Robin Paardekam

.NET Newbie - Silverlight, Sharepoint, AJAX and C#.

Some general tips for safe computer use

Everytime I go over to friends or family to fix some kind of "computer problem" that they experience, I start telling the same tips 'n tricks over and over again about how to avoid spyware, how to keep your PC as tidy as possible, how to clean up your internet history, etc. Ofcourse many of them appreciate those tips but as soon as I'm gone, they forgot at least half of it.

This morning I ran into this article on wired.com in which a list of security tips, tricks and apps are mentioned. Let me give a short summary of some nice items in that list here. 

  • Get a Firewall, Learn How to Use It
  • Install anti-spyware software
  • Turn on automatic updates in Windows XP
  • Secure your Wireless AP
  • Remove as many programs as possible
  • Tweak your PC's security, then back up the disk image

Just to name a few... I think this list can be very helpful, even for somewhat more experienced PC-users. Click this link to get the full list and read about the underlying thoughts and howto's. I have bookmarked it and will print it out as soon as I have another "PC-fix-appointment"... :)

Posted: Jul 31 2007, 08:41 AM by Robin Paardekam | with 3 comment(s)
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Comments

Mischa Kroon said:

I created a blog posting a while back in which I detail my vision of computing safety:

bloggingabout.net/.../handeling-your-computer-security-and-dealing-with-spyware-and-viruses.aspx

These tips I think are a better way to do it.

# August 2, 2007 9:43 PM

Robin Paardekam said:

Thanks for sharing the link to your article Mischa, it's a clear message you have there. Your vision is more about avoiding / beating spyware from your PC, for somewhat more experienced computer users. My article is intended to use as a handout you could use when you help novice computer users.

For example, it mentions WiFi settings and general security settings like (Windows) firewall, making backups, etc. So it could come in handy as a short list you just leave at their PC, of which all items can be performed as you like. Thanks for sharing, It will definitely come in handy.

# August 3, 2007 8:30 AM

Mischa Kroon said:

Well yes and no, the first part is all about not running as an admin which means this is suitable for all users, and saves everyones but a lot of the time.

Also one can argue that this is an easier process then keeping your computers defenses up to date.

# August 5, 2007 5:18 PM
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