TechFAQs

Are there any free/inexpensive, easy solutions for removing Spyware from my computer?

Yes, you can download free tools to use from

Recommended: SpywareBlaster, Ad-Aware, Spybot: Search and Destroy

Try downloading the Google Toolbar, which has a built in pop up blocker that works pretty well. Also, limit the installation of downloads you are not familiar with. Keep Antivirus up to date, always.

Trojans are executable programs, which mean that when you open the file, it will perform some action. In Windows, executable programs have file extensions like "exe", "vbs", "com", "bat", etc.

Trojans can be spread in the disguise of literally ANYTHING people find desirable, such as a free game, movie, song, etc. Victims typically downloaded the trojan from a WWW or FTP archive, got it via peer-to-peer file exchange using IRC/instant messaging/Kazaa etc., or just carelessly opened some email attachment. Trojans usually do their damage silently.

Cabled networks also known as LANs are desired when speed and 100% security is required. Data on a wired network can travel almost 100 times faster than wireless networks. It is also harder for a hacker to access your wired network unlike the wireless, which if not configured properly can be a security risk. With cabled networks you do have the downside of having to drill through walls and run cable through the walls so you can get the wired connection to your desired location. This can make it difficult if you are looking to place a computer where the access to the wired network is not accessible.

Wireless networks, also known as WLANs, are desired for flexibility, ease of installation, mobility, cost, and when speed is not a concern. Standard wireless networks can reach up to speeds of 56Mbps as opposed to wired at 100Mbps and even 1000Mbps also known as Gigabit. These networks are flexible because you can move around the area of the Access Point with your laptop and not have to worry about wires. Installation is easier since drilling or wiring is not usually required or at least not for most home installations. For Businesses wiring might be needed for the installation of the Access Point (multiple users can connect to a single Access Point). With wireless you can move around in your home or office usually up to 150ft from the Access Point, assuming that you are not trying to get signal through a concrete wall. The cost of wireless is less than having to wire all the rooms in your home that you want to use the Internet in.

Security today has been built around fitting small business to three available technologies. WEP/PSK/WPA are inexpensive and secure when properly implemented, but just too complex and error-prone to be practical. VPNs are great for Internet security, but applied to wireless networking, they are costly and highly restrictive. And RADIUS, while scaleable and secure, is too costly and complex for the small and medium business.

HIPAA is an acronym for "The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act". HIPAA is often incorrectly spelled as HIPPA due to a phonetic pronunciation that sounds like Hippopotamus. HIPAA is Public Law 104-191 and it was signed on August 21, 1996. The concept of HIPAA began in 1992-1993 with an intent to streamline the health industries inefficiencies, make it easier to identify system abuse and prosecute the guilty, allow for continuance of medical coverage when changing jobs, to provide better access to health insurance and to ensure confidentiality of patient health information.

There are so many factors you must take into account when protecting your computers and servers. Most people and companies do not do enough. To find out how vulnerable you are, call us!

TechFAQs

1. Run Windows Update for Windows XP and 2000. Make sure Internet Explorer and other browsers are updated to the latest versions.
2. Connect your computer to a hardware firewall. This will ensure that hackers do not intrude your computer using newly discovered Windows vulnerabilities. If you use a hardware-based firewall, make sure that only ports of services you need are enabled.
3. Install Adware detection programs, such as Ad-Aware or Spybot: Search and Destroy, which are free for download. Run these at least every other day if you are an active web surfer, constantly doing research or shopping online.
4. Run anti-virus software and make sure virus definitions are set to automatically update or you should check for updates, manually and run a virus scan on your system periodically.
5. If you have an older computer, investigate any suspicious noises. A hard drive that is making a very loud "whirring" noise may be aging and damaged by heat - consider replacing it soon. Also, make sure that all fans are running properly, inside, and that there are no large collections of dust on the motherboard, PCI cards, or the fans; clogged fans can cause the system to overheat. If any component requires replacement, be very careful in removing it. All power should be turned off, including removal of the power cord, as some motherboards maintain a small charge from the power supply even after the computer is actually turned off.
6. Run the Windows XP / 2000 disk defragmenter once per month. This allows for data files to be stored with each segment next to each other in order, on the disk. Without defragmenting, Windows will store data where it finds space, but many times it will store pieces of a data file in many different areas on a hard drive.
7. Make sure programs and drivers are updated
8. This is not necessarily related to your computer's health, but before if it ever does get sick, it is good to make sure that you are getting regular backups. Try backing up your My Documents folders and files to a CD every month and carefully label and store it away. If it seems to be too much hassle to burn a CD, try getting a USB memory device and backup your files to this once in awhile, though these are not as reliable as a CD backup (they are prone to problems with static electricity and breakage), they are better than no backup at all.
9. Use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to ensure that your computer gets good voltage and is not turned off when the power hiccups. Also, make sure you do not turn off your computer abruptly. Always go through the Start button and shutdown or control-alt-delete, click shutdown sequence to ensure that your computer is shut down as graceful as possible.