Home Computing Security

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Wednesday

Sep 08th

Home Computing Security

Written by Technology Editor

I am republishing various security tips and links here in the hope that they may help you avoid a few pitfalls.

Use this link to visit the Microsoft Security page. There is a link there to the Microsoft Update page, but as it is vitally important to keep Windows and Office patched up to date, another link can't hurt. Do it automatically if you can, otherwise visit the site regularly. Remember, you need to be using Microsoft Intermnet Explorer 5.0 or later to access the Windows Update site.
Don't forget to use a virus checker or security suite that has frequent updates. Most are now commercial, but the basic Home Edition of Avast! still seems to be free and it is good too.
As you are connected to the Internet, you need a firewall. A hardware firewall (integrated into your router) is best, but if you don't have that capability a software firewall can be useful, although it may slow down your connection somewhat. You can find out about free software firewalls at Firewall Guide. There is a lot of other guidance there too.
There has been a recent security update to (Adobe Acrobat) Reader. The best course is to upgrade to the latest version and if you have Adobe Acrobat itself, patch that as well. Link to Adobe.

He said, "I'm going to chop off the bottom of one of your trouser legs and put it in a library." I thought, "That's a turn-up for the books." [Tommy Cooper, 1922-1984]

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