Keep your PC Safe

November 26, 2011
We're losing the security war.  More of our PC's than ever contain viruses and malware.  The main rule you should abide by when using your computer is this:  If you didn't go looking for it, don't open it, don't allow it, or reply to it.  This rule applies to everything you see on the web, in your email, in a pop-up, or even from an unsolicited phone call (check this out Microsoft technician scam).  Aside from modifying your behavior, here are a few key things everyone can do to avoid most problems.
An article from PC World http://shar.es/mSJv5

1.  Change your DNS settings to use OpenDNS
This may be the most important thing you can do and for some people it will actually speed up your internet access.  OpenDNS gives you a way to control what is allowed on your home network,  including your mobile devices that use Wi-Fi, with the ability to block entire categories of web sites.  In addition, OpenDNS prevents you from going to fraudulent web sites by maintaining a block list.  It's a "set it and forget it" solution too.  Be aware that savvy teens can figure out how to get around OpenDNS by manually changing their DNS settings on the computer or phone.  If you want to prevent this, it is possible to configure your router.... but too much for this article.

a.  Go here to get started: https://www.opendns.com/home-internet-security/

2.  Install either Firefox or Google Chrome and use it instead of Internet Explorer.
In fact you might get rid of all of your obvious Internet Explorer icons so you're not tempted to use it.  Currently, Chrome is my favorite.  It's the fastest browser and it keeps itself up-to-date automatically without bothering you about it (Firefox is following suit).
a. Download Firefox here: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/upgrade.html
   Download Chrome here:  http://www.google.com/chrome
b. Install and Run Firefox or Chrome and make it your default web browser when it asks.
c. Install an add-on called Adblock Plus.  In Firefox, I like to unhide the menu.  Click the little orange tab in the upper left corner and scroll down to Options, then put a check next to "Menu bar".  ** Install add-ons by clicking "Tools" and "Ad-ons". In the "Get Add-ons" tab search for Adblock Plus.  Click the "Add to Firefox" button and follow the prompts.  After you restart Firefox, subscribe the "Easylist (USA)".  In Chrome click the little 3-line icon in the upper right, then click Tools then Extensions.  Click the "Get more extensions" link in the middle of the page and search for Adblock Plus.  It'll do the rest for you.

3.  Install Microsoft Security Essentials. (update - this is not necessary on Windows 8 or later)
If you have a good anti-virus and you're sure it's up-to-date you could skip this step but I haven't seen many in this condition.  Many people are paying for solutions that bog down their PC or are only marginally better than Microsoft's free solution.  Also, many people have multiple solutions installed and are unnecessarily bogging down their computer.  If you are unsure or you are using a pay service, you should uninstall ALL security software on your pc and proceed with this step or reinstall the Anti-virus software you are comfortable with and make sure it has the latest updates.  Anti-virus is like "suspenders" - your first and only real line of defense is your behavior, i.e. don't click on links in email or in other questionable web pages or ads, and question everything.
a.  Open Firefox or Chrome and enter www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/ in the address bar.  Click the "Download Now" button, select your language and operating system, then choose to save the file.  Pick a folder to save it in where you can find it, or just save it on the desktop.  Once downloaded, open it and follower the prompts to get it installed.  The first update will take a long time, but after that it will just do it's thing.

4.  Make sure your software is up-to-date
The following is a list of common software that should be kept up-to-date if installed on your system (instructions not complete)
a. Adobe Flash Player http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/  Note: Do NOT check the option to install McAfee Security Scan.  We don't need to bog down our machines with multiple security solutions.
b. In Windows XP use your browser (unfortunately you have to use Internet Explorer) to go to Windows Update update.microsoft.com  and click the "Express" button to check for the latest updates.  If you have Win7 or Vista you should use the Windows Update link found by clicking on the Start button, then All Programs, then scroll up near the top to find Windows Update.
c.  Java http://www.java.com/en/download/index.jsp
d.  Adobe Shockwave  - This software is typically used in certain web games that run in your browser.  You can and probably should uninstall it.  When you or more likely your kids encounter a need for it, your browser will prompt you to install it and you will get the latest version.
e.  Some of you may have Microsoft Office - office.microsoft.com/officeupdate/ (unless you have Vista or Windows 7 in which case Windows Update has probably already taken care of this for you.)

5.  Uninstall Adobe Reader and install Foxit Reader instead.
That's right - get rid of Adobe Reader.  This is the software that your computer uses to display PDF files.  It has had a continuing history of vulnerabilities (like all software) but to the level that it's just time to move to something that is less of a target.  Even if your copy of Reader is totally up-to-date there are often unpatched problems that are being exploited by the bad guys.  Further, the download to update it is so huge that some people avoid it.

a. To uninstall it, click the Start button, select "Settings" then "Control Panel". In control panel select "Add/Remove Programs" or if you have Vista or Win7 select "Programs and Features". In either case, find Adobe Reader (older versions may have been called Acrobat Reader) and click on it, then select the "Remove" button. While you're in Add/Remove Programs you might want to look at the list and remove any other programs that you know you no longer have need for.
b. To install Foxit Reader, browse here: www.foxitsoftware.com/downloads/index.php and download the latest version (it may take you to CNet to do the download). Once downloaded, run it to get it installed.  Note: Uncheck the option to install the Foxit PDF Creator Toolbar and the option to make Ask.com your home page.  Other than that, you can accept all of the default settings and acknowledge the Windows messages authorizing changes to your system.