Computer Tips pt. 2

Probably the most overlooked setting on your computer is the Firewall. Any virus/spyware/malware/trojan etc. that ends up on your computer will either open a new portal, or reopen a closed portal. Lots of minor viruses actually open a new portal, download a nastier virus and then shut off your Anti-virus software before attempting to take over your computer (this only works for anything by Symantec and McAfee BTW). So, in order to keep your computer safe you must check your Firewall settings regularly.

Windows Firewall blocks unknown programs, while allowing exceptions for approved programs, so they can run as though you were operating them. This gives them to permission to move about your computer and the internet freely. Which is great for automatically downloading program updates, or You Tube videos, but it can also be exploited by a virus that poses as you (or an authorized program).

Here's how to button it up:

1. Open Control Panel
2. Open Windows Firewall
3. Make sure it is set to "on"
4. Click the "Exceptions" tab
5. Uncheck "UPnP Framework", "Remote Assistance", "Remote Desktop", "File and Printer Sharing" and (unless you actually use AOL) anything that's called "AOL".

Finally, you will also need to uncheck anything that looks suspicious. This is the tricky part, but remember if you uncheck something and a program has trouble logging on to the internet, you can always go back and check the box again. The exceptions for most legit programs look like the name of the program itself. If something doesn't look right uncheck it and see what happens.

9 times out of 10 when a computer is infected this is the first place a virus shows up, often times posing as an anti-virus program that you never installed on your computer.

Coming Next:

How speed up your computer without spending money.