Internet Firewall Tips and Best Practices
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The most important thing is to ensure a computer's safety and security against potential threats. It's not as easy as it sounds, though. Here are some of the best practices for keeping your computer safe and free of viruses, spyware, and other security threats.
Install protective software as early as you can. Do it while your computer has not accumulated too much "junk" yet. Consider installing internet firewall, anti-virus, and anti-spyware programs the most important task on your list when setting up your computer—next to installing the operating system that is! Good computer packages may include anti-virus suites that already include a firewall program. If they aren't included in your system, you might prefer an all-in-one package of anti-virus, anti-spyware, and internet firewall software rather than purchasing them separately. You can also opt for programs that are completely free of charge.
Whether you're on a broadband connection or a dial-up connection, it is imperative to make sure you have at least one type of firewall installed. Having as many as possible doesn't hurt either, although be careful not to have several firewall programs that may cause conflicts and other issues.
Of course, when you're using a "clean" computer, you won't be able to see if your firewall is indeed effective. Online firewall tests and third-party programs may be used to check how safe your computer is.
Keep your software up-to-date; this includes not only your firewall and anti-virus/anti-spyware programs but also your operating system. Other programs may also have security holes that have been fixed by a patch or an update. Watch out for all those new stuff.
For Windows users: download the latest Service Packs. Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) provides a firewall, too, known as Windows Firewall. It is part of the Windows Security Center, which checks just how secure your computer is by inspecting the amount of protection you have installed (firewall software, anti-virus software, and Windows automatic updates).
Again for Windows users: potentially harmful features such as Files and Settings Wizard and File and Printer Sharing may be turned on by default, but may be unnecessary for regular users. It might be wise to disable these sharing features if you don't need them.
If you're using some other operating system such as Linux or Mac OS, don't get too complacent either! While there are a number of Windows tips in here because statistically the Microsoft OS is the most prone of all operating systems, you must install protective software and/or hardware and then update regularly, regardless of OS.
Sometimes operating system updates are not enough. Browsers such as Mozilla Firefox and Opera are rapidly gaining recognition because they are found to be relatively safer compared to Microsoft Internet Explorer, although the latest version of IE is projected to improve on this aspect.
You must inspect your own habits during Internet surfing as these may very well be the most effective shield against malware. Sure, getting lots of messages and files may be fun and all, but if you're not careful, your computer might crumble to bits right under your nose.
Always remember to stay away from suspicious attachments, especially ones with names that end in .exe.
If you don't know who sent the message, better not open them either.
File-sharing or peer-to-peer programs are notorious for having spyware or adware attached to them.
Avoid clicking on fishy ads that usually pop out of nowhere: ones that announce you've won a prize or that "warn" you with a dialog-looking graphic that your computer is unsafe, then take you to download or sign up for something. You might be giving up your sensitive personal details in the process, so be very careful! A good browser will have a popup blocker installed. If yours doesn't, get one immediately.
Finally, complete your defense by backing up all your important files in the event of a severe, compromising attack.
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