, 2004-08-19
What normally happens within twenty minutes? That's how long your average unprotected PC running Windows XP, fresh out of the box, will last once it's connected to the Internet.
Expand all |
Post comment
Infected In Twenty Minutes
2004-08-26
Anonymous (1 replies)
Anonymous (1 replies)
We'll still get the "why is my computer so slow" calls because its downloading patches in the background - if its a dialup connection or a data capped connection it might be wise to let the user decide when they want the patches, but inform them that it is important they do apply the patches. It sets it to automatically update by default anyway.
* Install a personal firewall that blocks almost everything by default.
XP SP2 has one built in. Why are we purchasing even more software to confuse ppl by trying to explain how to punch a hole in the firewall. Take that money and spend it on a router. To justify the cost, tell them it will stop worms, and the added bonus of stopping l33t hackers.
*Buy a 2- or 3-year subscription to an anti-virus program and set it up to automatically download all updates.
It might be worth mentioning a perfectly good FREE alternative like www.antivir.com
* Replace Internet Explorer with Mozilla or Mozilla Firefox, and then hide that blue E so it's not on the desktop.
So now we have ppl ringing and asking why only 90% of the sites on the net work. Menus dont load, pages go blank etc. I use firefox all the time but still need to load alot of pages into IE for them to work correctly (due to silly web designers). How are ppl going to establish if its a problem with the site, her net connection, her brand new firewall software or if its firefox? How are ppl going to keep up to date with the security updates from mozilla when its not automatically happening through windows update?
* Replace Outlook Express with Mozilla Thunderbird.
My comments on ditching IE apply to this also.
"If a user isn't educated enough to know how to open up a port he needs to run a particular program that needs a hole punched in the firewall, then that user shouldn't have unfettered access to the Net anyway"
Are you an expert on how your car runs? Do you have mechanics telling you that because you dont know exactly how your engine works you should'nt be on the roads? This article does backflips - you are offering solutions on how users should be on the net, yet you suggest that they should'nt be on the net anyway due to lack of knowledge.
[ reply ]
Link to this comment: http://www.securityfocus.com/comments/columns/262/28060#28060