Protecting your computer from worms, and more.

The Problem:

Viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, malware, cookies, pings, queries and hacks. As the recent Sasser worm has shown, your PC is at risk every time you log onto the Internet. Whether you use a cable modem, DSL or a wireless network, you must protect your PC. If you don’t, someone can steal or delete your data, use your computer to attack other computers, or take over your PC, secretly storing files that eat up space on your hard drive. In a “worst case” scenario, these secretly stored files could be kiddie porn or something equally nefarious.

The Solution:

Fortunately, protecting your computer—and yourself—is a straightforward process. But it’s a process that requires on-going diligence.

First, if you don’t have antivirus software, install it immediately. Your PC cannot operate safely without it. Your antivirus software is only as good as the last update. So set it up to automatically download the latest version daily. Check out www.Symantec.com and www.Norton.com. Both companies offer excellent versions of antivirus software that you can safely buy online.

Second, install a firewall. A firewall is like the deadbolt on your front door. Just as a deadbolt keeps strangers out of your home, a firewall helps prevent unauthorized persons from accessing your computer when it's connected to the Internet. A firewall will also help prevent your computer from secretly contacting other computers on the Internet. If you have just one computer at home or at the office, download the free firewall available at www.zonealarm.com. If you have more than one computer sharing Internet access, then get a router, which has a built-in firewall. Look for your firewall at www.Linksys.com.

Third, always download the security patches for your operating system and your browser when they are offered. If you don't, a worm such as the recent Sasser may take advantage of the hole in your PC’s security. ( Worms spread on contact, simply being online can cause infection.) A worm can ruin more than your day. It can ruin your computer! To be sure you are protected, go to www.Microsoft.com and run the free scan of your PC for available updates. If you have Windows Me or higher, configure your computer to get those updates automatically. These patches are free.

Fourth, scan your computer every week for spyware. Spyware can be secretly stored on your computer as you browse the Internet. This software is designed to report your surfing habits to marketers so advertisers can better target you. Unfortunately, the adware causes annoying pop-ups and may even slow your PC or make it unstable. There are two great utilities that you can download from www.download.com. They are Ad-Aware, and Spybot Search & Destroy. Use both of them. They are free.

Finally, always back up your data. This is fundamental, yet most people don't do it. Replacing hardware is easy. Just go out and buy another PC. Replacing the lost data, though, is expensive if not impossible. Good back-up solutions include external hard drives, the Mirra system (http://www.mirra.com/), CD burners and tape drives. I recommend systems that backup automatically onto media other than your computer. Be sure to test your backups from time to time to be sure the system is working well.

James Kerr is President/CEO of SuperGeeks, a Hawaii-based computer service and repair company (www.supergeeks.net). Please feel free to send your questions, comments and suggestions to Mr. Kerr. He can be reached at kerr@supergeeks.net and 942-0773.