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Broadband Cyberspace InformationIf You Had Problems in the Past with a Computer Virus, Then
by:
Steven Presar
“If You Had Problems in the Past with a Computer Virus,
Then You'll Want to Cognize How Easy it is to Setup Firewall
Protection”
By Steven Presar
You cognize the basics of computer virus protection -- don't
open email attachments' from senders that you do not know.
If you follow this simple rule, your computer wish be safer
than most.
But a few weeks ago, a computer worm called “sasser”, caused
havoc with Microsoft Windows computers throughout the world.
This sasser worm spread in a all several way, not
bothering with email (the way most viruses spread) but
instead exploited a safety hole in Microsoft Windows.
This safety hole allowed any computer connected to the
internet to be infected. The worm spread and infected
computers all but invisibly, thus many a folk were caught by
surprise once
their computer problems began.
A computer virus is a set of computer program instructions
that attaches itself to programs in different computers. Viruses
are often parts of documents that are transmitted as
attachments to e-mail messages. A worm is similar to a virus
but is a self-contained program that transports itself from
one computer to another through networks.
The most obvious symptom of sasser worm was that the
infected computer would-be mechanically
shut down – thus
making troubleshooting this worm a challenge to those
infected.
A Plan of Action for Small Business
One of the route to prevent your computer from becoming
infected by a virus or worm like sasser would-be be by
installing a “firewall” on your computer system.
Any computer connected to the Internet, is vulnerable to
electronic worm or virus attacks. You are protective
your
computer system by setting a firewall between your computer
or networked computers (LAN) and the Internet.
A firewall examines, filters, and reports on the
appropriateness of all information that passes through your
computer network. A firewall may ensure that information
received from an outside source is as expected and makes not
contain computer a virus or worm.
This protective barrier between your computer and the
Internet wish monitor incoming and outgoing cyberspace traffic
and warned you of virus or worm before your computers became
infected.
Microsoft Windows XP includes a firewall, but it may not be
enabled on your machine because Microsoft turns it off by
default.
If you have Microsoft Windows XP and would-be like to activate
your code firewall, follow these steps:
~ Inside
Microsoft Windows XP
~ Click on the Start button and then choose Control Panel
~ Click the Network and Cyberspace Connections category (If
you do not see the Network and Cyberspace Connections
category, click Switch to Category View under Control Panel
on the left side of the Control Panel window.)
~ Choose Network Connections.
~ Right-click the Dial-up, LAN or High-Speed Internet
connection(s) that you use to connect to the Internet
~ Click Properties from the menu
~ On the Advanced tab, under Cyberspace Connection Firewall,
select "Protect my computer and network"
~ Then click OK.
You have now enabled your Windows XP firewall.
With your firewall now working, you wish see a warning pop
up on screen if a virus or worm is trying to infect your
computer. You wish be able to block them by denying them
access.
You'll find your access to the cyberspace a little more
complicated now. The 1st time you run any cyberspace related
program after activating the Microsoft firewall, it will
alert you once more and ask you if it is OK for your Internet
Browser to connect to the Internet.
There are several computer safety experts have criticized the
shortcomings of the Microsoft’s Windows XP firewall. Thus,
there may be different code firewall packages that you may
want to look at. Several of the different firewall software
packages that you may want to look at are: Norton
(www.symantec.com), McAfee (us.mcafee.com), and ZoneAlarm
(www.zonelabs.com) code firewall packages.
What to look for in a Code Firewall
When choosing a firewall, consider such factors as:
~ ease of use,
~ cost,
~ technical support
~ control of incoming content (such as cookies, pop-ups,
JavaScript, ActiveX, etc.), and
~ the ability to control the firewall for access to more
trusted individual websites
Most firewall code packages can do the basic port
blocking necessary to protect against typical virus or worm
that try to probe your system (like sasser). Different software
firewalls do not have important features like, allowing you
to control which websites that you wish accept active
content (like cookies and pop-ups).
A nice firewall program wish as well alert you once
a software
application on your computer is trying to connect to the
Internet. This may help you discover whether a virus has
infected your system or whether spyware (software that
arrive on your computer without your knowledge) is trying to
report your personal profile details.
High Speed Cyberspace Connections Firewall
If you are mistreatment a broadband Cyberspace connection, such as
cable or DSL, you should use a hardware-based firewall in
addition to code firewall. Most of the router/hub
combinations you can buy for your computer system offer a
strong 1st line of defense against remote probes of your
computer. Plus, they are inexpensive, often cost accounting
less
than $20 after rebates.
Hardware based firewalls generally wish not tell you once
a
program on your own computer system seeks to access the
Internet. That is why, once
you use a hardware firewall,
you need a code firewall installed as well.
Which Firewall is Better for Your Office?
Because of the number of incoming safety threats to your
computer are so many
and serious, the key point is that
you do have a code firewall, and if you are mistreatment a high
speed connection, a hardware firewall as well.
ZoneAlarm's firewall is a popular choice for personal use
because it can be transfer
and use it for free. That
software firewall package may be a nice starting point for
individuals new to firewall technology.
After you have your computer system secure, you power like
to check out several firewall options from, Nonags
(www.nonags.com) and PricelessWare (www.pricelessware.org).
It's becoming a better idea to have a firewall, at house and
business. It makes require extra setup and is another layer
of code and hardware to navigate through to connect to
the Internet, but the piece of mind to keep your computer
system secure may be worth the effort.
Copyright Steven Presar
Just about the Author
Steven Presar is a recognized small business technology
coach, Cyberspace publisher, author, speaker, and trainer. He
provides personal, home, and computer safety solutions at
www.ProtectionConnect.com. He provides business software
reviews at www.OnlineSoftwareGuide.com. In addition, he
publishes articles for starting and running a small business
at www.Agora-Business-Center.com. Be sure to sign-up for
the SOHO account at this site.
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