier for hackers to get into your computers, but even when your system is clean, the risk of attack is still there, if there's a Windows hole (and there is). You need a firewall, and if you have a wireless connection, you need secure password protection on the router to keep your neighbors out.

On a monthly basis, you need to be sure that your firewall, whether (software or hardware) is both turned on, and current. I can't tell you the number of times I find it intentionally disabled, with no malicious intent, but unprotected nonetheless. More knowledgeable users should review the logs for any abnormal activities.

Windows XP has a free firewall that is much better than nothing, and getting better every month with Windows update. To insure yours is on, go to Start ? Help and support ? and type firewall.

Disk Maintenance

Windows has two built in utilities called Scandisk and Disk Defragmenter. Scandisk checks the surface of your hard disk for flaws or errors that may be developing, and Disk Defragmenter rearranges the files on your hard drive for faster and easier access.

Depending on the version of Windows you're using, the names are a little different, but the utilities can always be accessed in the following way...

Reboot first, minimizing the amount of programs running in your Startup. Go to My Computer, and right click on your hard drive (usually the C: drive). Go to Properties and select the Tools tab and run Scandisk or "error checking" and Disk Defragmenter or "Defragmentation". In some computers, you'll need to reboot again.

It's well worth doing these once a month to keep an older computer running well, however, they are time consuming, and I confess, I do not run them. Ever. That's only because I have a good backup system.

Backup, Backup, Backup

You have to have a backup of all your important data. For some home users that means one folder (usually My Documents) and their email. For others, their data can be scattered all over a computer in different folders, or in some cases, a network. Just figuring out where the data is can be a problem. Get a handle on it right away and know what needs to be backed up.

You will lose data some day, and you'll either be inconvenienced or devastated. It's your choice. I prefer to use a convenient local disk copying program called Second Copy. However, to protect against fire or theft, everything from my kids' baby pictures to last night's spread sheet is securely backed up and archived over the internet.

Summary

These things above are not difficult, but they take time. Someone in the business or family needs to see these gets done on a routine basis. If you do them, your computers will not only be more secure, but they'll run faster and have fewer problems.

Scott Hendison lives in Oregon, and is the owner of Portland Technology Consultants. He is a computer and internet consultant, and has been in the industry since 1995. For over 75 other articles, visit his website at http://www.pdxtc.com

---

Your Home is in Your Hands

I would like to tell you about a magic home.... Read More

Taking Advantage of the iPod Experience

Music lovers have been carrying around radios and other bulky... Read More

Advantages and Guidelines of Automated Testing

"Automated Testing" is automating the manual testing process currently in... Read More

A Beginners Guide to Avoiding Viruses

"Aaaaaahhhhhh! I've been invaded by a virus!" Getting a virus... Read More

Top 9 Ways To Speed Up Your Surfing & Computing

It seems like fast never quite rates fast enough.No matter... Read More

15 Good Programming Habits

1. Before sitting down for coding, you must have formal... Read More

Things You Can Do To Speed Up Your Computer

Upgrading your processor will always speed up your computer, but... Read More

Windows PDA Medical Software Benefits

PDA Medical BenefitsIf you are concerned about your medical history,... Read More

Deleting and Destroying Data Forever

Peoples' private information needs to stay private, even after it... Read More

Get Ahead When You Build Your Own Computer

If you've been kicking around the idea of building your... Read More

Gain Control Over Your Screensavers With These Simple Steps

We all enjoy our favorite screensavers but in the same... Read More

Flow Text Around a Graphic in Microsoft Word

Flow Text Around a GraphicQuestion: I have inserted a photo... Read More

Digital Cameras: How Many Pixels Do I Need?

With the bewildering number of digital cameras on the market,... Read More

Basic Diagnosis Guidelines for Your PC

Simone is exasperated. She has to work on her university... Read More

Compare MP3 Players for the Coolest Features and Sweetest Deals

How can you compare mp3 players to be sure you're... Read More

MobiTV and Visual Stimulation Imput for Personal Cognitive Performance

Stimulus thru Caffiene or Visual Input?It appears that the Mobi... Read More

If You are the Only User on Your Windows XP Computer, Do You Think One User Account Is Enough?

I am going to assume that you are running windows... Read More

How Does a Palm Pilot Work?

Just The Facts, Ma'mPalm pilots are all the rage now.... Read More

Seven Things to Consider When Choosing a PDA

In the early days, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) were not... Read More

Portable DVD Players - Things To Know

In my humble opinion nothing makes a long trip easier... Read More

7 Reasons NOT to Take Your Laptop on Holiday!

Heading off on vacation soon?Then perhaps you're tempted to take... Read More

Buying a Home Theater Receiver

Buying a receiver is one of the most important decisions... Read More

Help, I Need a New HDTV! (Part 1 of 5)

Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the... Read More

Best PC Pocket GPS

Stop Getting LostOne of the greatest uses for a pocket... Read More

4 Computer Money-saving Tips

Tip #1 -- Rebates: A rebate is not always a... Read More