Brown Bag Q&A: Home Computer Security

In this multi-part series I will cover common questions about home computer security.  This post will primarily focus on steps new computer owners need to take to get their Windows based PC up and running.  Below is also a list of anti-virus, anti-malware and firewall software recommended for home use.  Again, this focuses on HOME COMPUTER security.  Your campus computer is continually monitored for security threats and CIT personal are constantly on the lookout for new threats.  These postings are intended to get your home computer up to snuff and protected.

That new computer smell

Those who attended the Brown Bag Q&A heard me mention this a few times.  It’s not so much I have a fetish for sniffing new electronic parts, instead it’s a metaphor - granted a rather obscure one – let me explain.  When you buy a new car there are some given things that must be done to make that care useable.  You’re going to need to adjust the seat, the mirrors, climate control and most likely fill up the gas tank (or charge the battery for you Tesla owners).  You also need to review the manual on the cool features of the car like the how to turn on the wipers!  I digress…

Anyhow, what I’m getting at is that new car smell tends to make people a bit excited and forget some of the basics.  Same goes for new electronics.  Electronic devices are getting so easy to use and intuitive that many people forget there are details that really matter and in the excitement about the new device, some basics are often overlooked.

Steps to take with a new computer.

For this post I’m going to focus on the new computer and how to get it ready.  First of all I’m not knocking the service a certain electronics retailer offers to “prep” your new computer however; there really is no need to pay someone to do this for you.  It is true PC’s come with lots of “trialware” (a.k.a. bloatware) installed on them.  The Mac commercials make you think this is a bad thing.  While it is frustrating, it isn’t necessarily a bad thing.  The trialware is actually helping your computer to be cheaper.  Companies pay to have their software installed on these new computers to offset the price.  If “trialware” didn’t exist even basic computers that cost around $300 would actually have to be sold for $900.  Assuming you haven’t caught on by now, this is why Mac’s tend to cost more than PC’s.  Mac’s do not come with trialware so without the subsidies, the price goes up.  And I’m off topic again.

Here’s the meat of what you need to do:

  1. Unbox the computer and put it together as per the manufactures instructions.
  2. DO NOT CONNECT THE COMPUTER TO THE INTERNET YET!!!
  3. Turn on the computer and run through all the startup screens to personalize your experience.
  4. Go in to Programs and Features (in Control Panel) to remove any trialware you do not want.  This would include demo games, possibly some demo games, and anything else you see the words “trial” or “demo” in the name. (except the anti-virus product)
  5. Again, leave the anti-virus software installed for now.  Most likely this is trialware, too.  For now though it is providing security to your PC for the next steps.
  6. Make sure the firewall is enabled.  In Windows Vista and Windows XP there is the Security Center in Control Panel.  Open Security Center and make sure the firewall is “on” or” enabled”.
  7. Now plug in the Internet connection.
  8. Update the computer!  Microsoft produces updates to known security issues every month.  These updates will be installed on your computer by going to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.  The updates are free of charge and even come with free support from Microsoft if they ever cause a problem for your PC.  1-888-PCSAFETY
  9. After the updates, download and install a non trialware edition of anti-virus.  UW Green Bay employees and students have Home Use Rights to McAfee.  Visit http://www.uwgb.edu/compserv/software/downloads.htm to download.  More free anti-virus options will follow in another post.
  10. Once the download has completed and you have the instructions printed, disconnect your computer from the Internet and uninstall your trialware anti-virus.
  11. Install McAfee or some other anti-virus.  If you decided to not uninstall the anti-virus that came with your new computer that’s fine too, keep in mind it will need to be purchased to continue functioning.  Anti-virus also needs to be updated DAILY (yes, many new threats are discovered each day).  Out of date anti-virus software is only marginally better than no anti-virus software at all.
  12. Plug your computer back in to the Internet connection and get the latest updates for your anti-virus software.

It used to be said the only true secure computer is one that is turned off, buried below ground 20 feet and encased in concrete.  While a bit humorous and truthful, obviously not a usable solution.  With the steps take above your computer is now safer for being connected to the Internet.

 

More to come…

May 07 2009 03:27 pm | Home Computer Security

3 Responses to “Brown Bag Q&A: Home Computer Security”

  1. Christine on 29 May 2009 at 8:38 am #

    More to come? When?
    It’s June now :-(

  2. Christine on 10 Jul 2009 at 1:32 pm #

    Now it’s July. Where oh where is our promised brown bag data… :-(

  3. Christine on 14 Oct 2009 at 12:07 pm #

    Now it’s October. So sad. No data. No post.

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