The next area to be fixed in our quest for better Internet security is network file/print sharing. When a user attempts to share folders and files from a Windows XP machine, he is met with the following warning: “Network sharing and security. As a security measure, Windows has disabled remote access to this computer. If you understand the security risks but want to share files… ” This is a good warning and should be heeded, as there are security risks involved with file sharing. Since they don’t really know what they are doing and do not have an IT staff to properly configure and monitor their network, most computer users have no business networking their computers together and sharing files on machines that face the Internet. If you need to move a file to another computer for editing or printing, copy the file to a USB drive and simply walk it across the room to the other computer, or send it as an email attachment. It’s a minor inconvenience compared to the hassle of restoring a computer that’s been “owned” by a malicious hacker.
To disable file sharing, go to Control Panel/Network Connections. Right-click on Local Area Connection and click Properties. Uncheck File and Printer Sharing. Uncheck Client for Microsoft Networks, also; you don’t need it. If you are using a wireless network, do the same things to the properties of your wireless card.
Antivirus and antispyware/adware scans should be run on a regular basis. If your programs are capable of automatic scheduled scans, set them to run at a time when your computer may actually be turned on. By the way, I hope that you’re turning your computer off at night; some updates will not install until the computer is restarted. The old advice about leaving your computer running 24/7 because it will wear out faster if you turn it off may have been true in the earlier days of computing; with modern-day machines, such advice is nonsense, and downright dangerous.
With the free versions of Adaware and Spybot, scans must be run manually. How often you should scan depends on how you use your computer online; once a week is sufficient for most users. If you spend a lot of time visiting creepy websites, you may want to scan every day.
If you notice your computer exhibiting strange behavior, yet your scans show nothing amiss, try getting a second opinion. Trend Micro offers a free online scanning service (http://housecall.trendmicro.com) that can be helpful. Kaspersky offers a similar service (www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner). The Kaspersky service uses ActiveX controls, which means that you have to use Internet Explorer to complete the scan; that’s acceptable in this type of limited-exposure situation.
Finally, one of my favorite tools is a tiny, free program called CCleaner (www.ccleaner.com), which unofficially stands for “Crap Cleaner.” During installation, I prefer to opt out of its auto-update function, and to refuse installation of third-party toolbars. CCleaner gives you a fast and easy way to remove junk files from your computer, such as temporary, history and cookie files. It also allows you to repair bad registry entries and conflicts.
Pay attention to the basics and enjoy happy surfing!