PC Maintenance

Protecting your Windows-based PC is a requirement in today's Internet age. Here are a few products I'd recommend if you want to make the most of your technology while protecting yourself from Internet-based threats. First, on your network, be sure you're using a hardware firewall for your high speed internet access. DLink makes a great product and so does Netgear and Linksys. Whatever you are using, be sure you're locking down ports you don't need.

Next, be sure you are using Anti-virus. This isn't an area to skimp on. You should use a mainstream product like PANDA, Norton or McAfee. Check these two sites for great pricing: www.bottomdollar.com and www.pricegrabber.com Install software like Zone Alarm. This is available at www.downloads.com . It's a free product for individuals and can help you determine what's going on in your PC or if something is a risk.

Many viruses are being written for instant messenger (IM) apps. You can have an IM account with a major company like AOL or MSN but still use software that limits your vulnerabilities, like Trillian. This is also available at the www.downloads.com site.

Be sure you use anti spyware software. Two great products are AdAware at www.adaware.com and/or SpyBot Search and Destroy at www.downloads.com. Last, be sure to install a pop up blocker. StopZilla at www.stopzilla.com makes an excellent product but there are many others. Just be aware of hidden adware within popup blockers that report your web activity to marketing sites; unfortunately this software is rampant in pop up blocking software.

Another area to consider is rootkits, often installed by vendors such as Sony without the consumer knowing. Here is a tool that will identify rootkits installed on your PC: www.anti-trojan.org