Ten tips to protect yourself
Keep things running smoothly |
Please note:while some of the detailed information given here is for computers usingWindows, much of it is also relevant to users ofApple Mac or Linuxbased computers.
1. Back-up, back-up, back-up!
- If you lose a week’s work you’ve done on a funding bid you will be very, very pleased if you have a recent copy and don’t need to start again from scratch.
- Having a back-up means keeping a copy of important files separately from your computer so that if your computer dies or becomes infected you have a copy you can use.
- A secure back-up policy is vital, otherwise you risk being hit by problems that could bring your work to a standstill for several days. It’s not just viruses but computer failure, theft or even fire in an office, so make sure your policy includes keeping data and inventory details off-site.
- Find more detail about backing up in Chapter 4 on policies and procedures.
Backing up
It often takes a change in your work pattern to start making regular back-ups, but one experience of losing your data will be more than enough to persuade you to do it. Even better, do it before things go wrong.
Once you get used to a way of keeping reliable back-up copies you will find it simple to do – and if anything does happen you will not have lost everything.
2. Install anti-virus software and keep it up to date
- It is the job of your anti-virus software to keep track of the latest security problems and shield you from their effects. It should detect known viruses on your computer and eliminate them. In some cases it will also stop viruses getting on to your machine.
- There are many well respected anti-virus software packages available, such as Norton, AVG, MacAfee and Clamwin. Some are free, some you need to pay for, and they all have slightly different strengths and weaknesses. Look at reviews and ask for up-to-date expert advice from people with ICT knowledge.
- Many charities use AVG, which comes free for home use and at a 50 per cent discount for charity use.
- Clamwin is a free virus killer which can be used at home or in the office free of charge.
Double trouble
If you already have anti-virus software on your computer you should NOT install a new programme before you uninstall the old one. Rather than doubling your protection, the one is very likely to treat the other as hostile and start fighting.
3. Keep your system software up to date
- If your computer is connected to the Internet and your Windows system software is not updated regularly it will become infected. That is a certainty. Anti-virus software will not prevent this, so you must make sure you keep everything up to date.
- If you have Windows XP and a broadband connection you can check whether you need updates by using the Windows Update link in the Start Menu. Click on Start >Windows Update. You will be connected to the Microsoft site and can follow the on-screen instructions.
- Once you’ve carried out an update it is possible to set the computer to check for updates regularly. Click on Start > Settings > Control Panel >Automatic Updates and set it to check at a time when you know the computer is on, or use the option to automatically download updates and tell you when they need installing.
- This should also apply to versions of Windows back to Windows 2000.
- Apple Macs have a similar system for updating software, often to address security issues. Click on the blue Apple in the top left corner, select Software Update and download and install any files it suggests are needed.You can set how frequently it checks for updates by clicking on the blue Apple in the top left of the screen, opening System Preferences and clicking on Software Update. This will present options for when to check for new software.
Weblink
If you use Windows XP with a broadband connection, visit theWindows Update website to check whether your software is up to date. Having examined your hard disk it will identify what you need to update, including Windows and any other Microsoft programs you have installed. A few clicks later it will be downloading the files and installing updates. After a restart it will have completed the updates. Access this from the Start menu > Windows Update.
For more on security issues see the Knowledgebase article ‘Safe and sound – keeping your computers and data secure’.
4. Install Spybot and Ad-Aware
You can tackle almost all malware by installing specialist software on your computer, much of which is free and relatively easy to install and keep up to date.
- For example, a piece of software called Spybot – Search & Destroy can detect and remove malware of different kinds from your computer. An alternative is Ad-Aware, that provides advanced protection from known data-mining, aggressive advertising, and other forms of malware.
- Alternatives to Spybot include Windows Defender, which is part of Windows Vista and can be used on Windows XP, and AVG Anti Spyware, which is part of the AVG suite of programmes. Both are free, although AVG Anti Spyware goes into a limited mode after the trial period expires. Makers of popular anti-virus software such as MacAfee and Symantec also have anti-spyware products which you can pay for.
- Visit www.download.com to get either of these free programs, or any of the alternatives. Search for the software and then follow instructions to download it and install in your computer.
NOTE:Always back-up
your data before installing anything new; these sites are safe but it is a good policy to
adopt.
5. Block pop-ups when surfing the Internet
- When using a browser such as Internet Explorer to access the Internet you may notice that lots of small windows ‘pop up’ over the page you’re visiting – containing anything from promotional material to obscene material.These may be distracting, confusing or offensive, but if you click on them they can also download hidden malware such as viruses and spyware.
- Pop-up blockers block these extra browser windows and the latest version of most browsers now contain one, including Microsoft Internet Explorer, Apple’s Safari and Firefox. Google also offers a reliable pop-up blocker that is easy to install and use. It adds a toolbar to the top of your browser window and comes with access to other Google tools such as a newsreader.