#0 - Jan. 1, 2007, 5:56 p.m.
1) What’s the first major step in protecting my computer from malicious viruses and spyware? Well, this is a simple question, actually. You start off with any and all updates for your operating system. This should also be the first step when you’re reformatting your computer, so you’re safe. For Windows OS users, you can go to (http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us), and Macintosh OS users can go to (http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/). Macintosh OS users may want an automatic update system, and I would recommend going to (http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106704) for more information. Windows Vista users can now access the security panel by clicking Start -> All Programs -> Windows Update. You may also access it through the control panel now, as well.
2) a) What type of security programs do I need? I can’t afford to pay for all of these security programs! There are a lot of programs that are free, and secure! They’re also not too shabby, even if they were to charge for their services. The first thing you’ll want to do is to see where you stand, in terms of security. For this, you’ll want to go to (http://www.download.com/AOL-Active-Security-Monitor/3000-2094_4-10585124.html?tag=lst-0-1) and use this application to see what score you get. The lower the score, the less secure your system is from attacks.
b) I didn't get a 100 on my test! What do I do?! If you didn’t secure a 100 on the security fields, then I’ve got a list of programs that might be of interest to you. (http://www.download.com/Best-free-security-and-spyware-software/1200-2023_4-5163183.html?tag=fea_txt) has a list of some of the best free security software available. Incase you’re unable to view the page, these programs are ZoneAlarm, AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition, Spyware Blaster, HijackThis, Microsoft Windows Defender, CCleaner, Truecrypt, SpywareCatcher Express 2006, AOL Active Security Monitor, and Avast Home Edition. Most of these you shouldn’t have an issue with, even for inexperienced users. I also like to user the following programs: WinPatrol, AdAware SE Personal Edition, and Spybot Search & Destroy. You may also wish to use AOL Active Virus Shield than some of the other anti-virus programs. You can download all of these at (http://www.download.com/). (Windows Defender Beta requires a valid edition of Windows)
3) Cool! I have these new programs to protect me! I’m safe from viruses? Yes, and no. There are still viruses and key-loggers and the likes that you can get on your computer if you’re not safe. You may wish to download a different web browser and email system to Microsoft Internet Explorer. They may not look as sleek as Internet Explorer, but they’re more secure. The reason for this is that most internet users are using Internet Explorer, so they’re targeted to Internet Explorer. Most of the keyloggers that circulate on this forum are also directed at Internet Explorer. I, personally, recommend using Mozilla FireFox, (http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/), and Mozilla Thunderbird, (http://www.mozilla.com/thunderbird/). You can also use something called SeaMonkey, (http://www.mozilla.org/projects/seamonkey/) that is created by Mozilla, as well. For Macintosh users, you may want to use Camino (http://www.mozilla.org/products/camino/). For a concise list of web browsers from Wikipedia, you can go to (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_web_browsers).
4) Hey, I’m safe now, right? Yes, and no. You’re much more secure and safer than when you had started. I’m a sort of paranoid person, so I recommend utilizing another program for Internet Explorer/Mozilla FireFox. It’s called McAfee SiteAdvisor. It’s an excellent program. The free version for Internet Explorer is at (http://www.download.com/McAfee-SiteAdvisor-for-Internet-Explorer/3000-2144_4-10617917.html?tag=lst-0-3), and the free version for Mozilla FireFox is at (http://www.download.com/McAfee-SiteAdvisor-for-Firefox/3000-11745_4-10620373.html?tag=lst-0-2).
5) Dude! These are all free programs! I want something I can pay for! Well, I guess there is nothing wrong with wanting to pay extra, for something that may have some more utilities or is more elaborate. For anti-virus programs, I recommend using Panda Antivirus Platinum (http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/antivirus2007.htm?sitepanda=particulares). For anti-spyware programs, I recommend using (http://www.download.com/Webroot-Spy-Sweeper/3000-8022_4-10598648.html?tag=pop.software). For a firewall, you can use (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/application?namespace=zls_order&origin=catalog_main.jsp&event=button.addToCart&&zl_catalog_view_id=201&wlcs_catalog_item_sku=sul_en_zap&campaign_id=01141). If you want a better version of McAfee SiteAdvisor, you can get McAfee SiteAdvisor Plus at (http://www.download.com/McAfee-SiteAdvisor-Plus/3000-2144_4-10620366.html?tag=lst-0-5). If you want programs that include firewall, anti-virus, and anti-spyware in one, I recommend Panda Internet Security 2007 at (http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/Internetsecurity2007.htm?sitepanda=particulares) or ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite at (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list.jsp?dc=12bms&ctry=US&lang=en&lid=ho_zass).
6) That’s awesome! I’m going to go onto IRC and tell all my friends! It’s great that you’re telling all of your friends, but you’re not being very secure if you’re using the default programs. Chat programs, such as Windows Messenger, MSN Messenger, mIRC, AIM, and the likes, have had viruses spread throughout their system. If you want an excellent all in one program for these needs, then I recommend using Miranda-IM (http://www.miranda-im.org/). Others that you can try are Gaim, Trillian, Instan-t, and Kopete for Windows. Adium and Proteus are used a lot for Macintosh programs. These programs are more secure than most of the major programs. However, the likely hood of being hacked through an IM client is unlikely, but possible.
7) Awesome, dude! I have complete protection now, right? Technically, no. While you’re significantly protected from viruses and the spyware and key-loggers, it’s impossible to be completely secure against such things. They evolve faster than protection can be provided, and are really hard to track on all of them. Know that you’re a lot safer from key-loggers than you were before, though. If you do have one, you should be able to remove them with this software.
8) KOOL! I can go to all the websites in the world, now! I guess you can do that, but you’re putting yourself at more risk than you should be. You should still exercise some restraints. Don’t go to websites that you know nothing about. More importantly, don’t view/go to .exe files or pictures like .scl. You should be given a notification on these forums when going to websites. Other than that, know most of the safe websites. For pictures, Imageshack.us, Photobooth, and Photobucket are usually the most widely used. For movies about World of Warcraft, a lot of people will use Youtube.com, video.Google.com, or Warcraftmovies.com. If you’re looking for quest information or the likes, you can go to Allakhazam.com, Thottbot.com, Wow.Stratics.com, WoWHead.com, WoWvault.IGN.com, and wow.Warcry.com. There are probably more, but these are the most secure ones. (As a note, you should NEVER go to a Tinyurl.com link. You do NOT know where this is going, and can compromise your computer! Also, don't forget to use the Blizzard Launcher! It can tell you if you have a key-logger and the likes! It's very useful!)
9) I don’t trust you! I want an official post about this sort of stuffz! Ok.. I like you, too! It just happens that Kaone from the Customer Service Forum Team has made a post about key-loggers a while after my original post, which can be found at (http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=27963528&sid=1). He has some programs that I don’t have, and I have some that he doesn’t have. The programs listed by both of us are protective, though. If you pick his you won’t make me cry… *Starts bawling* Just kidding! I really don’t mind if you use his programs. As long as the community is safer than before, we’re all good.
10) I’m looking for something more! I just don’t know what! A lot of people prefer to use routers. Routers are basically, what most people define, a hardware firewall. It allows you to block certain ports and the likes. If you want some additional security, then you should buy one. There currently isn’t a way to just make one… At least, not one that would be easy to create. You can find an array of different types of routers online at websites such as Amazon.com, Circuitcity.com, and Wal-Mart.com. A friend of mine recommends using NetGear.
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Please refer to (http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=88679494&sid=1#2for the continuation of this section that was initially in this post. I have exceeded the word limit with it, and as such, I was forced to move it. Thank you for understanding.
