From a computer-whizz (and trusted) friend (May 2003):

Here’s some things to help make your computer secure…

Simple definitions:

Firewall – program that prevents hackers connecting to your computer

Spyware – any program that send personal information without your consent

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Test your computer online to see if it’s vulnerable to hackers:

Shields Up https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

Symantec Security Check (Note: if your computer is behind a firewall or you access the internet through a network this will scan the computer/server/firewall that is directly connected to the internet) http://security.symantec.com/SSC/

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Test your computer online to see if any program are stealing personal information from your computer (SpyWare):

SpyAudit (Note: may still report Spyware after it has been removed by a program like SpyBot) http://www.webroot.com/services/spyaudit_03.htm

Download and run this program to check if any programs on your computer are stealing personal information (spyware) and remove them. Can also inoculate your computer against known spyware from installing in future:

SpyBot S&D http://www.safer-networking.net/files/spybotsd12.exe

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If you don’t already have a firewall program installed you can download ZoneAlarm for free here: http://download.zonelabs.com/bin/free/1001_cnet_zdnet/zaSetup_37_143.exe

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Hope that helps:)