Computer Defense Tools & Essentials
To adequately defend your computer and data from those who would seek to exploit them, there are a lot of tools at your disposal. It is true that were you to employ every possible tool available you could end up spending a great deal of money.
The trick to computer defense (and indeed, any security defense) is to balance the amount of defense you need against the cost of that defense plus the cost of actually sustaining a loss.
What follows is collection of defensive tools by category, ordered by what the Paladin feels is the most important tools to have, along with links to locations where you can acquire such tools. The Paladin will, over time, include additional background information regarding each of these categories of tools.
Keep in mind that as the Paladin has indicated in many posts on this site (and will continue to indicate), the most important link in your computer defense is your knowledge! As the defensive technology has continued to improve, the “bad guys” (which we like to call the “Anti-Programmers”…see the “About Us” page for more details) have turned to thwarting these defenses by fooling the user (that’s you!) into overriding the defensive tools. “Opening the door and letting the Anti-Programmers in,” as it were. But fear not! We will be providing training for you and your fellow online warriors to help you detect and avoid such pitfalls.
Computer Defense Armory
(click on the tool category name for more information and links to obtain such tools)
| Tool Category by Priority | Description |
|---|---|
| Data Backup | Making a backup copy of your data protects you from hardware failures, innocent software bugs, and malicious programs. Unless your data and software are of no value to you, EVERYONE NEEDS TO EMPLOY THIS DEFENSE!!! |
| Firewalls | A firewall is either a hardware device or software that protects your computer from unauthorized network access. This is extremely important when you use an “always-on” networking connection technology such as DSL, Cable Modem, etc. (typically any type of internet access other than phone dial-up) |
| Use a Non-Admin Account | Many Windows computer users log into their computer as the “Administrator” (though they may have a different user ID name, they still log in with “administrator” permissions). Logging in as a non-administrator can save you a whole heap of trouble! |
| Software Tools | Software that runs on each computer in your home that both scans and monitors for “suspicious” behavior by programs running on your computer and blocks them before they have a chance to do their dastardly deeds! These tools can also diagnose problems with your computer and, to a limited extent, even repair them. |
| Hardware Protection | Hardware is pretty reliable these days…but even so, there are things you can do to significantly reduce the chance of a hardware failure |
| Alternative Software | If you were a deranged individual who wanted to write a virus program or trojan horse or other bit of malicious software, what victims would you seek out in order to have the maximum impact? Wouldn’t you devise your software to work against the most prolific operating system, web browser, email program, etc.? In this area we show you some alternatives to your web browser, email program, office suite and even operating system that perform as well as the ones you may already be using yet are not affected by many (but not all) of the current viruses, trojan horses, etc. circulating around on the internet. |
| User Safety (coming soon) | Protecting yourself and your family from harm (both physical and emotional) while using your computer has become an important topic. Here we will provide you with important safety tips to guard against physical factors as well as guidelines and resources for “save computing.” |