Get a FREE fully-working copy of Steganos Security Suite 7 (worth £49.99) when you sign up to the Practical PC Newsletter. Review: Securing Your PC In Easy Steps
Staying safe online is an essential part of everyday computing - Ian Waugh grabs a book and some padlocks…
| Product | Securing Your PC In Easy Steps |
|---|---|
| Company | Computer Step |
| Web | www.ineasysteps.com |
| Price | £10.99/$14.99 US |
| We like | Packed with info, relevant to home and small business users |
| We don't like | Some suggestions may be a little OTT |
| Rating | 9/10 |
| Requirements |
It's a sad fact that the wonders of the Internet are dampened by moronic low-lifers trying to steal and scam you. In this age of widespread broadband use it's more essential than ever to make sure your computers, computer network and personal information are kept safe and secure.
It's also a sad fact that the weakest part of system security is often the human element. Using easy-to-guess passwords, writing passwords down and keeping them in an obvious place, opening unknown emails, not securing the computer, not running security software - all these can leave your system and personal data open to infiltration.
In short, it's essential that you become familiar with the basics of computer and data attacks and how to protect yourself against them.
Enter Securing Your PC In Easy Steps, another in the In Easy Steps range (see: Getting Noticed on Google in Easy Steps. The book is in colour, it's well presented and very easy to read. But more importantly, it's packed with essential information on all aspects of PC security.
It begins by describing the various types of attack you might be subject to, then proceeds to describe how you can protect against them. This includes physically securing your computer, selecting secure passwords, educating users about PC security, and avoiding "dodgy" sites.
Most software protection can be done from within Windows itself or with free software. The book covers Windows Vista which has many enhanced security features which make it easier to secure your PC, and set up parental controls if you have children.
Although most people think of viruses as being the most common form of security breech, there are many other ways hackers and ne'er-do-wells can access your system. The book explains how to protect your PC and your data from other attacks such as malware, spyware and phishing attempts.
Much advice involves educating yourself about possible threats. This is sound advice and nowhere more relevant than in regard to email. The book has a large section on email security, not only explaining how to avoid spammers' attempts to get you to reveal personal details - and, it must be said, a lot of this is common sense - but also how to reduce and filter junk mail.
Other chapters explain how to secure your network, set up Policies in Windows Vista, encryption, securing applications, how to dispose of your old PC so no one can access personal data, and using the logs to see what's going on "behind the scenes". There's also a section on the additional security options in Vista.
Conclusion
Computer security is something you must take seriously. If you haven't yet taken steps to maximise your PC's security or if you'd like to make certain that it's secure but aren't sure what's required, this book will get you up to speed quickly and safely.
