4. Lock the doors! Use a Firewall
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Computer have access points (door ways) that allow software to communicate with the Internet.
Some of these access points are used for good purposes such as allowing you to send and recieve emails, visit websites, use online messaging or to play on-line games.
The problem is there are so many ways for un-wanted nasties to sneak in through these access points and run-a-muck on your system.
So how do we help to protect our PC from nasties getting onto your computer or keep those already hiding on there from sending personal information out?
Easy, get a door man!
A computers version of a doorman is called a Firewall. It only allows approved processes in and out of your system. So if you jump onto your web browser it will allow you to access the net, but if a naughty hacker try's to gain access to your PC, it will deny then access!
Now there are two basic types of Firewall available. Software (an installed program) and Hardware (a physical device you can touch).
Hardware Firewalls are built into some modems and routers and close certain know access points to your PC. Check your modem, routers, networks documentation to see if it includes a built in firewall.
Software Firewalls are a program that is installed onto your PC that acts as an internal doorman. Data from programs like your web browser, or online game approaches the software firewall (doorman), and then has to prove they have appropriate clearance to pass on through. If the doorman has suspisions about the data it will ask you with a prompt to allow or deny the data to pass. If you don't know the program asking for access, just deny it permission.
Many of the virus scanning and security products you can buy from the likes Norton and McAfee include Firewall software.
Otherwise an easy to use free (for personal users, must purchase if to be used by businesses) firewall is ZoneLabs ZoneAlarm.
For Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition and Windows Millenium Edition, the latest version you can use is: 6.1.744.001
Get it here:
http://download.zonelabs.com/bin/free/1012..._744_001_en.exeYou cannot use the newer ZoneAlarm versions from 6.5 + as they are no longer supported on Win9x systems.
Please Note: There are many other free firewalls available on the web.
A firewall will protect you from MOST nasty's trying to access your computer, and a combination of Hardware and Software firewalls will offer the best protection.
5. Have an up-to-date Anti Virus software and Spyware detector
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Viruses are programs that can do many bad things such as delete or corrupt files, send emails from your email account, allow other viruses in, make your computer crash or at worst un-able to run.
Viruses can get on your computer by different methods.
1. From infected media (floppy disks, CD-ROMS, USB drives, and MP3 Players like iPODS etc etc)
2. through email attatchments
3. through the internet (websites, online games, instant messaging, other programs that access the internet)
4. through netwrok connections
So install a Virus Scanner and keep it up-to-date so it can catch and remove the latest nasties.
A good free Virus Scanner is made by GrimSoft called AVG Anti-Virus Free.
Get it from:
http://free.grisoft.comSpyware and Adware are little programs that get on your PC and can among other things;
- spy on what websites you go to and then send this information to companies so they can sell this information to marketers.
- steal your passwords by means such as recording what keys you hit on your keyboard, then sending the information gathered back to the creator so they can access your back accounts.
- make those annoying ads pop up
- Change your web browsers home page
- slow your computer down or make it crash
So there are plenty of reasons to get rid of them.
A good free spyware remover is made from Lavasoft called Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition (becarefull, there are alot of trick products that are named similar that are infact spyware!)
Go to
http://www.download.com and so a search for Ad-Aware and download and intall it.
Remember:
Virus Scanners and Spyware Detectors must have their databases kept UP-TO-DATE!
The database is what the Virus Scanner or Spyware detectors refer to a this database (big list) to help them determine what a virus looks like. If you don't keep the list up-to-date your scanning software WILL MISS VIRUSES that are on your computer. Thankfully most scanning software has in-built auto-update features. Use them!
6. Get a new safer Web Browser!
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Lets face it, Internet Explorer 6 is no longer a safe option for browsing the web. Internet Explorer 6 on Win9x systems will by default allow some programs and scripts to run automatcially on your computer. This allows many viruses, trojens and spyware to be installed without your knowledge. Not good!
Unfortunately Internet Explorer is still often required for Microsoft services, for some programs to run and to access certain websites. So you can't easily uninstall it (throw it away).
But, you can minimise the risks by using a safer web browser for the majority of your web browsing. As they are not integrated into Windows itself, they don't allow websites as much access to the system. These newer web browsers not only prevent many nasties from automaticaly installing themselves on your computer without your permission, they can also offer new and improved features.
These include:
- blocking pop up ads
- help to varify that sites are secure and valid (important when doing online banking)
- have tabbed browsing
- are standards compliant
- Offer integrated serach engines
+ more
Two top class web browsers worth considerring are:
Mozilla Firefox -
http://www.firefox.comOpera -
http://www.opera.com(Ensure you get the latest Win9x compatible versions)
7. Make wise decisions!
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The truth is most viruses, spyware and hackers gain entry because of a users mistakes or carelessness.
A little vigilance from the user can prevent most nasties from gaining a foothold on your PC.
1. If your computer is doing strange things or you are recieving strange pop ups, run a FULL SCAN with your Virus Scanner and Spyware detector. Go to Start, Program, [YOUR VIRUS SCANNER] and select to sun a full system scan.
2. Keep all of your software up-to-date especially ones that utilise the internet! (eg. including: Java, Abobe Acrobat Reader, Flash Player, Shockwave, Microsoft Office, Media Players, MSN Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, ICQ, Limewire, Kazaa etc etc among many others)
3. If a pop up comes on your screen whilst browsing the net informing you that your computer is at risk (from a program you do not have installed), just close the window and ignore it. Don't follow its advice to install anything or run a system scan. Nearly 99% of all pop ups of this kind are bogus!
4. Keep away from un-trust-worthy websites. This includes many porn, warez (free illegal software and game downloads), crackz, online system scans and gambling sites.
5. If an email looks suspicious, or is offering something free, cheap deals, viagra, sex services etc etc, DON'T open or even view it! Just delete it! And never ever reply to them! And don't open attatchments that you don't know or need, EVEN FROM FRIENDS.
Often viruses can get onto your friends computer and send you a copy of the virus from their email address! So becarefull of ALL Office files, or programs sent to you. Either ensure your virus scanner is set so it scans your emails or use a free online email service that does it for you (Hotmail, Yahoo Mail, Gmail)
6. Either Switch off your internet connection when you aren't at your computer for extended periods or if you can't do that turn off the computer. Computers that are connected to the internet for long periods of a time are more prone to being hacked. So turn it off when its not in use and you have just minimised the risk.
7. IF THIS IS ALL TOO MUCH FOR YOU, IT MAY BE TIME TO UPGRADE YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM!
Microsoft, Apple and Linux have many new operating systems that are still supported (but remember many of the recommendations made here are still required on newer systems too. There is no hands off way to secure your computer yet)
LONG LIVE Win9x
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So in summary just because Microsoft has pulled the pin on Win9x based systems DOESN NOT mean you have to. But as has been show you do now have to take your security concerns into your own hands.
Hopefully this guide will help you have many more years of faithfull service from your Win9x computer.
GALAHs
END OF GUIDE
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Quick Disclaimer: Recommended software and websites were accurate at the time of writing. The mentioned approach taken will protect you from MOST security issues CURRENTLY known at the time of writing. By continuing to use an un-supported operating system, you do so at your own risk. But in saying that, I for one will still be using Windows 98 for a long time to come.
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