Doing the Net basics - a step by step guide

Within 15 minutes of going online your computer is very likely to be attacked. To help avoid viruses, hackers, spyware and other threats it is essential that you, at least, do the Net basics:
1. Use the latest Operating System
2. Use a firewall
3. Use anti-virus software
4. Use an anti-spyware software
5. Set your computer to automatically update all of the above
6. Use a strong password.

Although installing software and updating programmes may take time (and patience), they are essential steps to help protect your computer and your information.

Doing the Net basics is now even faster if you connect to the Internet via broadband, but is still just as important if you are on dial-up.

There are also other important cybersafety issues for you, your family, or business to consider, so dont forget to check out the rest of the NetSafe site after you have finished 'Doing the Net basics'!

1. Use the latest operating system
The newest version of any operating system is generally the safest.
Most people use a Windows operating system. If you are on a Mac or use a Linux operating system, scroll down to the bottom of this page for more information.

a. Ideally, if you have a windows operating sytem, you should run Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2 installed.

b. If you currently use Windows 2000 - consider upgrading to Windows XP as Windows 2000 does not come with as many security features.

c. If you are using Windows 95, 98, ME or NT it is strongly recommended that you upgrade your operating system as soon as possible as Microsoft no longer offers updates for these versions of Windows.

To find out which Operating System you have click here.
You can purchase Windows XP with Service Pack 2 from your local computer specialist store.

2. Use a firewall
A firewall can protect you against hackers, some viruses and some spyware. It can also stop your computer being hijacked and used to infect other machines or send spam emails.

a. In Windows XP, either switch on Windows firewall (click here to find out whether yours is switched on) OR use a firewall from a reputable company (you can check out www.netguide.co.nz for an independent review of firewalls and other security products).

b. For older operating systems, install a commercial firewall from a reputable company.

c. Make sure your firewall software is set to automatically update so it can identify new threats as they emerge.

Congratulations, you have passed step 2 of the Net basics!

3. Use anti-virus software
Anti-virus software can scan your computer and incoming emails for viruses. It is not included in your operating system so you will need to purchase (or download) and install reputable anti-virus software. (You can check out www.netguide.co.nz for an independent review of anti-virus software and other security products).

a. Make sure your anti-virus software is set to automatically update so it can identify new threats

b. Keep your subscription current. An out-of-date virus scanner is no use at all.

c. Be wary of opening unexpected or suspicious attachments (even from people you know), they may contain viruses or malware.

Congratulations, you are half way through the Net basics!

4. Use anti-spyware software
Spyware is software that secretly monitors a user's activity, or collects your private information such as credit card details. In most cases a firewall and anti-virus software will not prevent spyware. You need additional software to keep it at bay. (You can check out www.netguide.co.nz for an independent review of anti-spyware and other security products).

a. Download or purchase and install a reputable anti-spyware program and keep it up to date.

b. Make sure your anti-spyware software is set to automatically update to identify new threats.

c. Be wary of programs/files you download and install. They may harbour unwanted extra programs or advertisements, in particular those from peer to peer sites.

You now have 4 out of the 6 essential Net basics!

5. Set your computer to automatically up-to-date all of the above
New ways to compromise your computer and information are constantly being identified by hackers. You need to set your operating system, firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware software to automatically update. Having this done may also improve your computers performance.

a. Go to Microsoft's Windows Update site and install all the recommended patches.

b. In particular, install Windows XP Service Pack 2 if you don't have it already.

c. Regularly visit www.officeupdate.com to update Microsoft Office applications.

d. Remember to set anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall software to auto-update.

6. Use a STRONG password
It is important to password protect your computer to help limit access by unwanted users. Change your password regularly and keep it secret. A strong password is one that is at least 8 characters with a mix of lower case (abc..) and upper case (ABC..) letters, symbols (#&*..) and numerals (123..). To find good techniques to help you remember your password click here.

GREAT! You now have the Net basics in place which will help keep your computer and your information safer online.

Please note:
While this webpage provides a summary of the most important points for protecting your PC, we recommend that you also check out the Computer security section of our website.
The information on this webpage focuses on Microsoft products. If you use an Apple Mac, you might like to look at the safety and security information on the Apple/Mac website. If you are using a Linux/Unix operating system, please contact us with your query at queries@netsafe.org.nz
Remember these are preventative steps and may not be enough to help with an already severely compromised computer. Contact NetSafe for more information.