Five Steps to Protection When Connecting Your New Computer to the Internet

The internet is an excellent way to connect socially, shop and interact with retailers and gather research on places, people and products. But the internet also poses very real dangers to your computer. Before you connect your new (or upgraded) PC to the online world there are some steps you need to take in prevention.

Block the viruses, stop the worms, Trojans and malware and filter out content that is inappropriate for those in your household with these steps of protection. 

Step 1 – Firewall Verification

It’s important to check whether your system is operating with a valid firewall.  The best firewalls are those that are hardware based, standing between your computer (or home network) and the broadband device (modem).  You can also use the firewall included in your Windows OS, but beware that it is only set up to handle incoming information and will ignore outgoing data. 

There are also firewall routers which combine this essential security feature with a broadband device.  Decide where the best place is for your firewall and be sure it is active and turned on.

Step 2 – Disable Printer and File Sharing

Some internet service providers (ISPs) will direct you to do this during set up, but it’s a good idea even if it’s not included in the instructions.  You can disable file and printer sharing by right clicking the Local Area Network in your control panel.  Click on Properties and unselect the box for File and Printer Sharing.  This may be a hassle if you are operating with a home network and using the Windows firewall.  In that case an external network firewall is necessary allowing you to network effectively and still be protected.

Step 3 – Install Virus Protection Software

You have a wide selection of virus protection software. The key element is to be sure that the software will remain up-to-date with the latest viruses and dangers. Some offer a subscription for this service; others make it available for free. You need to decide which package offers you the best protection and operates most efficiently on your PC. Get it up and running and ready to protect you.

Step 4 – Connecting Now

Now is the time to set up your internet connection and get online, although there is one last step before you can have full access to browsing.

Step 5 – Get Updates and Patches

Go to the vendor sites for all of your major software – including OS, browser, data processing and imaging software – and search for any critical updates or service patches that are applicable to your version. (To find out which version you are running, find the About menu in the software and search for the version code.)

Downloading service patches may include or involve updated drivers, software glitch fixes and improved features.  This is especially important for your OS, as you don’t want the problems detected by others showing up on your brand new machine.

Once all these steps are complete you are ready to explore the online world in relative safety.  It’s important to practice smart browsing principles at all times, but these initial steps will offer you a good basic framework for web browsing on a new machine.