Understanding security and safe computing

Now a days almost 80% of people are connected to internet. Among them there are various people who allow other people to use your computer, Share files with others. You should take sever steps to protect your computer from harm. Due to Computer Criminals ( also known as Hackers) who attack people’s computers. These people attack into your computer and steal your personal information directly or indirectly by creating malicious software to harm your Computer.
Fortunately, if you want to protect yourself from these peoples by using simple precautions this article will certainly help you.
Protect your computer
There are possibly 4 Major Functions which will protect your computer against these potential therts.

1. Firewall: Protects your computer by preventing hackers or malicious software from gaining access to it.
2. Virus Protection: Protects your computer against viruses, worms, and other security threats.
3. Spyware and other malware protection: Protects your computer from spyware and other potentially unwanted software.
4. Windows Update: Windows can routinely check for updates for your computer and install them automatically.
   

Manage Security with Action Center
As described in my previous post Action Center in Windows Seven plays an important role in Protection your computer.
Use a Firewall
A firewall is software or hardware that checks information coming from the Internet or a network and then either turns it away or allows it to pass through to your computer, depending on your firewall settings. In this way, a firewall can help prevent hackers and malicious software from gaining access to your computer.
Windows Firewall is built into Windows and is turned on automatically.
If you run a program such as an instant messaging program or a multiplayer network game that needs to receive information from the Internet or a network, the firewall asks if you want to block or unblock (allow) the connection. If you choose to unblock the connection, Windows Firewall creates an exception so that the firewall won't bother you when that program needs to receive information in the future.
Use virus protection
Viruses, worms, and Trojan horses are programs created by hackers that use the Internet to infect vulnerable computers. Viruses and worms can replicate themselves from computer to computer, while Trojan horses enter a computer by hiding inside an apparently legitimate program, such as a screen saver. Destructive viruses, worms, and Trojan horses can erase information from your hard disk or completely disable your computer. Others don't cause direct damage, but worsen your computer's performance and stability.
Antivirus programs scan e mail and other files on your computer for viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. If one is found, the antivirus program either quarantines (isolates) it or deletes it entirely before it damages your computer and files.
Windows does not have a built-in antivirus program, but your computer manufacturer might have installed one. If not, go to the Windows 7 security software provider’s website to find an antivirus program.
Because new viruses are identified every day, it's important to use an antivirus program with an automatic update capability. When the program is updated, it adds new viruses to its list of viruses to check for, helping to protect your computer from new attacks. If the list of viruses is out of date, your computer is vulnerable to new threats. Updates usually require an annual subscription fee. Keep the subscription current to receive regular updates.
Use spyware protection
Spyware is software that can display advertisements, collect information about you, or change settings on your computer, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent. For example, spyware can install unwanted toolbars, links, or favorites in your web browser, change your default home page, or display pop-up ads frequently. Some spyware displays no symptoms that you can detect, but it secretly collects sensitive information, such as the websites you visit or the text you type. Most spyware is installed through free software that you download, but in some cases simply visiting a website results in a spyware infection.
To help protect your computer from spyware, use an antispyware program. This version of Windows has a built-in antispyware program called Windows Defender, which is turned on by default. Windows Defender alerts you when spyware tries to install itself on your computer. It also can scan your computer for existing spyware and then remove it.
Because new spyware appears every day, Windows Defender must be regularly updated to detect and guard against the latest spyware threats. Windows Defender is updated as needed whenever you update Windows. For the highest level of protection, set Windows to install updates automatically
Update Windows automatically
Microsoft regularly offers important updates to Windows that can help protect your computer against new viruses and other security threats. To ensure that you receive these updates as quickly as possible, turn on automatic updating. That way, you don't have to worry that critical fixes for Windows might be missing from your computer.
Updates are downloaded behind the scenes when you're connected to the Internet. The updates are installed at 3:00 A.M. unless you specify a different time. If you turn off your computer before then, you can install updates before shutting down. Otherwise, Windows will install them the next time you start your computer.
To turn on automatic updating

1. Open Windows Update by clicking the Start button . In the search box, type Update, and then, in the list of results, click Windows Update.
2. Click Change settings.
3. Make sure Install updates automatically (recommended) is selected.
   Windows will install important updates for your computer as they become available. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability.
4. Under Recommended updates, make sure the Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates check box is selected, and then click OK.
   Recommended updates can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Tips for safely using e mail and the web

• Use caution when opening e mail attachments. E mail attachments (files attached to e mail messages) are a primary source of virus infection. Never open an attachment from someone you don't know. If you know the sender but weren't expecting an attachment, verify that the sender actually sent the attachment before you open it.
• Guard your personal information carefully. If a website asks for a credit card number, bank information, or other personal information, make sure you trust the website and verify that its transaction system is secure.
• Be careful when clicking hyperlinks in e mail messages. Hyperlinks (links that open websites when you click them) are often used as part of phishing and spyware scams, but they can also transmit viruses. Only click links in e mail messages that you trust.
• Only install add-ons from websites that you trust. Web browser add-ons allow webpages to display things like toolbars, stock tickers, video, and animation.
• However, add-ons can also install spyware or other malicious software. If a website asks you to install an add-on, make sure that you trust it before doing so.

Due to above precautions any kind of hacker which tends to hack your computer need to take a long time in order to gain access to your machine. He need to overcome all the security points mentioned above. Following these tips your computer is surely benefited.