Safer and Better Computing (v0.25)

• Patch your computer Windows Update and your applications (for example: MS Office Update)
• If you just got XP or have never secured it properly try XP Survival Guide or CERT before you plug-in guide
• Use Mozilla, the free browser.
  • Use the XUL Toolbar for Mozilla
  
  Using Mozilla eliminates a bunch of IE specific viruses and "auto-install" stuff that you DO NOT WANT!
  
  Once you have Mozilla and the XUL Toolbar/prefbar you can surf the Web and turn off stuff you do not need (or turn it on quickly when you do). The XUL toolbar lets you turn off popups, cookies, java, javascript, and referrers needed (configure it with these as a minimum). When you are on a site that does not work quite right you can turn these back on until you get it working if it is something you want.
  
  Mozilla 1.7.3 is the latest you will want to upgrade to this version.
  
  Another alternative from the Mozilla gang is the lightweight next generation browser FireFox 1.0 (a 4.7 MB download)
  
  
• Read about the latest security issues - Security Watch
• The Security Watch page is something you should visit regularly! Visiting whenever weird things are happening is a good start, once a day is better! Know what is going on in our very dynamic environment.
• Use Mailinator - free temporary email addresses to keep your real address off spam lists!
  • To use it just put something@mailinator.com as YOUR email address (just make it up) then go to Mailinator and read "your" mail.
    Try it out- this is FANTASTIC for slowing spam to your actual mail address
• Use Spy Bot SD, Spybot search and destroy.
  • This is a great tool to clean up your system - it is free but send the guy a few bucks since it saved you a BUNCH of time
  • Download Spybot here if the main site is busy
• Also Ad Aware another gizmo to clean JUNK off your PC and IE.
  • Warning: Ada-ware.com IS NOT the same thing.
• Use anti-virus software, if you don't have one AVG anti-virus is free! (remember their contribution to overall network security if you are buying virus software)
  • Non-free virus software TrendMicro's PC-cillin virus and spam protection - $10 off
• Try out a free personal firewall:
  • Zone Alarm. You will be amazed at what your computer does without you! (Buy ZoneAlarm Pro with Web filtering and Save $10)
  • Sygate Firewalls (free Sygate Personal at the bottom, 30 day trial for Office and Home versions)
  • If you have high-speed Internet access (DSL/CABLE etc.) you may want to buy a firewall/router for your home network (I know this is not free- sorry!)
    Linksys and Dlink are popular versions for the home folks.
    
  • Get a port scan from DSLReports to see your setup from the outside world
• If you want to try a FREE office suite that may replace Microsoft Office you might check out OpenOffice.org
  • OpenOffice includes a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, drawing, and database support
  • Note: 65 MB download
• Use IrfanView one of the BEST graphics gizmos out there- it does amazing stuff!
  • Note: get all the PlugIns
• Try Shutterfly for high quality prints from your digital images