Security is the utmost important feature in today’s modern computing world. Gone are the days when PC Security simply meant padlocking your PC to the desk.

“The internet is a potential mine field of malicious content to the unwary intruder”

Please visit the Microsoft Security at Home web site to further your understanding of the risks involved in using the Internet and how to better protect you, your family, and most of all your PC. Click on the link below and you will be redirected to the appropriate web page.

www.microsoft.com/athome/security

“Help your child surf in safety”

The Internet has huge educational and social benefits. It  is widely used in schools and colleges and your children will be expected to research their homework online.

Most children and young people also go online for  entertainment and to socialise. The Internet offers great opportunities but  children and young people must understand that the risks to their privacy and  safety are real.

Please follow the link below for further details from the NSPCC website

http://www.nspcc.org

So What are the dangers?

• Coming across disturbing information or images;

• Unwittingly opening or sharing files that can expose your family to Internet thieves or virus software which damage, delete, or copy your data.

• Children can be the victims of online bullying when other users try to embarrass or intimidate them, spread rumours or images about them.

• Some sexual predators do pose as children in the hope to befriend vulnerable children; some will go as far as trying to persuade children to meet in person.

To help protect yourself and other users, you must first be running a valid and up to date Antivirus program such as  AVG 8 Antivirus or AVG 8 Internet Security.

Secondly you can use Spyware Removal tools, I can recommend Ad-Aware 2008 and Spybot S&D 1.5.2 both of which can be downloaded from www.downloads.com

Firewalls are a necessity and must be used, but will require some setting up and also training the firewall in which applications can access the Internet and those that are not allowed, if you are running Windows XP with Service pack 2 or 3 or Vista both have a firewall which is included and will automatically be turned on.

There are several companies making firewall software, and are to numerous to mention so I would advise any body not using an Antivirus and a Firewall product, they risk loosing more in cost’s to disinfect there PC’s than it would cost for a full internet security suite Such as AVG 8.  However, if you have a Broadband connection either ADSL or Cable I do recommend using a Router.

By using a Router for example a Netgear DG834 ADSL  Firewall Router or the cable equivalent  by Netgear you become invisible to the Internet thus preventing any possible hacker attacks.

Details of both the routers can be found on the Netgear site at www.netgear.co.uk

I must point any of these methods do not stop Spyware or Viruses downloaded or installed by you the user, either knowingly or not, read the EULA (small print) if you are downloading anything from the Internet, and don’t open any e-mails if you think they are suspicious even from a friend as they might have been infected with a virus and they don’t know it.

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