Computer security

Some advice on how to keep your computer secure from hackers and virus free.

Best method. Use TWO computers.

Computer One.
One computer is to be used for email and browsing.  It can be an older system, which is all you need for email and browsing. It should  not contain ANY important business data. Except for email which we recommend you  back up onto a read only CD every week. You should also back up onto this CD the file that contains all your downloads from the Internet. Such as program updates.
TIP! As you download software or updates, change the name to something meaningful. Example, don't save a file as "mmupdt.exe", save it as "update to mortgage management program.exe".  

Of course, NEVER open any files ESPECIALLY FROM FRIENDS that you are not expecting or seem strange. Don't be tempted into opening files that look "sexy" or funny. Is it really worth crashing your system to look at a nude tennis player? It is not currently possible to get a virus from a text email alone.
WARNING. Beware anything from "Hahaha@sexyfun.net". This starts off with something about Snow White. It is a BAD virus that is currently lying dormant.

Computer Two.
The other, probably newer computer should contain ALL your important business data, like QuickBooks®, Quicken®, letters you have written, ACT! ® etc.
This computer should NEVER go on the Internet. Except very occasionally by dial up connection to update software directly from the manufacturers site. And then disconnect and unplug the modem.

If the computer doesn't go onto the Internet, it can't get a virus or be hacked into from the Internet.

If you create a file on it,  take it to the Internet computer with a floppy. Never takes files the other way unless:
1. They have gone through Norton 2001 Anti virus. (Our favorite).
2. You have already opened them with the Internet computer with no problem.
3. You know who they come from. A doc file from your attorney is OK. An ".exe", ".vbs", ".bat" or ".com" file is not, unless it is one you have downloaded yourself from a reputable source.  

Of course, also back up your data only on a Read only CD every week or more often. It is not necessary or recommended by us to also back up your programs.

TIP! Have two boxes in your office. Label one box "Vital software". In this box put all the software that your business could not function without. OK, we know that Doom and Solitaire are fun, but you could function without them for a day or two. The other box contains all the software that you use sometimes, but isn't vital to your business.

As a business person, your data is too valuable to let anyone poke into or destroy it for fun or profit.

Also run Blackice firewall from Network Ice on the Internet computer. You will be amazed to find about 6 hack attacks on your computer every day.  

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