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How to Surf the Internet Safely and Securely Using Windows 7
The internet, in its glory, is the best breeding ground for all sorts of virtual bacteria. This virtual bacteria is what we refer to as malware, spyware, and of course viruses. Safety measures are required in order for us to be able to use our computers without worrying on a regular basis. Windows 7, a new Microsoft operating system, is quickly approaching release on October 22, 2009. It is essential that a computer user absorb the steps necessary to run in a protected environment with tools that are readily available. This page will show you How to Surf the Internet Safely and Securely Using Windows 7. -
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Introduction
When installing a Microsoft operating system (XP, Vista, 7), you are asked to create a new user. The default settings for the new user are to allow for administrative rights to the computer. Administrative rights allow for the user to install/remove hardware, software, and make overall system changes. That user, when browsing the internet, also has full permissions to visit a malicious site and have software installed on their PC without their knowledge. Microsoft Security Essentials, the new browser platforms, and User Account Control may pop up asking the user for permission, but if not an advanced user they will generally click yes, allow or permit. The malicious code has now harvested itself in the PC and is nearly impossible to remove. That being said, if the user did not have administrative rights, Windows would not allow the software to install without requesting the administrative password. When such a prompt presents itself, the user thinks twice and recognizes the fact that they never actually requested any software be installed. The prompt forces them to second guess what is being asked of them and thus will more than likely prevent malicious code from being installed. It is much harder to enter a password then it is to click Yes, Allow or Permit.The steps to improve your security start at this level and are enhanced by extra software that is available for your protection.
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Protecting Yourself with Multiple Accounts
How then can you manage multiple accounts and enjoy your computing experience?- Use an Administrator account for all software installation and changes to your computer.
- Use a non administrative account for your regular day to day use
Setting up Multiple Accounts
- Right Click on Computer in the Start Menu or on your desktop.
- Select Manage.
- Expand Local Users and Groups on the left hand side.
- Click on Users (you will see your account as well as Administrator).
- Right Click on Administrator and select properties.
- Un-check Account is disabled.
- Click OK
- Right click on Administrator user and select Set Password. (Use a strong password).
- Once completed right click on your user that was created during install.
- Select properties
- Select the Member of tab.
- You will see your user is a member of administrators, highlight Administrators and click Remove.
- Now click on Add and type Users
- Click OK twice
- Your user is now a standard user and the Administrator is the administrative account.
Using Multiple Accounts
Once the above has been completed you should reboot your computer and log in with your regular credentials. This will log you in as a standard user that has limited functionality. The standard account can operate the computer normally but cannot install software and or hardware. The inability to install software is the key; without it malware or a virus cannot be installed on your computer. This is a very easy thing to accomplish for the novice and for the advanced user and makes for a better computing environment and experience.Software and Safe Computing Behavior
The information above is a great step forward in ultimate security for your computer, but it is not enough. While it is definitely better then not having anything, it is not enough to bullet-proof your computer and protect you. Malicious code can still make its way on to your computer without your knowledge. The next step is to find software that you can add on to your Windows 7 installation which will further enhance the secure environment. Listed below are a few of the many titles available, some free and some commercial. All are viable solutions in your quest to gain a safe and secure computing environment.As mentioned above, software is another step but not the final step. The final step comes from within. Your behavior on the internet is your final step in safeguarding your computer against the harmful breeding ground. In other words, be very aware of websites you are visiting, be careful not to click on links that hold no meaning, and if it is too good to be true then it probably is. Become knowledgeable about a website before you visit it. The truth is that someone has already been there and you can simply search for the authenticity before going there yourself.
