ICT & Logistic Service Desk > FAQ > Software FAQ > Microsoft FAQ > Windows > FAQ Secure home pc

How do I make sure my PC at home / non-Vlerick PC is secure?

1. Description
2. How to protect
3. How to resolve
4. Additional info

1. Description

This FAQ gives you advice on how to protect your own PC at home or your non-Vlerick PC in general.
It also lists some solutions on how to remove viruses and/or spyware.

2. How to protect

Make your PC inaccessible:

• Disconnect from Internet when not needed (pull the cable),
• Shutdown when not in use.

Limit the access to your PC:

1. Install a firewall.
   In Windows XP: ICF, see http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/ , otherwise check ZoneAlarm
2. Do not use an administrator account for day-to-day work.
   See also http://www.jmu.edu/computing/security/info/winadmin.shtml.
3. Use a password to login to your PC.
4. Use a decent password or better: a passphrase (More info).
5. Do not share your pc without protection.
6. Use a safe file system (use NTFS, not FAT).
   More info:
   http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/expert/russel_october01.mspx
   http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/convertfat.mspx

 

Plug the holes:

• Install and use an up-to-date virus scanner,
• Implement the Windows updates.

Prepare for the worst:

• Make a backup on regular basis.

3. How to resolve

In case your computer is infected with a virus and/or spyware, try these steps.

Virus

1. Download the latest version of the tool Stinger (McAfee),
2. Start up the tool and run a full scan of your computer,
3. If you do not have an anti-virus product installed, install one of these free products:
   • Avast : http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html
   • AVG Free : http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5

Spyware

1. Download the latest version of the tool AntiSpyware (Microsoft),
2. Install the tool, perform the updates and run a full scan of your PC,
3. Use a non-administrator account to surf the Web (More info).

In case above steps do not help, we strongly advise you to bring in your computer to your local computer reseller.

 

4. Additional info

When you have a Windows PC:

• http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/default.mspx - recommended!
• http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/
• http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/default.mspx
• http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/learnmore/classicview/intro.mspx

Remove spyware / malware (tools) :

• HijackThis
• CwShredder

 

 

In case of a problem do not hesitate to contact the helpdesk at +32 92 10 97 24.

 

 

 

 

Author: DVSM\gbo | Modified by: DVSM\wimpou, Tuesday October 13, 2009 17:26:30 +0200