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Nov 9, 2002, 5:38pm

I saw a post about virus's going around. I figure I'd write up some things
I've done to prevent infections and keep your computer safe and happy.

1> Most of you are running Windows I assume. Even if you aren't this also
applies to Linux and every other OS out there. Keep your operating system up
to date with the latest patches and fixes. For Windows users that means
visiting the Windows Update utility on the start menu of your computer. This
feature is available on Windows 98 up to XP. Download ever patch and fix you
can get your hands on. It will help keep you safe.

2> Keep your antiviral software up to date. No antiviral software is perfect
but keeping it up to date helps even more. Make sure your package can scan
emails that come in to your computer. Norton Antivirus is one of the better
ones out there but McAffee's is also good too.

3> For those of you with a flare for running servers on your computer. Keep
the servers up to date. Make sure they are patched up completely. Some
examples would be FTP servers, web servers like Apache, etc. This leads in
to the next topic.

4> Firewalls are good at keeping you safe but only if they are configured
and maintained properly. Windows XP comes with it's own Firewall protection
built in. Its not fantastic, but it's a start. Purchase a decent firewall
package or consider setting up a Linux gateway of some kind if your a real
techie. :) At least that way it will be free software and a damn nice
firewall. :)

5> Basically when computers talk over the internet they connect via ports
usually. If your running a server of some kind it sits on a specific port
number and waits for a connection request. The best way to keep yourself
safe is to have the least amount of ports open. This include file sharing
under Windows.

The best thing to do here is to turn off all unnecessary services like file
and print sharing, FTP, or web servers if you don't rely on them regularly.
For 90% of the people who read this mainly concern yourself with file
sharing and be sure it's turned off unless you have a specific purpose for
it.

If your running Windows 2000 or XP go in to your Add/Remove Windows
components and make sure IIS is not installed. Unless you need a web server
don't have it running. And please keep that patched if you do. IIS is one of
the more buggy servers out there. It shouldn't be installed by default, but
I dunno who's computer has what so be careful if you do use it.

6> Finally the one sure way of never getting a virus is quite obvious. Never
share documents, disks, or any other things with other people and their
computers. Also never connect to the internet and thoroughly review each
disk you stick in your computer. That's really the only sure way of near
100% protection short of writing your own software and OS. :)

Some tips on keeping things running smoothly.

1> Scandisk regularly if you have Windows 95-ME... Even 2000 and XP have it
for Fat 16 and FAT 32 partitions so do it regularly there too.

2> Defrag the drive every week or so. I usually leave mine running one night
a week to defrag and optimize the drive. So much junk on there. :P

3> Empty your browsers cache every so often. In IE that's by going to
Tools -> Internet Options and clicking the Delete Files button in Temporary
Internet Files. IE tends to build a VERY large cache over time and I've seen
caches over a GIG in size. :O That gives you a little extra breathing room
if you have too many MP3's. :D

4> When defragging try to do this in Safe Mode. Safe Mode just loads a bare
windows and no drivers and the computer operates MUCH faster and efficient
and Scandisk and Defrag can go really quick for Windows 95-ME machines.

5> I don't recommend everyone do this, but I'll state it because it's
something I've found to help every so often. On Windows 95-ME machines
there's a folder called TEMP in the Windows directory. It's at
C:\WINDOWS\TEMP. Every so often I emptied mine out completely from the
command prompt. Apparently some applications leave things in there and data
could get corrupted and mixed depend on how the application distinguishes
old data and temp files from new. Sometimes they don't well enough or at all
and the system may seem to slow down and drag. Emptying out the TEMP folder
by deleting all the files can help clear things up.

6> Finally one last thing that I do but don't recommend unless you know what
your doing. Every so often Windows 95-Me machines tend to get slower and
slower. Sometimes deleting the Windows swap file can also clear things up
and make the machine run faster. From what I learned in my A+ certification
a while back, deleting that will just have Windows make a fresh new one and
there will be peace in the valley. :)

Well I know this message was long but I hope it helps some people out. I
know working at a university for 4 years I saw students leave file sharing
turned on over the campus network and their entire C: drive was shared out
to the world with READ and WRITE access for anyone. *Shakes Head*

I hope a reach some people with this info and for god sakes turn off file
sharing if you don't need it! Especially if you have a direct connection to
a cable modem service. My understanding of cable modem services are that
they are like a party telephone line. Everyone in the neighborhood shares
that line and could easily see any file and printer shares unless your
behind a firewall or have file sharing turned off.

Oh yeah, one other bit of information. I've heard stories already about
people having wireless keyboards and mice being effected by their neighbors
wireless keyboard and mice from the other house. If you use wireless and
suddenly see someone typing on your computer while your sitting at it, that
may be the problem. :)

SeenTheUnseen

Nov 9, 2002, 5:40pm

DOH.. saw an old message and thought it was new. After I hit the sort by
date I realize this. :)

Seen

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