Linux Hosting : Safe Computing Guide
Firewalls & Filters
- Software Firewalls
- Hardware Firewalls
- Most routers such as Linksys now include firewall.
- Smoothwall - not sure if this should be a hardware or software firewall but because it is not installed on your Windows machine, I categorized it a hardware firewall.
- Content Filters
- Dan's Guardian - this is a plug-in for Smoothwall, and since it is not installed on your local machine is much harder to get around.
- PC Monitor - also allows you to limit computer usage per user.
- There are many programs that will filter content for you such as Norton Internet Security.
E-mail
- Never open e-mails or attachments from people you don't know. Even if you know the person, be cautious - this is how viruses spread.
- Never unsubscribe from Spam, this will only lead to more Spam.
- Never open any attachment with a double file extension such as file1.doc.exe - you might think this is a Word document but it has an exe at the end which makes it an executable file.
Anti-virus
We recommend Avast, which is a free anti-virus program for non-commercial use. For business use we would recommend Norton. Keep your anti-virus updated at least weekly if not more frequently. An outdated anti-virus program is as useful as a car with 3 wheels - you can say you own it but it won't get you anywhere.
Passwords
- Never use a name for a password, use a combination of upper and lower case letters and numbers.
- Need help thinking of a password, we recommend a free program that will generate some for you - Webmaster Password Generator.
Operating System
Keep your operating system up to date, if you are using Windows, check Windows Update at least once a month or enable automatic protection. Be sure to install all critical updates.
Spyware
- Be cautious of "free" programs, many of them may include spyware. Spyware is a small program that runs without your knowledge and reports your computer activity - mostly used for marketing purposes. Having many of these on your computer can also slow your computer's performance.
- Use a program such as Spybot Search & Destroy or Adaware to keep your computer free of spyware. lthough both are good programs and free, we recommend Spybot - just a personal preference.
Beware of Phishing
PHISHING is a term denoting "spoofed" emails and fraudulent Websites
designed to fool recipients into divulging personal financial data such as
credit card numbers, account usernames and passwords, social security
numbers, etc. By hijacking the trusted brands of well-known banks, online
retailers and credit card companies, phishers are able to convince up to 5%
of recipients to respond to them. Read more and delve into this
comprehensive database at http://www.antiphishing.org/ .
