Operating System: Windows 95/98/NT
Last Updated: September 9, 2003
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Step 1: Use an Internet Firewall
Before you connect your computer to the Internet, you should install a firewall. This is a piece of software or hardware that helps prevent hackers, and many types of viruses and worms, from accessing your computer.
Firewalls are the most important first line of defense for computer security. You should also use Windows® Update and antivirus software to help protect your PC.
If you have a computer with Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 98, Windows 95, or Windows NT, you should get and install either a hardware or software firewall. The following resources provide more information about some firewall options.
Hardware Firewalls
Hardware firewalls are a good alternative for earlier versions of Windows. Many wireless access points and broadband routers for home networking have built-in hardware firewalls. These provide sound protection for most home networks. The Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless Base Station is one example of a wireless access point with a built-in hardware firewall and other integrated home networking features.
Software Firewalls
Software firewalls are available from several vendors, including:
· BlackICE PC Protection
· McAfee Security
· Symantec
· Tiny Software: Tiny Personal Firewall
· ZoneAlarm
To learn more about firewalls, read Checklist: Install a Firewall at http://www.microsoft.com/security/articles/firewall.asp (from the Microsoft Security Web site. This article includes a discussion of software firewalls made by other companies, as well as hardware firewalls and network routers. This information can help you select a firewall solution if you use an earlier version of Windows on your computer.
If you have a different configuration, a small network, or if you encounter issues with regards to your firewall, see the Frequently Asked Questions about Firewalls (http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/firewall.asp).
Step 2: Get Computer Updates
Microsoft Windows NT® Workstation, Windows 98, Windows 98 Second
Edition (SE), and Windows 95 have reached the ends of their product support
life cycles. (If you are not sure what version of Windows you are using,
you can find out by following the instructions for checking your operating
system version (http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/checkos.asp)).
Updates that were provided for Windows 98 are available on an archived
basis on the Windows Update site, and the Microsoft Support Web site provides
a number of resources you can use to find help.
However, Microsoft no longer offers technical support for these releases. Because of this, we encourage you to consider upgrading to Windows XP Professional or Windows XP Home Edition so you can take advantage of Automatic Updates and other security features introduced since the operating system you are using was released.
Step 3: Use Up-to-Date Antivirus Software
Antivirus software is a program that either comes installed on your
computer or that you purchase and install yourself. It helps protect your
computer against most viruses, worms, Trojans, and other unwanted invaders
that can make your computer "sick." Viruses, worms, and the like often
perform malicious acts, such as deleting files, accessing personal data,
or using
your computer to attack other computers.
The UND ITSS provides McAfee free of charge the Faculty, staff and students. For information on where to get the software and how to install and configure it please go to go to http://www.und.nodak.edu/dept/itss/security/.
Help your computer stay healthy by asking yourself the following questions:
Do you have antivirus software installed on your computer?
Many major computer manufacturers include at least a trial version of a popular antivirus package on new computers.
· Click Start, and then click Programs. Look for an item in the list with a name like McAfee, Norton, or Symantec.
· If you don't have antivirus software installed, check out the following antivirus software companies for special offers on their products:
· McAfee Security
· Symantec
· If you already have antivirus software installed, but you want to install a new product from a different company, be certain to uninstall your current product before installing the new one. Leaving the previous version installed can cause conflicts on your system.
Is your antivirus software up to date?
If you are using McAfee, please go to go to http://www.und.nodak.edu/dept/itss/security/mcafee-auto-update.htm to get information about AutoUpdate and AutoUpgrade.
Out-of-date antivirus software means ineffective antivirus software. Antivirus software relies on regular updates to help protect against the latest threats. If you aren't subscribing to these updates, your computer may be vulnerable to threats.
**Note: McAfee does not require a subscription
· Make sure you have activated a subscription for continuous updates of your antivirus software.
· Most antivirus software updates itself when you are connected to the Internet. To ensure your software is up to date, open your antivirus program from the Start menu or the taskbar notification area and look for update status. If you still aren't sure if your antivirus software is up to date, contact the ITSS help desk.
Is your antivirus software set up correctly to provide the best protection possible?
If you are using McAfee please go to go to http://www.und.nodak.edu/dept/itss/security/mcafee-configure.htm to configure your software for the best virus protection.
The following settings should be turned on by default when you install the software. If you turn them off for any reason, be sure to turn them back on before you connect to the Internet.
"On-access" or "real-time" scanning should be turned on. An icon in your notification area should appear to indicate that this setting is enabled.
Antivirus software should perform a scheduled scan of your hard disk.
Antivirus software should be configured to scan e-mail messages.