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Know Your Software

Your software may contain many extra features that can either help or hurt your security. Be aware of these features and use them to your advantage or turn them off.

Software Features You Don't Use

You may want to turn "off" some software features - instant messaging, printer-sharing or file-sharing - that typically are "on" when a computer is shipped. File-sharing allows several computers (connected through a network) to use the same file at the same time. Because it facilitates the passing of information between computers, this feature is an excellent point of entry for hackers. A firewall won't block files sent to you this way. If you're not on a network, turn the file-sharing feature "off." Your operating system's "Help" feature will show you how.

Another software feature that could leave you exposed to a virus is an email preview pane that lets you view attachments automatically. The preview pane could allow a virus to be launched even if you never click on the attachment.

And if you're not using your computer for an extended period, you can turn it off or unplug it from the phone or cable line. When it's off, the computer doesn't send or receive information from the Internet and isn't vulnerable to hackers.

Software Features You SHOULD Use

Some operating systems have built-in firewalls. Learn more about firewalls and how to use them.

Many e-mail applications and Web-based e-mail services provide filters to limit e-mail that flows into your inbox. The mail filters use known criteria such as phrasing, font style (ex: all caps), and symbols (ex: dollar signs, exclamation points) to classify messages as junk. Using these filters can help reduce the risk of receiving viruses via e-mail. To learn more about the specific filters available, use the "Help" function within your e-mail client. Search for terms like "filter" "rules" or "junk mail." View video tutorials for activating e-mail filters.

For more security features, check the "Tools" or "Options" menus for built-in security features. You probably have several choices for what types of files you want to accept from other computers. If you don't understand your choices, check them out using your "Help" function.