There are many ways you can increase the security on your
computer. Here are a few important ones:
Install a firewall.
Firewalls are very important, because they prevent anyone on the Internet getting into your computer. If you do not have a firewall installed, then your computer can easily be compromised. Fortunately, there are plenty of free firewalls out there that you can download, but our recommendation is either using ZoneAlarm or Windows XP firewall.
Zonealarm can be downloaded from Zone Labs' website.
Just follow the directions while installing the program and your computer will be secure.
Windows XP comes with a firewall already embedded into the networking software. Unfortunately, the default is turned off, so you will have to enable it.
Disable File and Printer Sharing
File and Printer Sharing gives people on the same network access to any shared files. This is a common way that virus' spread and that computers are compromised. We recommend uninstalling it even if you don't have anything shared.
Here is how to uninstall File and Printer Sharing:
What to do if you think you have been hacked
If you have reason to believe that your computer has been compromised, then disconnect from the network immediately. Physically unplug the network cable from either the wall or your computer. Contact ResNet at 369-7766, and we will help you figure out if it has been compromised and what to do about it.
computer. Here are a few important ones:
Install a firewall.
Firewalls are very important, because they prevent anyone on the Internet getting into your computer. If you do not have a firewall installed, then your computer can easily be compromised. Fortunately, there are plenty of free firewalls out there that you can download, but our recommendation is either using ZoneAlarm or Windows XP firewall.
Zonealarm can be downloaded from Zone Labs' website.
Just follow the directions while installing the program and your computer will be secure.
Windows XP comes with a firewall already embedded into the networking software. Unfortunately, the default is turned off, so you will have to enable it.
- Go to Start->control panel->Network Connections.
- Right click your Internet connection, which is usually named "Local Area Connection", and click Properties.
- Find the Advanced tab at the top and click on it.
- Check the box under "Internet Connection Firewall" and click ok to start it up.
Disable File and Printer Sharing
File and Printer Sharing gives people on the same network access to any shared files. This is a common way that virus' spread and that computers are compromised. We recommend uninstalling it even if you don't have anything shared.
Here is how to uninstall File and Printer Sharing:
- Go to Start->control panel->Network Connections.
- If you are using Windows 95/98/ME, skip to step 4.
- Right click your Internet connection, which is usually named "Local Area Connection", and click Properties.
- Find "File and Printer Sharing" in the list and uncheck it if possible or uninstall it.
What to do if you think you have been hacked
If you have reason to believe that your computer has been compromised, then disconnect from the network immediately. Physically unplug the network cable from either the wall or your computer. Contact ResNet at 369-7766, and we will help you figure out if it has been compromised and what to do about it.
