Eustace wrote:[color=blue]
> I just uninstalled the McAffee Security Center that came with my laptop
> and installed AVG antivirus instead. Is there anything else I need to do
> to complete the basic protection of my system?
>
> emf
>[/color]



There are several essential components to computer security: a
knowledgeable and pro-active user, a properly configured firewall,
reliable and up-to-date antivirus software, disable any unnecessary
services, and the prompt repair (via patches, hotfixes, or service
packs) of any known vulnerabilities.

The most important component is also, not ironically, the weakest
link in the "equation," of course, the computer user. No software
manufacturer can -- nor should they be expected to -- protect the
computer user from him/herself. All too many people have bought into
the various PC/software manufacturers marketing claims of easy
computing. They believe that their computer should be no harder to use
than a toaster oven; they have neither the inclination or desire to
learn how to safely use their computer. All too few people keep their
antivirus software current, install patches in a timely manner, or stop
to really think about that cutesy link they're about to click.

Firewalls and anti-virus applications, which should always be used
and should always be running, are important components of "safe hex,"
but they cannot, and should not be expected to, protect the computer
user from him/herself. Ultimately, it is incumbent upon each and every
computer user to learn how to secure his/her own computer.

To learn more about practicing "safe hex," start with these links:

Protect Your PC
[url]http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/default.asp[/url]

Home Computer Security
[url]http://www.cert.org/homeusers/HomeComputerSecurity/[/url]

List of Antivirus Software Vendors
[url]http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;49500[/url]

Home PC Firewall Guide
[url]http://www.firewallguide.com/[/url]

Scumware.com
[url]http://www.scumware.com/[/url]


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
[url]http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html[/url]

[url]http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375[/url]

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot