Internet Security

Even though all incoming CTESC Internet Services e-mail messages are scanned for Viruses your regular web surfing is not. Proper security on your computer and/or network is very important to prevent damage to your computer and stored data. Please review the steps below to ensure your system is protected.

1. Install Anti-Virus software. Several programs can be purchased from Symantec, McAffee, Trend Micro, and others. Several FREE, fully functional, Anti-Virus programs are available for downloaded and installation on your system. Links are provided to the right.

WARNING: DO NOT install more then one Anti-Virus program on a computer. Also, some viruses and worms can disable your anti-virus and firewall software without your knowledge. In these situations you will want to fully uninstall, and then reinstall anti-virus and firewall software.

2. Update virus definitions on a regular basis and run a full virus scan on all systems at least weekly. Most Anti-Virus programs allow automatic updates and scheduled scans. Review the help file of the Anti-Virus program your using for more details.

3. Implement a hardware and/or software based firewall solution. A router is a hardware solution and the best firewall solution, but free software firewalls are also available. Finally, Windows XP/Vista have basic firewalls which should be enabled if no other firewall is installed.

WARNING: Using a WIRELESS ROUTER can create a new set of security issues. Various security settings are available in all consumer wireless router but may not be enabled by default and configuring these settings requires some additional knowledge. For more recommendations go to Home PC Firewall Guide's Wireless Router page or contact a computer network professional.

4. Install all critical operating system updates and patches. Official Microsoft updates can be downloaded from the Microsoft Windows Update site.

5. Install an Anti-Spyware and/or Anti-Trojan software solution. Again, several programs can be purchased from Symantec, McAffee, Trend Micro and others. On the right, links are provided to FREE Anti-Spyware programs you can downloaded and install. Unlike Anti-Virus programs, several Anti-Spyware programs can be installed at the same time.

Microsoft provides good information on all of these subjects. You can view their recommendations at: Microsoft's Safety And Security Center. Another great resource is Home PC Firewall Guide.

OnGuard Online provides excellent computer safety tips and information.

Net Nanny and CYBERsitter are "paid" applications that help parents control what their children view while surfing the Web. They do this by matching text on Web Sites, Chat rooms, newsgroups, FTP Sites, and E-mail address to unacceptable word lists, and matching URLs (website addresses) to lists of forbidden sites.

CCleaner is a tool to clean your system from temporary and unnecessary files that accumulate over time. This also includes thorough cleaning of Internet and PC usage tracks like browser cache, recently used files, web sites visited and more.

Firefox is an award winning Internet browser that operates much like Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Thunderbird is an e-mail client much like Microsoft's Outlook Express. Both programs can offer improved security and can be customized with add-on software.

Windows Live Essentials is a group of free Microsoft programs available in one easy download. Get them all at once, or choose just the ones you want, incuding an Email and a Messenger program, Photo Gallery, Movie Maker, and Family Safety software.

Adobe Reader software is the global standard for electronic document sharing. It is the only PDF file viewer that can open and interact with all PDF documents. Use Adobe Reader to view, search, digitally sign, verify, print, and collaborate on Adobe PDF files.