Internet and Computer Networking Security Tips

Note: This is a guest post by Scott Hughes, administrator of Philosophy Forums.

For most experienced computer users, basic security is common sense. Computer professionals and computer geeks usually know how to protect their computer and privacy. But most people who use computers regularly still do not seem to take even the most basic steps at securing their computer. These people seem to just count on the OS (usually Windows) to have built-in features to protect them, but that will not work. Let me explain some basic but important ways to secure your computer while connected to a network or the internet.

Firewall

Firstly, you need a firewall. A firewall secures your computer by enforcing rules on both outgoing and incoming connections. I prefer to have a firewall that will grant access on an application by application basis, and I prefer advanced modes that ask me about each application when they try to connect. A firewall will protect you from external threats as well as internal threats because it can stop malicious programs on your computer from connecting to the internet or sending out private data. That can protect you from spyware and identity theft. There are many free firewalls available. I personally like Comodo the best.

Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware Programs

Most people know to use these. But I would not count on whatever comes preinstalled on your computer, especially since most of those will only offer a trial version and will just try to sell you on the real copy. Instead, I would find a free alternative. Sometimes I prefer to install more than one of these programs so that I can run both to decrease the chances of a viruses slipping through. But it is important to remember that they may cause conflicts.

Browser Security

If you use Internet Explorer, then you will want a copy of HijackThis to monitor programs that have modified how Internet Explorer runs. However, I personally recommend that you do not use Internet Explorer. It is notoriously insecure. Firefox has a much better reputation regarding security. Besides, Firefox can be uninstalled from a Windows computer if it starts causing problems. In contrast, you cannot uninstall Internet Explorer if it gets hijacked. Firefox is free, open-source, and is more frequently updated.

Those are just some basic ways to make your computer more secure over the Internet or a network. Computer security is very important, and it is easier to prevent compromises than it is to undo them later.

Scott Hughes, the author of this post, is a webmaster, online business owner, political activist, and writer. Scott also maintains philosophy discussion forums, a great place for some intellectually stimulating conversation.