How to prevent hacker attacks

Most people think that hackers are only a problem for servers. This is not true. If your Windows PC is not properly configured, everything on your computer can easily be stolen or destroyed by hackers.

Here are some basic precautions to protect against hackers.

1. Goto windowsupdate.microsoft.com at least once a week and install all critical patches. Run an antivirus program at least once a week. Update your virus signature files every time you use it.
2. Use a firewall such as Zone Alarm. (Some firewalls have had major security problems. Be sure you have the latest update) Check your computer for trojans by clicking on: http://security.symantec.com, http://www.trojanscan.com
   
3. Don't click on email attachments. Don't install Napster, Kazaa, ChainCast, or any software from an unknown source. The former will turn your computer into a server and the latter may contain trojans and viruses.
   
4. Turn off sharing, especially on your C:\ and D:\ drive. This is very dangerous! If you must share a disk, make sure it requires a password. Otherwise, anyone in the Internet can use your computer to back up their files without your knowledge.
   
5. Never share any folder without a password. Put a good password on your PC. If you have a password on your PC that is easy to guess, your computer can be easily taken over by hackers.
6. A bad password would be things like 'password', '12345', your name, license plate number, or any word that could be found in an English dictionary or a dictionary in your native language.
   
7. Report any network slowness or strange computer behavior so it can be checked by me (if it's a network problem) or Brad (if it's a Windows or Mac problem). Windows PCs with static IP numbers are especially easy targets.
8. You should always set "Obtain an IP address automatically" in Windows unless you are running a server and you are knowledgeable in computer security.

Tips will be updated regularly.