When you connect your computer to the Internet, odds are that within a few hours someone will try to break into your computer. The sad fact is that there are many people out there who choose to wreak havoc on computers and networks. These attacks are often done by script kiddies, people (often teenagers) who use scripts and programs created by others to compromise computers and systems. But you don’t have to be a victim of digital miscreants.

One of the easiest and often cheapest ways to stop most intruders and attacks is to use a personal firewall, a piece of software installed on your PC that controls data exchanges between it and the Internet. If you are connecting remotely via able or DSL, there is often no security between your computer and the remote site. A properly configured personal firewall prevents outsiders from accessing information and files on your computer. it can also make your computer undetectable to hackers on the Internet. Some of the best personal firewalls are free when used in a non-commercial setting. If you are using Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2, the firewall included in Windows is turned on by default.

It’s also important to ensure that your computer has appropriate security software patches installed. A patch is a piece of software that fixes problems with a software application. Patches can be used to fix minor bugs or serious security holes and vulnerabilities. A patch is much smaller than a full software update.

Security software (anti-virus, anti-spyware, personal firewalls) is the most important software to patch on a regular basis. Updates include virus definitions with signatures. (A definition is a database file in anti-virus software that enables the program to identify viruses. A signature is a small piece of coed extracted from a virus and used to identify that virus.) Software must be updated in order to maintain protection against new threats, fortunately, most security software an be configured to download patches automatically, without involving users directly.

Operating systems also must be patched regularly. If you sue windows, it’s easiest to do this through Windows XP Service Pack 3, you choose. It will then download the recommended updates and install them on a schedule you set.

For the greatest security:

Use a personal firewall; it’s one of the easiest way and often cheapest ways to defend your computer against intrusions and attacks.

Makes sure your computer is patch:

Keep your software current with the most recent patches to remain protected against new threats. Be safe-check for patches.

Update your security software:

To protect against new viruses, install updates of virus signatures and definitions as soon as the become available.