Usergate Proxy Server for Windows
Windows Strengths and Weaknesses
The overwhelming majority of computers, both personal and corporate, use Microsoft Windows, which has included Internet access for well over a decade and as Windows became more complex, so has its Internet connectivity software. Windows 98 Second Edition introduced Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) to provide group access to the Internet from a local network. More complexities were added with the outbreak of Routing and Remote Access Service in Widows 2000 Server with its Network Address Translation (NAT) functions.
It took awhile before experts noticed that ICS has specific shortcomings. ICS changes network card addresses, which can cause problems on intranets. Because of this, ICS can only be used in small office or home networks and even then, ICS in office networks is not recommended, because there is no user authorization or validation with ICS. Even using it on a home network makes any connection to the Internet insecure, since it is so easy for criminals to gain access to your computers by falsifying where they are coming from (their IP and MAC addresses).
Some Help is Needed
Windows can organize Internet sharing, but security has never been a strong point. In practice either hardware or software solutions from other companies are generally purchased to provide the security solutions needed. One of the more important of these is UserGate Proxy Server.
UserGate Proxy Server provides local network users with a secure Internet access by defining policies of this access, forbidding particular Internet resources, and limiting traffic or time of a user’s work on the Internet. Additionally, UserGate can keep distinct traffic calculations of users and of protocols, which greatly simplifies Internet traffic cost control. Lately, among Internet Service Providers (ISP) there has been a tendency towards unlimited traffic and for that purpose, UserGate Proxy Server provides a very flexible system of rules.
UserGate Proxy Server with NAT support works on Windows 2000/2003/XP with the Internet (using the standard TCP/IP protocols). UserGate can also work on Windows 98 and Windows NT 4.0, but without NAT support. UserGate does not require any special resources for its operation; it simply needs a relatively small amount of hard drive memory for its cache and log files. UserGate can also be installed on a dedicated computer to maximize your network’s resources.
Proxy Servers
Your web browser (whether it is Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Netscape, Opera or Mozilla to name the most popular) is already able to cache documents. However, significant disk space is not reserved for these purposes if the Internet connection is shared by an entire office. The reason for this is that the probability of one person visiting the same web pages is far less than if dozens or hundreds of people are sharing the connection. Creating a common cache for a company can greatly decrease bandwidth waste as well as make almost instantaneous the receipt of documents that are commonly accessed by employees. UserGate Proxy Server can also link with the external cascade proxy servers (of your Internet Service Provider) to increase the speed of receiving data and reduce your Internet bills (traffic costs for a provider are usually less when a proxy server is used).
Program Configuration
Configuring the cache settings is done from the «Services» page. The first step is to enable the cache, then you can set its separate options, which include caching of POST requests, dynamic objects, cookies, and FTP content. You can also set the size of the disc space for the cache and the time-to-live of cached documents.
Other options must also be set before you can start working with the program. As a rule, this task is completed in the following order:
1. Create users of the program.
2. Configure DNS and NAT on the UserGate server. At this stage you can configure NAT using the wizard.
3. Set parameters of the various protocols (HTTP, FTP, SOCKS), the intranet interface on which they will be listened for, and whether cascading will be done. All of these can be set at their corresponding pages of service settings.
4. Configure the network connection on each client computer, including gateway and DNS in TCP/IP in network connection properties, which must be set.
5. Create an Internet access policy.
Modules to Make Things Easier
To make the program more user-friendly, we divided it into several modules:
The Server module is started at a computer that has Internet access. This module controls the execution of all tasks.
UserGate administration is performed with the help of a special module: UserGate Administrator, which handles all server settings.
UserGate Authentication Client is a client application installed on each user’s computer. This module monitors and controls user authorization to the UserGate server, if you choose an authorization independent of IP or IP+MAC.
Security and Permissions
UserGate Proxy Server locks out unauthorized access. Each user can be authorized automatically by their IP address alone or by a correct combination of IP and hardware (MAC) address. Each user can be assigned specific permissions
To make it easy to add users and to quickly assign the same permissions to a group of similar users a separate page is provided for the managing of users and groups. Groups make it easy to manage users that should have common settings, including network access and rates. You can create as many groups as you need. Groups are usually created based on company structure and hierarchy.
Each group can be given its own rate that is used to manage Internet access expenses. A default rate can be set or left empty, in which case the connections of all users in a group are not paid unless a different rate is set in a user’s own properties.
There are a number of default NAT rules provided in the program. These are access rules through Telnet, POP3, SMTP, HTTP, ICQ and other protocols. While setting group properties you can identify which rules will be applied to the group and its users.
A dial on demand option can be used when an Internet connection is through a modem. In this case the modem dials up the connection only when it is requested. Dial on demand can also be used with ADSL, if in order to get connected to the Internet provider it is necessary to dial up a VPN connection. In this case the VPN connection can be set as dial on demand.
If a computer with UserGate is in an Active Directory domain, users can be imported to it and then divided into groups that need similar access rights: authorization type, rate, NAT rules (if group rules do not fully meet the user’s needs).
Authorization Types and Rules
UserGate Proxy Server supports several authorization types, including authorization through Active Directory and Windows Login, which allows integrating UserGate into existing network infrastructures.
UserGate uses its own client authentication module for some types of authorization. Depending on the type of authorization you choose it is necessary to indicate, in user options, either the user’s IP address (or IP address range), assign a login (username and password) or assign just a username. If you want to send to a user, reports of their Internet traffic use you can enter the user’s e-mail here.
UserGate rules can be more flexibly configured than RRAS Remote Access Policy. Using rules you can lock access to specific URLs, limit traffic on certain protocols, set time limits, set a maximum file size that a user can download, etc. Windows does not provide the functionality needed to fulfill these tasks.
Rules can be created with the help of the wizard provided. Each rule has application conditions and an object it is executed when one or more conditions are met. For examples, close a connection, assign a rate or speed, etc. Conditions include protocols used, time of work, a user’s traffic limits (incoming and outgoing), money remaining on account, as well as, IP address list and URL list. Settings also allow the specifying of any file extensions that users cannot download.
In a number of organizations the use of instant messengers, such as ICQ, is prohibited. This is easy with UserGate. To prohibit ICQ you simply create a rule, locking out any connection with the host ‘*login.icq.com*’ and apply it to all users.
UserGate Proxy Server provides rules to allow varying rates for day or night time access, to local or common resources (if such variations are offered by your Internet provider). For instance, for switching between day and night rates two rules are created: one that performs the switching at a fixed time from day to night rate and the other that switches back to the day rate.
DNS and NAT Settings
DNS (Domain Name System) is what is used on the Internet so you don’t have to remember a site’s numbers (its real Internet address), such as 53.128.182.67), but instead you can just remember its name, such as www.famatech.com. One of the controlling parts of the Internet’s DNS is the DNS server, which is a computer (there are many DNS servers) on the Internet that translates the names of sites to their numbers, so when your browser goes to www.famatech.com, the DNS server knows the correct IP number to send the browser request to.
The DNS setting in UserGate Proxy Server is simply the locations (IP addresses) of one or two of these DNS servers (the closer the DNS server is to your ISP’s physical location, generally the better), where each client’s DNS requests will be forwarded to. It is necessary to indicate the IP address in your network interface of UserGate Proxy Server as the gateway and DNS in the TCP/IP properties of each user’s network connection on their local computer.
There is another way to set the DNS. You can add a new NAT rule, in which the IP receiver (the internal interface) and the IP sender (the external interface) are set to port 53 and the protocol to UDP. If you use this method, this rule must be applied to all users. In connection settings of each local computer, the IP address of the ISP’s DNS servers must be set as the DNS and the IP address of UserGate Proxy Server set as the gateway on each local computer.
Mail clients can be set either through port mapping or through NAT. If instant messengers are allowed to be used in the organization, the network settings must be changed for them: both user firewall and proxy, the IP address of the internal network interface of UserGate Proxy Server must be indicated, and the protocol HTTPS or SOCKS needs be selected. If you use Yahoo Messenger, you should keep in mind that when you work through a proxy server, Yahoo’s chat rooms and video chats are unavailable.
Statistics for each user are recorded in a log. These include data on the time each connection started, its duration, total cost, the URLs and IPs visited, the number of bytes received and bytes sent. It is impossible to cancel or falsify the recording of any of this information about user connections in UserGate Proxy Server’s statistics file. The statistics can be viewed either from the Server Administrator or from a special module Statistics. Statistics data can be filtered by user, protocol and time period; and these stats can be exported to Microsoft Excel for further processing.
The early versions of UserGate Proxy Server cached only HTTP (web) pages. The latest version introduced new components designed to guarantee information security. Now UserGate users can take advantage of the built-in firewall and Kaspersky Antivirus modules. The firewall can control (permit or block) specific TCP ports and can also publish a company’s resources on the Internet. UserGate Proxy Server processes all packets received from the network. Every port that is open in the program, for example HTTP, SOCKS and others, are either selected by the administrator or can be opened in the firewall automatically. You can see which ports are open in the auto rules table on the Firewall Rules page.
Future development plans for UserGate Proxy Server include creation of its own VPN server—so you have an alternative VPN solution to that offered by Windows—an introduction of a mail server that has its own antispam support and the development of an intelligent firewall at the application level.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009
- Advanced antivirus software with maximum spyware protection to guard against viruses, Trojans, and worms, spyware and adware, rootkits, identity theft and phishing attacks
- Scans files, email, and Internet traffic; protects instant messengers
- Analyzes and closes Internet Explorer vulnerabilities; Disables links to malware sites / phishing sites
- Protects from unknown threats; blocks all types of keyloggers
- Automatic database updates; free technical support
Amazon.com
With a new, super-fast and efficient anti-virus engine, Kaspersky Anti-Virus raises the bar for traditional anti-virus protection from all types of malicious programs. You can be confident that your computer and your confidential information are safe as you work and surf the internet.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus raises the bar for traditional anti-virus protection from all types of malicious programs. |
Scans files, email messages and Internet traffic. Click to enlarge. |
Scans operating system and installed application for vulnerabilities. Click to enlarge. |
The navigation bar provides quick access to the application’s functions, including anti-virus scans and updating tasks. |
Protects Your PC From:
- Viruses and worms
- Spyware and trojans
- Hijacking and botnets
- Identity theft and phishing
Kaspersky Users are Making the Smart Choice
People have challenged the Anti-Malware industry. Application incompatibilities and slow performance are simply not acceptable. Meanwhile, the alarming growth in cybercrime is making the Internet an increasingly dangerous place to work and play. A new approach is needed.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009 is designed specifically to meet these challenges.
Improving on our previous award-winning products we’ve fully integrated a revolutionary new mix of technology designed to provide the highest level of protection possible against cybercriminals. Up to 7x faster than prior versions, Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009 empowers you to harness the power of the Internet, without the constant worry of identity theft and malicious attacks that hijack your computer. And Kaspersky has drastically improved performance.
Faster and safer without getting in your way. It’s the smart choice.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009 provides the necessary tools for protecting your PC. An easy-to-use interface drives a comprehensive approach to protecting information.
Essential Protection
- Protects from viruses, Trojans and worms.
- Blocks spyware and adware.
- Scans files, email messages and Internet traffic.
- Protects instant messengers (ICQ, MSN).
- Provides proactive protection from unknown threats.
Preventative Protection
- Scans operating system and application for vulnerabilities.
- Analyzes and closes Internet Explorer vulnerabilities.
- Disables links to malware sites.
- Global threat monitoring (Kaspersky Security Network).
Advanced Protection & Recovery
- Can be installed on infected computers.
- Self-protection from being disabled or stopped.
- Restores correct system settings after removing malicious software.
- Tools for creating a rescue disk.
Data and Identity Theft Protection
- Disables links to phishing web sites.
- Blocks all types of keyloggers.
Usability
- Automatic configuration during installation.
- Wizards for common tasks.
- Visual reports with charts and diagrams.
- Automatic or expert user modes.
- Automatic database updates.
Kaspersky Internet Security 2009
- Complete Internet security protection with anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-phishing, anti-spam and anti-hacker technologies, plus parental controls and virtual keyboard perfect for home or small office
- Scans files, email, and Internet traffic; protects instant messengers; Blocks unwanted web banners
- Protects from unknown threats; blocks all types of keyloggers; cleans traces of user activity
- Parental controls filter, block, or report inappropriate content; limit Internet time to hours and amounts that you set
- Automatic database updates; free technical support
Product Description
Kaspersky Labs Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 3 Users License for PCAmazon.com
Kaspersky Internet Security protects you while you and your family work, play, email, IM, surf the Internet, bank or shop online. Compute confidently. Harness the Internet for all its value. Kaspersky Internet Security will keep you safe and not burden your system.
Kaspersky Internet Security protects you while you and your family work, play, email, IM, surf the Internet, bank or shop online. |
Scans files, email messages and Internet traffic. Click to enlarge. |
Scans operating system and installed application for vulnerabilities. Click to enlarge. |
The navigation bar provides quick access to the application’s functions, including anti-virus scans and updating tasks. |
Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 protects computers and laptops from all Internet threats.
Protects Your PC From:
- Viruses and worms
- Spyware and trojans
- Hijacking and botnets
- Identity theft
- Network Attacks
- Spam
Includes:
- Proactive defense
- Two-way firewall
- Virtual keyboard
- Parental controls
Kaspersky Users are Making the Smart Choice
People have challenged the Anti-Malware industry. Application incompatibilities and slow performance are simply not acceptable. Meanwhile, the alarming growth in cybercrime is making the Internet an increasingly dangerous place to work and play. A new approach is needed.
Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 is designed specifically to meet these challenges. Our award winning products have been upgraded with revolutionary new security technology:
- Application whitelisting leaves trusted applications unhindered
- Application filtering restricts suspect applications from doing harm
- Vulnerability analysis closes potential weakness
- Proactive defenses block new threats even before updates are received
- Virtual Keyboard and Anti-Phishing provide fail-safe protection for usernames and passwords
- Collective intelligence protects you from threats other Kaspersky users have encountered
- And we’ve drastically improved performance.
Faster and safer without getting in your way. It’s the smart choice.
Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 has everything you need for a safe and secure Internet experience.
Essential Protection
- Protects from viruses, Trojans and worms.
- Blocks spyware and adware.
- Scans files, email messages and Internet traffic.
- Protects instant messengers (ICQ, MSN).
- Provides proactive protection from unknown threats.
Extended Protection
- Two-way personal firewall.
- Safe Wi-Fi and VPN connections.
- Intelligent application handling and control.
- Intrusion Prevention System (IPS).
Preventative Protection
- Scans operating system and installed application for vulnerabilities.
- Analyzes and closes Internet Explorer vulnerabilities.
- Disables links to malware sites.
- Global threat monitoring (Kaspersky Security Network).
Advanced Protection & Recovery
- Can be installed on infected computers.
- Self-protection from being disabled or stopped.
- Restores correct system settings after removing malicious software.
- Tools for creating a rescue disk.
Data and Identity Theft Protection
- Disables links to phishing web sites.
- Blocks all types of keyloggers.
- Virtual keyboard for safe entry of user names and passwords.
- Prevents theft of data exchanged via HTTPS/SSL.
- Blocks unauthorized dial-up connections.
- Cleans up any traces of user activity (deletes temporary files, cookies, etc.).
Content Filtering
- Parental Controls.
- Anti-spam protection (plugins for Microsoft Outlook, Thunderbird).
- Blocks banners on web pages.
Usability
- Automatic configuration during installation.
- Wizards for common tasks.
- Visual reports with charts and diagrams.
- Automatic or expert user modes.
- Automatic database updates.
Kaspersky Internet Security 2009
Picking PLR Articles That Provide Useful Information
The concept of article writing is to provide the readers with useful, honest and entertaining information, on topics the readers are interested in. When writing an article, the authors are branding themselves as ‘The Expert’ on the chosen topic. The end result of publishing articles to the internet is the articles will drive an automatic and continuous stream of traffic to the author’s website.
Unfortunately, although there are people who find a great deal of pleasure in writing articles, this can be a daunting task for some. And this is where private label content (PLC) comes into play. PLC generally refers to articles, e-books and manuals where the contents are free to change. They are very useful to overcome writer’s block and time restraints. Making use of private label contents can help you project a polished, professional appearance to your visitors while still giving you control of the information presented.
However you will need to pick the correct articles to make your sites successful. Not all PLR articles are created equal! Sometimes it is obvious that an article seems a bit ‘lightweight’. Publishing articles on the Internet means there is not an editor to scrutinize the details and say yes or no. There are PLR articles and ebooks that only include the basic information that everyone but the man from Mars knows.
Good private label articles or ebooks should contain useful information where there is something tor learn. They should not only be used to get backlinks from article directories or to introduce a new site to search engines. For example, everyone knows that Fido needs to be fed, watered and exercised properly to be a happy doggie. But does everyone know the symptoms of a certain disease that particular breed is prone to and what to do about it? If you can provide information such as this in your article, you will soon have a happy readership.
As another example, there are various private label articles that provide information about virus protection. Now it seems that everyone knowns that an antivirus software is essential to a computer’s ability to fend off viruses and other malicious programs. A good PLR article should contain useful tips or info such as to list some antivirus software (e.g. AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition, Kaspersky Anti-Virus, etc) and why the software are recommended.
Quality PLR articles tend to be easier to modify because the contents are usually presented in an organized order. For instance, “Fighting off Viruses: Advancements in Antivirus Software Suites” is a PLR article that presents a list of several antivirus software. The article contains several sections: an introduction that covers some reasons why protecting a PC from viruses is getting harder, a few simple steps to protect against virus threats and some recommended antivirus software.
Now you can do some modifications easily such as adding some features for each antivirus software presented on the article. You may also recommend another antivirus software that you are using and tell the readers your own experience with it. This will help the readers to make the right decision when choosing an antivirus software.
In summary, good private label contents should provide useful information. People should be able to learn something or get ideas from the contents. By creating useful information you will become a resource for other websites that may link to you, providing your site with valuable hyperlinks. Information is a great way to show your visitors that you have something worthwhile to impart and they will be more likely to recommend you to others.
Protecting your Computer the Best Way Through Kaspersky Internet Security
The internet is one of the most useful tools ever invented. It allows people to communicate at a very fast and very cheap rate. With the internet, people have been able to communicate through instant messengers, through emails and through VoIP for free or at a very low price compared to conventional telephones.
The internet also allowed new ways to do business. Not only are businesses today able to provide better services to their clients, but they can now reach out to the world and introduce their products or services and get more potential customers.
With the internet, you will now be able to do almost anything right in the comforts of your own home. You can go purchase your groceries online, you can shop for shirts and pants through websites, and you can even play online multiplayer games with your friends without having to leave the comforts of your own home.
The accessibility of the internet provides so many advantages. It literally connects people wherever they are in the world. However, the internet also has its disadvantages. Since you will be doing business or purchase items online, you will be leaving your personal and financial information in your computer. You may think that your information is kept safe in your computer hard disk but you should think again.
There are people who know how to develop programs to access your computer illegally. These people are called hackers. They develop viruses, spywares, adwares and other malicious programs just to harass and steal from people using the internet. Once these programs enter your computer, all your files in your computer can be accessed by these hackers. They will be able to know all about your computer and they can steal your identity.
It is a fact that many people have lost a lot of money because of hackers. They didn’t know where these people accessed their personal and financial information. Your computer is a good source, especially if it is always connected to the internet and has no proper security software to protect it from these malicious programs.
You can easily compare it to leaving your house open with all your credit cards, financial information, and personal information inside. These people can easily enter your house and obtain all the information and use it to steal money from you.
Because of this, you will need a form of security especially if you use the internet on a regular basis. What you need is a program called internet security to be installed in your computer. One internet security program developer is called Kaspersky.
The Kaspersky Internet Security is one of the most used and widely know internet security program in the market today. It is a very popular and effective program that is able to effectively detect and prevent malicious programs from entering your computer. With this kind of software, you will be able to protect yourself from identity thieves and malicious programs circulating the internet.
Here are some of the main advantages and key features of the latest Kaspersky Internet Security software that your computer should have:
• Protection from all internet threats
• Firewall for additional protection
• Updatable virus definition
• Effective antivirus software
• Free technical support
• Protection from network attacks and system hijacking
• Programmable spam filtration system
• System rollback
• Popup blocking software
These are some of the things you need to install in your computer and the latest Kaspersky Internet Security software has them all. So, the next time you are considering to install a program to protect your PC, you should consider Kaspersky Internet Security.
Software reviews: NOD 32 Antivirus – Part 3
A Decent All-Arounder. 4/5.
“So, it has the basics and its fast, but don’t expect anything fancy.”
Most antivirus programs take up a ton of memory when they are scanning your computer. When I compared NOD32 with Norton Antivirus and BitDefender, I found that not only did it take up less memory, it also scanned my system faster. Unfortunately, the program also had quite a few flaws and was not very easy to use. Below, I detail my experience with this software below and give you the good along with the bad.
At around $40, NOD 32 is priced equally with Norton AV and costs around $15 more than BitDefender. The installation was a mildly lengthy process. It sure took quite a lot longer than Norton AV and BitDefender. Although, that be accredited to NOD32’s larger local virus database. The Installer only used 11MB of RAM. Impressive.
Hard drive scanning with NOD32 is slightly slower than Norton and BitDefender. It claims to be four-times faster than McAfee, Kaspersky, and Symantec but it took around 12% more time than BitDeffender for the same dataset, but yielded the same results. NOD32 isn’t a process hog so you will be able to use Photoshop and play games simultaneously. In fact, the program only used 22MB of RAM.
Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 3-User
- Internet Security 2010 offers premium protection from viruses, spyware and all malware threats
- Advanced up-to-the-second protection and threat intelligence
- Built for fast, optimal PC performance
- Comprehensive identity theft and phishing protection
- Powerful anti-spam and two-way firewall
Product Description
Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 provides the world’s most advanced PC security with premium protection from all malware threats. When you buy Kaspersky, you get more than just a box of software. You’ll benefit from unique technologies that deliver the best protection, performance, and security utilities available. Raise your defenses against the ever-increasing threat of cybercriminals!Amazon.com Product Description
The most advanced Internet security software with premium protection from viruses, spyware hackers and spam. Also includes comprehensive identity theft and phishing protection, parental and privacy controls, and superfast performance.
Automatically determine the safety of your applications and applies the appropriate security level. Click to enlarge. |
Premium protection from viruses, spyware hackers and spam. Click to enlarge. |
Vulnerability scanning helps guarantee that your applications are fully patches, up-to-date, and secure Click to enlarge. |
With Kaspersky Internet Security, You Get:
- Advanced up-to-the-second threat intelligence
- Built for fast, optimal PC performance
- Ideal for banking, shopping and surfing online
- Comprehensive identity theft & phishing protection
- Powerful anti-spam and two-way firewall
- Parental and privacy controls
- Free technical support
Here’s What You Can Expect from Kaspersky Internet Security 2010:
- Safely surf the web, totally worry free
- Protect your private data, personal identity and banking information
- Socialize securely with friends and family
- Share pictures, videos, and documents with confidence
- Email and IM without annoying spam or infected messages
- Download and run new applications with complete confidence
- Ensure all applications are fully updated and secure
- Protect your family by blocking access to inappropriate online content
- Maximize the full potential of your PC’s resources and performance
- Better gaming experience without interruption
- Free U.S.-based technical support via phone, email, and chat
What Makes Kaspersky Different is What Makes You Safer–Check Out the Features You Will Find Only With Kaspersky:
Whitelisting & Application Control
Automatically determines the safety of your applications and applies the appropriate security level.
iChecker & iSwift Scanning
Adjusts scanning for superfast performance. Ideal for gamers!
Urgent Detection System
Instantly verifies every web address against the most current list of known malicious sites.
Security Analyzer
Vulnerability scanning helps guarantee that your applications are fully patches, up-to-date, and secure.
Safe Run
Runs any application or browser in a protected virtual environment or sandbox.
Virtual Keyboard
Protects your personal data, passwords and online banking information when using the Web
Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 3-User
Software reviews: Kaspersky Internet Security 7.0
Kaspersky Internet Security 7 provides computer users with a complete online security suite. Featuring its award-winning antivirus software, this package also includes a personal firewall, parental controls and protection against spam and phishing emails.
The antivirus feature of the software includes hourly updates – protecting users against the latest threats; as well as cutting-edge heuristics analysis to identify potential malware along with real-time email, IM & p2p scanning so you can be sure your communications are virus-free.
With a teak-tough firewall, potential hackers will have a hard time gaining access to your PC. However, getting maximum protection requires much configuration and may be off-putting for novice users.
Like its stand-alone antivirus product, KIS7 has a very light resources footprint, although its initial scan can take some time to complete. However, subsequent scans check only those files that have changed significantly – speeding up the process thereafter. It can also throttle back on scanning speed whenever the CPU is under heavy load to help alleviate system slow-down.
Offering top-notch antivirus and spyware protection alongside a solid firewall, if you can look beyond the mediocre antispam and parental controls, KIS7 is a sound choice, although may prove daunting for novice users.
Common computer maintenance mistakes
PC users make many mistakes in using their computers. Most of them are caused out of simple lack of care. Ignorance is also a vital reason.
The most common preventive maintenance measures that PC owners fail to take are:
1. Routinely scanning and defragmenting their hard-drive(s).
2. Correctly uninstalling software.
3. Routinely updating their anti-virus software signature files.
4. Not taking proper care of hardwares.
Scan Disk and Defrag are two commands which are made to keep the PC healthy. Scan Disk may be performed once a week. Defrag may be used once in two months. These two programs significantly improve the PC performance. Most of the people complain that their PCs are not running as smooth as used to be. When I ask them whether they use Scan Disk and Defrag, they reply that they even don’t know about them.
To perform Scan Disk and Defrag, right click on any of the drives and select PROPERTIES. Now go to TOOLS tab and you will see two buttons called CHECK NOW and DEFRAGMENT NOW. Perform whichever you want.
The second mistake is to not removing programs correctly. Many people simply delete the folder of the program or game but that’s not the way to do it. Because, there are external files of that program which are not deleted. These files make the computer heavy over the time.
Uninstalling in a proper way is the way to overcome this problem. Whenever you want to remove a software or game, go to START> CONTROL PANEL and double click on ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS icon. This will list the programs installed in your computer. Now select the program and click on REMOVE button.
Many viruses come out every day, every week. So, installing an antivirus does not suffice. You need to constantly update it. Because whenever a virus comes out, the antivirus makers invents a cure and offer a free download for the antivirus owners. I personally prefer Kaspersky Antivirus as it has a rich library of virus.
If you own a pen drive, you may insert and remove it from an USB port of your computer. You may not know that, for this reason, your Pen drive deteriorates over time. There is a certain way to do it. Also, eating near keyboard, using wet cloth to clean the PC is mistakes the user often make.
The basics of Internet security
One of the most widely spread mistakes of PC users is their underestimation of computer security importance while Internet using and considering initial installing the antivirus program to be the only and sufficient step toward security guarantee. In what follows, main steps to complex security solution are described.
1. Consider your operating system security. Using Microsoft Windows, you should remember that releases of new versions and updates for older versions are not just Microsoft style to provide users with new tools or system utilities. Most of updates are called to fix certain gaps and discovered flaws in the operating system. Mostly hackers use browser or email client to get access to your computer. Microsoft is constantly fixing such flaws to close the “opened door” in software. That’s why updating process is recommended as the fist step to security. XP users have the automatic update option. Users of older versions should visit Microsoft site for checking the available updates.
2. Use a firewall. Firewalls are security tools to prevent unauthorized programs from accessing your PC via Internet connection. They are also helpful with filtering out the unwanted port scans which test the PC for available flaws to access. Search the Internet for firewall solutions. Read the forums where users give their opinions about certain products and choose the best for you. Among the most well known solutions are:
- Norton Personal Firewall from Symantec
- Sygate Personal Firewall
- Kaspersky Anti Hacker.
Besides if you are using Windows XP, install service Pack 2, which has built-in Microsoft Firewall.
3. Install Antivirus software. Antivirus is the best tool to detect the harmful programs, infecting your computer. Antivirus programs scan all the files, folder and archives on the hard disk, detect the viruses and either delete them automatically or ask for user’s advice what to do with certain malicious file. Remember that virus may infect files that look like typical and normal, for example some Trojan viruses may infect the Word documents and will be activated when you open infected .doc file. That is why scanning with antivirus is recommended to run every week periodically. Look at solutions from Symantec, MC Afee, Dr. Web, Kaspersky Lab or search for free products. Using the antivirus, don’t forget to download the updates periodically, for they include means to fight with new viruses.
4. Try to use several browsers to find the one with best speed and security features. After many talks that Internet Explorer has many flaws that may be used by hackers to access the PC, more and more people are choosing web browsers from other developers. Besides, very often alternative browsers show better efficiency and functionality in comparison to IE. The most recommended browsers are Opera, Firefox (it is free) and Netscape.
5. To make a conclusion, remember about the most important rule – even installing all the recommended firewalls and antivirus software will hardly help when you are constantly downloading everything what is offered throughout internet, especially on free basis. Also remember that practically every time you will open the unknown attached file of the email massage from the unknown sender, you will let the virus run and infect your PC.
