Paul Boutin has a Good One Over @ Slate in which he has whittled the world of options down to three steps that, on most PCs, can be done in less than 20 minutes.
They’re all free, thanks to a mix of promotional offers and hacker idealism. Do all three, and you’ll be protected against the most common infections and still be left with time and money for lunch.
1. Set your browser and e-mail security.
2. Get Microsoft’s security updates.
3. Check for spyware.
Of course #4 would be buy a Mac or Linux.
Better yet
Step one – Buy a Mac!
Step two – If you can’t afford a Mac, go straight to Linux!
If OCLC just did not have a problem with Macs…
Using Connexion in my advanced cataloging class forced me to go back to PCs temporarily as OCLC even says: Macintosh users: OCLC does not systematically test Connexion with Macintosh hardware, operating systems or browsers. Advice to Macintosh users is based on limited testing and user reports.
Yes I know.
The problem is that when one company controls 95% of the desktop market, other software companies find it too expensive to support the alternatives. Hence, very few people can “afford” to switch. I am a big Linux/OS X fan but I do understand the difficulties. The “solution” is to support ILS vendors that are OS independent and uses open standards.
Re:If OCLC just did not have a problem with Macs..
You could always install a PC emulation program such as Virtual PC for Macintosh, which will allow you to run Windows on your Mac. That way, on those very very rare occasions that none of the browsers on the Mac won’t work, you can use Windows.
Just be sure not to use Windows too often, or else you’ll have to constantly deal with the viruses, worms, security problems, adware, and other issues that affect Windows users.
Step #5
Install a good firewall. If you don’t have a hardware firewall, I’d suggest one of these…
For personal use, I recommend Sygate Personal Firewall which, like ZoneAlarm, not only prevents intrusive threats from the outside but also alerts you and requires your intervention if an installed program is trying to send something OUT to the internet (like your e-mail addresses or personal financial data or other less critical stuff). Both are free programs for home use.
Sygate
ZoneAlarm
And of course, I’d recommend a Internet Filter… (smile) filter
Re:If OCLC just did not have a problem with Macs..
If memory serves Microsoft bought VirtualPC and was going to drown the product line…although I could be mistaken…
Replace Step One With Firefox/Thunderbird
If you’re running Windows, you’d be much safer not running IE or OE at all. Get (the completely free) Firefox and Thunderbird, and you’ll be nigh-completely safe while browsing the web and reading email (assuming you don’t decide to run untrusted attachments and/or downloads, of course). I push these goodies onto my poor Windows-using friends all the time, and they’re much happier afterwards. 😉
Naturally, the Microsoft-owned Slate isn’t about to direct you to an alternate product….
(For the record, I’m a Linux user, so none of this affects me on my home computers.)
#4
“Of course #4 would be buy a Mac or Linux.”
Darn right! Linux is likely cheaper, but get a Mac anyhow. 😉
Best of both worlds
Get a mac, and dual boot it with Yellow Dog Linux.
Never done this myself, but I know of people who have. Can you imagine how blazingly fast Linux would run on a G4?
Forget the…
G4 go straight for 2.5 Ghz G5
Re:Best of both worlds
I visited their website. They have a Geek Version you can install yourself — no manuals, no support. I don’t know if I could handle that, but the handholding version costs mucho more.
Tell me, do I really _want_ Linux if I’m happy with OS 10.2 ?