This page is about securing your computer and wondering about issues related to security and privacy in general. We have assembled this page in Q&A format to make it easier to follow and also as an effort to answer some of your concerns about computer security. We suggest you take the time to read all of the related issues. Its a long list, we know, but we still recommend you go through it because security is a chain that is only as strong as its weakest link. At the top we have the most important issues that should be considered to ensure that your computer is somewhat secure, and at the bottom we are discus in more detail "advanced" security like safe operating systems, wiping your files, personal data issues and such. If you have any questions or comments you would like to be discussed or even added here, please email support@conecta4.com, this way we can work it out or even add it to this "section" enabling others that have also wondered about the same issue to find help.

Q. Why is my computer not safe? I have installed everything as I should have!

A. It isn't safe because a) the default settings on programs are usually NOT secure b) You haven't updated and patched your software c) you don't have proper software d) you don't know how to use your software properly.

Q.OK, this is getting complicated, I give up. I cant learn all these things, I'm no computer expert!

A. Don't give up! Its really not that difficult. There are just few basic step to follow and your computer suddenly becomes much more secure.

Q. So I should pay a lot of money to get these gizmos working so I can be safe?

A.No. Most of the software you need is free.

Q.What is the first thing I should do?

A.Backup. Make sure you ALWAYS have good backups from ALL important documents, databases, contact information and so on. Documents and such can easily be backed up to floppy disk or CD. If at all possible, burning them to CD-RW would be by far the better solution. You should store the backups in safe place like putting them in safe or store them in different building if they contain really important files.

In an ideal situation, and for the more "tech savvy" user it would be better to have two HDD:s and a program like Norton Ghost, which you can use and boot to DOS to make an "Image" of you HDD1 to that HDD2. Compress the image as you are making it and you can store many images on the same HDD without overwriting the newest one! You could do this every week or two and always take the HDD2 to safe place. Then even in the worst possible scenario, you could restore your computer and all files in it at the state they where when the backup was made...and it will only take you few minutes to have your computer "back to normal".

QAnd then?

A.Update and patch your software, maybe even upgrade it. You might start by going to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and let the update wizard help you get the latest patches to your version of Windows. Also, consider going to http://officeupdate.microsoft.com and get the patches for your Office programs too (if you have one, that is). Remember to check for new patches every now and then (at least couple times a month). It is wise to select all the patches available and install them. You also have to restart, and return to the site and get more patches a few times, if you haven't updated for a while. Its very important to do this. You can also get a free update CD by mail from Microsoft! Check out the Microsoft web site for more information.

Q.So that's it then? Now I have downloaded all the patches I need?

A.Well, yes and no. You have downloaded most critical patches for your operating system and browser (Internet Explorer). But I bet there are lots of other software on your machine that should maybe be updated too, but its not that important. The main thing is that your operating system and browser are updated. Also, make sure that you have updated your anti virus program or at least the virus definitions. You can usually do this with a click of a button in the anti virus program. Please see your anti virus programs help file for more information.

Q.OK, besides updating my software, what else needs to be done?

A.Well, the next thing is to get a good, easy-to-use firewall, like Zone Alarm, that is if you don't already have one. Zone Alarm is free and its really quite good. A Firewall is a program that lets you control what goes in and out of your computer to the network or Internet. Without one, anything can get out of your computer and something can come into your computer from the internet. There are many other Firewall programs available other than Zone Alarm, but as a free program we do recommend using Zone Alarm .It is safe and so easy-to-use. Maybe even instead of getting a software firewall (or even if you already have a software firewall), consider adding a hardware firewall too. You can get simple external switches or devices that also share your internet connection to several computers at once and these routers incorporate a feature called NAT that also helps prevent inbound threats.

Q.Is firewall necessary? I've been told its not really something I need.

A.This is a common mistake. The person who told your that forgot to tell you, that under ANY situation, having a firewall does you absolutely no harm, but can save you from lot of distress. A firewall is necessary so that you can remain in control of your computer, and not some hacker next door. If you are not in control of your own computer, there is very little that can be done to improve your security, because the person who is in control of your PC can easily bypass the security from the inside.

Q.My Windows XP has a firewall, should I use it?

A.If you have nothing else at this one will help a little. Windows XP does not have "real" firewall, it just has what we call an inbound port blocker. It does NOT block outgoing traffic, nor does it filter it in anyway. It is far better to just Install and use Zone Alarm or similar instead. Of course, if you don't want to install Zone Alarm or similar or haven't installed it yet, then Windows XP:s Internet Connection Firewall is better than nothing... The good point on ICF is that it is very easy to use, basically you just turn it on and then you can forget it. But you can easily get the same level of protection using NAT or an external firewall than with ICF, without taking up your computers resources, so...

Q.How do I use firewall?

A.In short, using, Zone Alarm, for example, is pretty easy. You simply choose a security level (high) and then choose whether or not you want a particular program be able to connect to the internet. You should only allow programs that you know FOR SURE you want to connect. If you just let anything connect without thinking about it, the firewall offers you only marginal security. A good rule is, that only your internet browser, email client and programs like Messenger or ICQ, that are used on the internet, should be allowed to connect. Remember that you can ALWAYS test it: don't allow anything to access and if the service you are trying to use (like read your email or download a video clip) doesn't work, then let that particular program through (at least that time), otherwise don't let anything go to the Internet.

Q.OK, if I have patched my system and installed and configured my firewall, now what? Am I safe?

A.No, but your situations isn't as hopeless as it was before. The next thing you need to do is to adjust your browsers and email clients settings so that you aren't asking for trouble when you surf in the internet or read your email. For example, Active-X and Java script are very powerful and dangerous elements if used by an intruder. Cookies, for instance, are pretty harmless, but they can be a serious privacy issue since they are used to track your movement on the Internet and to build a profile on you.

You should also check settings on your other programs like anti virus, email client, Windows, etc. Many anti virus programs, for instance, don't have secure settings on default! Some anti virus programs, for instance, don't use heuristics, don't scan inside compressed files, don't scan all files, and don't check for updates automatically! Some anti virus programs don't even do anything when a virus is found! Just installing a program doesn't give you security. The security only comes after you check the settings and learn to use that program a little. Trust us when we say "its worth the effort"