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High Speed
Internet Guideline
Help identify
vulnerabilities that should be addressed before any internet access
is
implemented.
"It
doesn't need gas, oil or spring tune ups, but your computer does need
preventive maintenance...”
Without regular maintenance, your PC may fail, sputter and grind to a halt,
leaving you stranded on the soft shoulder of the
Information Highway...
Keep Your PC Clean To Keep It Running PCWorld, 3/2000
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Microsoft Security Updates
These updates or “Cumulative
Patch" updates eliminates all known security vulnerabilities affecting
Internet Explorer, Outlook and Outlook Express as well as newly discovered
vulnerabilities.
Install the updates to
protect your computer from these vulnerabilities, the most serious of which
could allow an attacker to run their (virus, mining, etc.) applications on your
system. Microsoft releases updates security, critical and non-critical on
almost a daily basis.
IMPORTANT – For security-related
information about Microsoft products, please visit the Microsoft Security
Advisor web site at
http://www.microsoft.com/security
FREE - To check for updates,
on windows desktop click on Start, Windows Update, Scan for updates, and follow
the instructions.
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Spyware
A privacy tool that will
provide you with the confidence to surf the Internet knowing that your privacy
will remain intact. They scan and detect your computer for known data-mining,
aggressive advertising, Parasites, Scumware, Keyloggers, selected traditional Trojans, Dialers, Malware, Browser hijackers, and tracking components. Some companies or individuals can then sell
your private information to third party vendors for use that is not only
unwanted, but dangerous. Credit card theft is just one of the many things to be
aware of.
IMPORTANT – update the application regularly for
the latest signatures (simulator to virus signatures).
FREE VERSION -
http://www.snapfiles.com/get/adaware.html,
look at the more robust version for $27.00.
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Virus Software
Are you exposed? Don't surf the Internet,
download files or open email attachments without the latest anti-virus against
more than 67,000 known viruses and the 300 new ones discovered every month.
IMPORTANT
– update the application regularly for
the latest signatures.
FREE
VERSION - AVG Anti-Virus – Trial Version 30 days
http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_trial.php
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Scandisk
Designed to check the
integrity of a computer hard disk drive to verify that there are not
significant issues which could cause hard drive failure and loss of your
computer data.
FREE - In Windows you can run Scandisk by
selecting Start->Programs->Accessories->System
Tools->Scandisk.
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Defrag
Microsoft Defrag or Disk Defragmenter is a
software utility designed to help chronologically order the data on the hard
disk drive. The theory behind defrag is to place each program together instead
of scattered throughout the hard disk drive allowing the read-write head to
access the data faster on the hard disk drive. Windows 98 includes an improved version of
defrag that is said to place the most commonly accessed data at the beginning
of the drive allowing the read-write head a shorter distance to access the data
making the computer faster. Generally unless the hard disk drive is seriously
fragmented you will not notice a significant difference after defragging the
hard disk drive.
FREE - In Windows you can run Defrag by
selecting Start->Programs->Accessories->System
Tools->Defrag
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Pop-up blocker (elective)
Very few of
us have a warm place in our hearts for browser windows that pop up in front of
the screen without permission. The free Pop-Up Stopper prevents them (and
pop-under windows) from displaying.
A pop-up
blocker is not necessary and not recommended if you are utilizing
a good Spyware application, often pop-up blockers mask the true issue and
Spyware eliminates the issue
Note: PCWorld.com uses pop-up
windows to survey readers, show ads, and sell magazine subscriptions.
FREE VERSION -
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,8060,00.asp
Pop-Up Stopper Professional (estimated
price $ 39.95)
http://www.panicware.com/popupstopper.html
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Network Interface cards in each PC
A Network Interface Card (NIC) is inserted into
each computer; it is an expansion card that is necessary hardware used to
connect a computer to a network to access applications, data or the internet.
NIC come in different speeds, 10 megabytes, 100 megabytes and 1 gigabyte, the
most common today is the 100 megabytes and should cost less than $40.00.
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Network hub/switch
A Network hub or switch is a networking device
that connects multiple networking devices together.
Note: Your hub should be at a speed of 100MHz
and contain enough ports for each network device to include but not limited to
(computers, printers, copiers, wireless networking and internet access). There
are various sizes of hub/switches, 8, 16, and 24 ports.
SOURCE
– Bytes, Bits & Megabytes (407) 699-2108
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Firewall
Software utility and/or
hardware device that limits outside network access to a computer or local
network. Firewalls are commonly a great step for helping prevent
un-authorized access to a company or home network. Firewalls range in price from $30.00 for a
software version to $800.00 for a hardware version. The prices are subject to number of users,
and features.
FREE - Software Trial Version:
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/zap/trial/zap4x_trial.jsp?lid=pdb_zaptrial
Hardware Version:
http://www.sonicwall.com
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Backup
WHY TAPE
BACKUP? Very simply, tape provides the best solution
for the protection of an individual or organizations' data from intentional or
unintentional data loss. Tape is used to recover data that is otherwise
unavailable, due to natural catastrophe, mechanical failure, accidental or
intentional human error.
According to data from the National Computer Safety Association, 15% of data
loss occurs due to technical failure, in instances of natural disasters and
power spikes; 17% of data loss occurs due to sabotage, theft or viruses and 68%
of data loss can be attributed to simple human error.
Take the "I Love You" virus, for example. According to MSNBC, the
virus cost American companies approximately ten billion dollars
($10,000,000,000). According to a 1998 Contingency Planning study, the cost to
recreate data can be as high as $50,000 per megabyte when considering lost
revenue, decreased productivity and the actual data recreation effort. That’s
assuming an organization even gets the chance to recreate the data. McGladrey and Pullen report that 43% of businesses
suffering a catastrophic data loss will never reopen.
FREE - In Windows you can run Defrag by
selecting Start->Programs->Accessories->System
Tools->Backup
SOURCE –
Hardware Bytes,
Bits & Megabytes (407) 699-2108
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Anti-Spam (elective)
With the onslaught of
spam, viruses, directory harvest attacks and fraud, enterprise email has become
a dangerously vulnerable place. Anti0-Spam software detects and eradicates
threats before your enterprise is penetrated.
FREE
– Eliminate Spam 2.0, http://download.com.com/3001-2382-10162591.html
Copyright
2004 copied with permission Excerpt of whitepaper "Getting Prepared
For Internet 2004, Paul R. Daigle
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