Protect your computer and yourself against a variety of threats on the Internet by following smart computing practices.

1. "Common sense" items
• The old saying "There's no free lunch" usually applies online too. If something appears to be free, is it really?
• Avoid types of websites known to create problems.
• Read the fine print when downloading software! Understand the license agreement, and watch for hidden catches. "Free" toolbars etc. often compromise privacy and security.
• Peer-to-peer software, such as many popular programs for sharing music, often contains malicious sneakware. Those "free" downloads may end up being costly in terms of money, computer efficiency, and privacy invasion.
• Use legal software.
• If you insert a disk or download software, you're effectively saying "I trust you" - there's no way to be sure what's really in the software.
• Supervise others who use your computer, as appropriate.
• Consider using special software to protect children (see getnetwise, for example).
• Anyone can potentially run software on a computer to record any events, including communications with you.



2. Email
• Always use good email etiquette to protect privacy, defeat spammers, and more.
• The Community Network does not permit remote websites to determine your username or identity. Don't provide your identity or email address online unless you trust the site and are required to provide it. Be kind to others - don't give out their addresses either.
• Delete suspicious email messages. Open only expected attachments.
• It's easy to forge email. That odd message from Aunt Martha may not really be from her.
• Unencrypted email is completely non-secure. There's an old saying among Internet pros: "If you don't want to see it on the front page of tomorrow's paper, don't put it in an email". Think how easy it is to forward messages, or to make errors when sending.
• Never reply to spam.
• Consider using plain-text email for better privacy (hidden web bugs can't report back to unknown senders) and faster downloading.



3. Passwords
• A good password is easy to remember but hard to guess (don't use parts of names, pet names, telephone, address, license, etc.).
• Use at least 6 characters; no dictionary words; use at least one upper-case letter and number.
• NEVER give your password to anyone, especially online! If you suspect your password may have been compromised, change it immediately



4. Windows user levels
• If you're running Windows 2000 or XP, take advantage of user levels. Create accounts for users, including the primary user (probably you), that have limited system privileges. Don't log on as administrator unless necessary. Keep the administrator password in a safe place.



5. Update Windows regularly
• When Microsoft patches security holes, updates are usually available on its website. If Windows Update doesn't run automatically on your computer, run it manually at least every couple of months:
  • Click Start | Windows Update, or in Internet Explorer click Tools | Windows Update. Scan for updates, then download and install critical updates as prompted. (If you're running Windows 2000 or XP, you'll need to log on to Windows as a user with administrative privileges.)
• Windows XP Service Pack 2 is a huge download. A free CD can be ordered from Microsoft
• Microsoft no longer provides updates to Internet Explorer and Outlook Express for Windows 95. Consider using alternative browser and email software.



6. Antivirus software
• Even though the Community Network runs updated antivirus software on its mailserver to protect your email, be sure to run antivirus software on your own computer at all times, and update it frequently. See more information.



7. Antiparasite software
• Parasite software and viruses are not the same. Although many people have never heard of parasite software, it's a huge and rapidly growing problem. Click here for information and links to parasite removal products.



8. Browsing strategies
• Use an automatic popup blocker. This is available in some browsers, including the latest Internet Explorer update in Windows XP, Firefox and Mozilla, and in some products such as the Google toolbar.
• Check security settings on your browser (see windowssecrets.com for suggestions); review your cookie policies. If you make changes, make sure you understand the consequences. Make notes of original settings in case new settings don't work properly.
• Read privacy policies when appropriate.
• Use an alternative to Internet Explorer. Consider, for example, Firefox or Mozilla, both of which have few security risks and are free.
• If Internet Explorer is cluttered with nuisance toolbars software is available to help.



9. Firewalls
• Although dialup is safer than broadband connections, a good firewall can provide additional protection. A "personal firewall" installed on your computer, while less effective than a true firewall on a separate machine, is relatively easy to set up.
  
• Reviews: firewallguide.com, Pcworld; review the reviewers.
• ZoneAlarm is often recommended in reviews.
• Be careful when installing and configuring a firewall, since you can accidentally lock yourself out of just about everything.



10. Other resources
• Check the security-related section of the Helpdesk page
• Test your security and learn much more at Gibson Research Corporation


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