COMPUTER HOUSEKEEPING
Keeping Your Computer in Top Working Order
and
Keeping Your Computer Secure
By JCA and Volusia Flagler
SeniorNet Learning Centers
Computer Housekeeping
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................... 1
Part I Computer Housekeeping .................................................... 3
I.
II.
III.
IV.
ScanDisk
Defragmentation Program
Windows Disk Cleanup Program
Backing Up Files
Part II Computer Security ............................................................ 15
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
Passwords
Virus Checkers
Protecting Your Computer Against Program Bugs
Firewalls
Spyware Checker
Appendix A Sources of Further Information ............................... 23
Appendix B How to Use Spybot Search & Destroy .................... 25
Appendix C: Backing Up Data Files ............................................ 31
Sponsored by:
BellSouth  Halifax Community Health System  GE Elfun Volunteers  Checkered Flag Committee
Computer Housekeeping and Computer Security
Keeping Your Computer in Top Working Order
and
Secure From Outside Attacks
by
SeniorNet
Computer owners are often unaware of some useful ways to keep their machines
in top working order. In this manual you will learn to use housekeeping programs that
will both keep your computer running efficiently and also protect it against viral attacks.
Viruses are mischievous and damaging programs that get into your computer via e-mail,
over the Internet and even from shared floppy disks. You will also learn to back-up your
files so they won't get lost if the hard drive (C Drive) fails.
Computers are akin to the
average teenager whose top priority is
not orderliness. In the case of your
computer, it throws new data
helter-skelter onto the hard drive
and then spends increasing time
searching for the data you want.
There are utility programs, in your
computer that are designed to help
you organize and protect the data on
the hard drive. They can keep your computer from becoming seriously impaired as more
and more data are added to the drive.
GOALS
To teach you ways to keep your computer running trouble-free with the help of a
few housekeeping utility programs. This manual explains how to maintain computers
from the older to the newest Microsoft Windows operating systems (i.e. Windows, 98,
ME, 2000 and XP).
You will learn how to do the following:



Clean up your hard drive to run more efficiently
Protect your files from loss with back-ups (duplicate copies)
Secure your computer by keeping your Windows operating system updated;
choosing well-formed passwords; using virus protection; and installing
programs such as firewall and spyware.
The good news is that a number of computer maintenance programs are built into
all Microsoft operating systems. The trick is in locating the programs, learning what they
do, knowing how they work and remembering to run them.
1
Revised: February 2005
Part I – Computer Housekeeping
I. Using Microsoft's ScanDisk or XP’s Error-Checking Programs:
Let's start with ScanDisk – called Error-Checking in Windows 2000 and XP -and see what it does and how to do it. ScanDisk checks your hard drive to make sure it's
in good working order. Here's what it does:




Repairs errors that can occur with improper shutdown of
your computer
Repairs file system errors
Improves the response time of your computer
Fixes errors on hard drives, floppy disks and most other
data storage devices
Note: If ScanDisk is unable to repair damaged data, or indicates that the hard drive may
have sustained physical damage, you may need to take your computer in for repairs.
The frequency for running this program depends on the amount of new data,
including e-mail, which you put on your computer’s hard drive. As a general rule, plan
on running the ScanDisk and the Defragment programs about once a month.
The ScanDisk program examines the surface condition of your computer’s hard
drive (or C Drive). It looks for flaws that can impair the recovery of data. If flaws are
found, the program will isolate or "wall off" the flawed areas so your computer will not
use them again.
However, the ScanDisk program will not run if other programs are active,
otherwise it will keep restarting and finally stop altogether. It is important to close any
programs you have opened and to disable other running programs before launching this
maintenance utility. (This process has been simplified in Windows 2000 & XP.)
Make sure you have saved your work, as you will be restarting the computer in order to
close all active programs.
Consider running the ScanDisk and the Defragment programs at a time when you
don’t need to use the computer for a while. The two programs can take several hours to
run, depending on how much work your computer has to do to get the hard drive back in
shape.
3
Revised: February 2005
1. Running Error-Checking in Windows 2000 and XP:
Steps to locate the Error-Checking utility:











Open the Start Menu
Click My Computer
Right click the C Drive icon
Click Properties
Click the Tools tab
Click the Check Now button in the box labeled Error-Checking
Check the Automatically Fix File System Errors box
Check the Scan for and Attempt Recovery of Bad Sectors box
Click the Start button
Click the Yes button at the next prompt. This will tell the computer to run
Error-Checking when the computer is restarted.
Close the program and go to the Start Menu and restart your computer. This
will allow the Error-Checking program to examine the C Drive before
Windows fully loads all its programs.
Note: If left untouched after Error-Checking is completed the computer will turn itself
off.
2. Running ScanDisk in Windows 98 and ME:
A. Shutting Down your Screen Saver:
If you are running a Screen Saver that has moving elements, it must be shut down.






Right click on your desktop
Click on Properties to Display Properties dialogue box
Click on the Screen Saver tab
Open the Screen Saver pull down menu and highlight or select None
Click Apply
Return to desktop by pressing OK
B. Shutting Down Open Programs:
The first step to take before running ScanDisk is to shut down all open programs.
When shutting down the Start Menu programs you have a choice of using one of the
following two options. We’ll let you choose which method works best for you. In many
cases, Option #1 will be the simplest unless you have a long list of programs that need to
be shut down. If the list is long, try using Option #2 instead.
4
Revised: February 2005
Option #1 for shutting down open programs:

Hold down the Ctrl, Alt and Delete keys all at the same time while at your
desktop. The Windows Task Manager dialogue box will appear with a list of
open applications or programs under the Applications tab. Your window will
show two applications that should not be closed: Explore and Systray (i.e.
system tray). It is important that you not close either of these applications.
To continue the shutting down process:




Click on one of the listed applications to highlight it highlighted under the
Applications tab.
Click the End Task button. The dialogue box will then disappear
Again, hold down the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys all at the same time to again
open the dialogue box.
Repeat the process by clicking on the next open application until all the listed
programs are closed except for Explore and Systray.
Option #2 for shutting down open programs:





Open Start Menu
Click Run
Type "msconfig" in dialogue box
Click OK if you get a System Registry Notice dialogue box
Click the Selective Startup button in the System Configuration Utility
dialogue box (General tab). See illustration below
5
Revised: February 2005



Uncheck the Load startup group items box
Click the Apply button and then click OK
Restart the computer
Note: You may get a warning box when you call up this program. It is safe to check OK and proceed.
C. Steps for running ScanDisk in Windows 98 and ME:






Click on the Start Menu, Programs, Accessories and System Tools
Click ScanDisk
Select or highlight C Drive
Click either the “Standard” or “Thorough” radio button
Click Automatically Fix Errors
Click Start button to commence the scanning process
If you used Option #2 above for shutting down programs, when the ScanDisk has
completed, you must repeat the Option #2 steps and return the selection to Normal
Startup and restart your computer. Lastly, reactivate your Screen saver program.
II. Using Microsoft's Defragmentation Program:
The Defragmentation program is designed to pull together the data for each file to
improve the time it takes to launch, or open, programs. Disk fragmentation is a process
that happens over time with normal use of your computer. This phenomenon is called
fragmentation. Here is how your computer works in storing files – including your e-mail
6
Revised: February 2005
messages. Initially on a new computer, all files follow each other in lock step. As you
begin to delete files you no longer need, you create “holes” in the file structure.
Windows does not leave these holes empty on your disk, but begins to put new files in
those spaces. However, sometimes the new files are bigger than an existing hole. So
Windows puts part of the file in one hole and parts in other holes. This means the entire
file is on your hard drive, but is “fragmented,” with pieces scattered in various places.
Your computer will work OK in this condition, but it can take longer to load files and
applications, and there is an increased chance of a piece of a file getting corrupted.
The situation is illustrated below. The first line represents your “new” computer with
all files in order. The second line shows what happens when you delete files. Deleted
file B and file D leave empty holes. The third line shows the situation when a new long
file F is added. It is fragmented into sections, filling in various holes on the hard disk.
Finally, the fourth line illustrates the file structure after the disk has been defragmented.
File Fragmentation Illustrated
File A
File B
File C
File D
File E
File A
Hole
File C
Hole
File E
File A
File F-1
File C
File F-2
File E
File A
File C
File A
File E
File F-3
File F
When your computer is asked to retrieve file F from the hard drive, it has to move
to several locations on the disk to pick up the various pieces. This slows down the
computer and makes it more prone to errors.
You can correct the fragmented situation by running the Defragmention program.
This utility will put the files back in proper order, as they are in lines 1 and 4 of the above
illustration.
In Windows 2000 and XP you do not need to run the Error-Checking program
prior to running the Defragmentation program.
1. Steps to running the Defragmentation program for Windows 2000 and XP:
Begin by closing all programs you have opened. Then:
7
Revised: February 2005










Open the Start Menu
Click My Computer
Right click on the Local Disk C icon
Click Properties
Click the Tools tab
Click the Defragment Now button in the box labeled Defragmentation
Click the Analyze button
Wait to see if you are told the C Drive needs to be defragmented, if so,
Click the Defragment button
Click Close Program when program finishes
2. Steps to running Defragmentation program for Windows 98 & ME:
When the Defragmentation program runs, it will first run the ScanDisk program
followed by the Defrag. It is necessary for you to follow the either Option #1 or
#2 previously detailed for shutting down open programs before you start. After
you shut down the open programs, then:





Double Click My Computer
Right click on the Local Disk C icon
Click Properties
Click the Tools tab
Click Defragment now
Once the program is launched, you can click on the Show Details bar to see the
process at work. Click on the Legend bar to learn what the different colors mean.
If you chose Option #2 for closing down active programs, you must go back and
reset the Start Menu program control. To do this, after you have finished running the
ScanDisk and the Defragmentation programs follow the directions above (Option #2) to
re-access the System Configuration Utility dialogue box for shutting down Start Menu
programs.
After you have accessed the System Configuration Utility dialogue box:



Click Normal Startup radio button in the dialogue box under the General tab
Click Apply
Restart your computer
After you have restarted your computer, remember to reactivate your Screen
Saver program (see 2A, page 4).
8
Revised: February 2005
III. Using the Windows Disk Cleanup Program:
Disk Cleanup is a quick and easy way to remove unused system files, old
programs and other extraneous bits of information that your computer collects as you
cruise the web. (Disk Cleanup is accessed in the same way on all versions of Windows)
Steps to Running Disk Cleanup:



Click the Start Menu
Go to Programs, Accessories, System Tools
Click Disk Cleanup (see illustration on the next page)
Under the Disk Cleanup tab you will get a display of how much space can
be freed-up on your C Drive. Displayed are the items the computer recommends
you trash, as they are no longer needed. By clicking on each file type, you will
get a description of what's in each of the “components.”


Check box on left if you want to remove the contents of file (see illustration
on next page)
Click OK
There are other maintenance utilities available for Windows that are not free but
can be useful: Norton Internet Security, which includes a virus checker, is one such
highly rated product (http://symantec.com - See Appendix).
9
Revised: February 2005
IV. Backing up Your Files:
About Backing Up
The hard drive contains all the data that makes your computer useful. Any other
part of the computer can fail and be replaced, but if the hard drive dies, all the data will
be lost. Hard drive failures occur more often than you might expect, and often can't be
prevented. The solution is to make backup copies and store them in a separate place.
There are two types of files in your computer – data files and program files (often
called application files):


Data files are the documents you create: Word documents, Excel spreadsheets,
pictures, e-mails, etc.
Program files are the files you use to create your work: Word, Excel,
Photoshop, etc.
10
Revised: February 2005
There's no need to backup the program files; they can be reinstalled from the CDs
that were used to set up your computer. The important data to backup are the files you
create. If they are lost, you'll have to recreate them.
Backup storage devises used to protect your files:





Floppy disks (limited space - not recommended for large amounts of data)
Tape drive (outdated method)
Iomega Zip Drive (becoming outdated)
CD read/write Drive (preferred method)
Or, have a second hard drive (C Drive) installed to receive your backup files.
(A 40 gig. hard drive now costs less than $40.)
You will need an Iomega Zip drive to use the Windows backup utility because it
will not backup to you CD burner. You can backup to 3-1/2 floppies but they hold far
too little data to be useful. To backup to your CD burner will need to use the software
that came with the burner. The best option is to install a second hard drive.
1. Installing Windows XP Home Edition backup program:
The Backup utility is not included in the default installation of Windows XP
Home Edition. The Backup icon is not present on the Start menu nor is Backup listed in
the Add/Remove Programs. The backup program is found on the Windows XP Home
Edition CD that came with your computer. To manually install the Backup program:




Insert the Windows XP in your CD driver. When the installation window
appears, click Exit.
Click Start, Run
In the text window type the following where “X” is the letter of the CD drive:
X:\valueadd\msft\ntbackup\ntbackup.msi
When the wizard is complete, click Finish.
2. Backing up with Windows XP:
Steps to locating and running the XP Backup program:









Open the Start Menu and click My Computer
Right click C Drive icon
Click Properties
Click the Tools tab
Click Backup Now box
Restore Wizard dialogue box will come up
Click next
Check Backup Documents and Settings in the wizard dialogue box or check
Let me Choose What to Back Up
Click Next
11
Revised: February 2005

Choose the backup type
If you select floppy disks, you will need a large supply of blank disks as space on
a floppy is limited. The other devises you can use with this utility is either Iomega’s Zip
drive, if you have that device installed in your computer, or a second hard drive – either
internal or external.
3. Installing Windows 98 backup program:
A Microsoft backup program is available in your Windows 98 systems but it is
often not installed. You may need to install it with the Windows 98 CDs that came with
the computer. To install the backup program:







Click Start
Double click My Computer then double click on Control Panel
Double click on the Add/Remove Programs icon
Click the Windows Setup Tab
Double click System Tools on the list
Check Backup box and have Windows 98 CD ready. (This is a small program
so it will load quickly.)
Insert the Windows 98 CD into your CD drive and the program will load
automatically.
4. Backing up with Windows 98:
Steps to locating and running Windows Backup program:










Click Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Backup
Click Create a New Backup Job then OK.
Click Back up Selected Files, Folders and Drives then Next.
Click the + at the C drive to expand the folder list.
Click the box at My Documents to Select This for Backup. If you want to
limit the backup size to a reasonable amount, it is suggested that My
Documents contain your data files. If this has been done, then click only that
folder.
Click Next
Select the All Selected Files button or the New and Changed Files button
Click Next
Select the destination for your back up in the Where To Back Up dialogue
box. It may be to a floppy – the least desirable choice because they hold so
little, or a larger removable device such as a Iomega ZIP disks. A better
option is to install a second hard drive because you cannot backup to your
CD-RW drive with this utility. You will need to use the CD burner’s backup
software to write to CD’s.) After you have made your choice click Next.
Check the Compress the Backup Data to Save Space box.
12
Revised: February 2005





Check the Compare Original and Backup Files to verify data was
successfully backed up if you have previously backed up your files. Click
Next.
Give a name to your backup file. The current date is a good choice for a
name.
Click Start
Click OK
Exit
Your backup is now complete. Remove the disk, or other media, and put it in a safe
place.
5. Using the “Restore” feature with Windows 98:
Steps to using the restore program:
 Click Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Backup















Click the Restore Backed Up Files button
Click OK.
Click on the Restore From box, which selects the location of your backup files
and then click Next
Select the Backup Set and click OK.
Double click the left file tree to get to My Documents.
Check My Documents. A single file may be deselected by un-checking those that
are not wanted.
Click Next.
Select the location. The Original Location is the usual choice. However, the files
may be restored to anywhere you select in the Alternate location by clicking on
the folder and then choosing a location from the tree.
Click Do Not Replace the file on my computer. Here you must make a choice
about whether to overwrite the old files. Usually, it is best not to replace them
unless there is a good reason.
Click Start.
Be sure the storage device, e.g. the floppy, Zip Disk, other media is in the drive
and Click OK when selecting the location of the storage.
Click OK when the Operation is complete,
View the report if desired, and then close it.
Click OK.
Exit.
The files in your back up are now restored to their original location or to another
location, if selected.
13
Revised: February 2005
6. Running Windows ME & XP System Restore:
Windows ME, 2000 and XP come with a System Restore program. The computer
automatically records system data, not program data, on your computer at preset times,
e.g., every 2 weeks. (Note: this program does not record your work product, only system
settings.) The program is located under System Tools. With this tool, you can choose
"restore my computer to an earlier time" or "create a restore point." If you plan on
installing or removing a program, it's good practice to first select "create a restore point."
The computer will make a backup file of your system data, which can be accessed if
problems occur while adding or removing programs. If you forget to create a backup file,
you can still access an earlier backup file, if needed.
14
Revised: February 2005
Part II – Computer Security
Keeping your data and personal information private and your computer safe from
unauthorized use
If your computer is not connected to a network or the
Internet and is in a location only you have access to, then
there is no way for unauthorized use to occur. However,
most computers whether at home or at work are connected
to the Internet or to a network. Most computers at work are
connected to both. In this connected situation, there is risk
of your computer being compromised.
Sometimes an unauthorized program created by another user will find its way into
your computer. The most common way is via the Internet -- via e-mail, a floppy or CD
from which you load a document. For example, a virus can take several forms such as bit
of data (i.e. a macro) in word processing or in a spreadsheet. Another way to corrupt a
program is when the program is launched or when the computer is restarted. Regardless
of how it gets on your computer, it can corrupt your data and/or your operating system. It
can even reformat your hard disk.
I. Passwords:
When you are setting-up your web access to your bank account, or your personal
account on Amazon.com or other sites that require special secure access you will need to
establish a password so when you return to that site you re-access your account. It is
important that you choose a password that another person cannot guess at or use a
computer program to access your personal accounts.
Choosing a Good Password:
For the most secure password you might be able to use special characters (*!$+)
mixed with letters and numbers at some sites. You can always use mixed upper-and
lower-case letters. Putting capitals in random locations throughout a password is
effective. You also might consider using punctuation characters mixed with letters and
numbers or nonsense words that are easy to pronounce but aren't in any dictionary.
Whatever you choose for a password, make sure it has six or more characters.
Do not use any of the following for a password: Any part of your name - first,
last, or middle – or your initials; your social security number; names of friends, family or
pets; birthdays, phone numbers, addresses or any other personal information that could be
guessed at; place names. Also, don’t use words from the English dictionary; words from
a foreign dictionary; your username or login name; your computer's name; repetition of
15
Revised: February 2005
the same letter; sequences of keyboard keys such as "12345" or "qwerty" or any minor
variation of the above, such as spelling backwards or appending a character to the end of
your name.
One suggestion: you might use an old home address. For convenience sake don’t
make the password too long. Long passwords increase the chance of typing errors. To
increase security, consider mixing upper and lower case letters (most sites are case
sensitive) and including symbols. Some examples:



4220walnUt
reA157baD
hOt*tea!
II. Virus Checkers:
What is a virus? - A virus is malicious software planted
expressly to cause disruption and damage to computers. How does
it get into your computer? In the 1980s, viruses were passed on by
trading floppy disks. The next trend was the transport of viruses
through e-mail attachments of Microsoft Word documents. The
newest danger comes from mass-mailing (often called “spam”),
which can contain "worms" -- self-replicating, mutating viruses
that can penetrate your address book, and thus send themselves,
randomly, to multiple recipients.
One should be aware that Outlook Express (OE) users are much more vulnerable
to virus attacks than users of Netscape, Eudora, Mozilla, or even AOL. There are two
reasons for this: The most obvious is that it is the most widely used e-mail program -- it
comes with every edition of Windows. John Gilroy author of The Washington Post’s
column Ask the Computer Guy (10/19/03) explains that the problem goes deeper than
just being the most popular program. Microsoft “…tried to make Outlook Express more
powerful by integrating it with Microsoft’s Internet Explorer and allowing it to load types
of data and run programs normally confined to Web browsers. As a result, OE can also
run dangerous content sent to you by strangers…”
Note: A virus is different from a Trojan horse. Trojan horses are back-door programs,
attachments or downloads that masquerade as useful files while they actually contain nasty elements that
open your operating system to hackers, who try to control your system remotely to compromise a web site
or to extract personal information. (See "Cyberspace Invaders," Consumer Reports, June 2000, pp. 16-20)
What is a virus checker? - A virus checker is a program that runs continuously
whenever your computer is on. It monitors the contents of e-mail attachments as well as
programs that run on your computer. It detects and disarms viruses and prevents damage
to your computer before they start trouble.
16
Revised: February 2005
Why do you need a virus checker? - You need a virus checker to prevent
corruption of your data and software. The program will also catch a virus attached to an
e-mail. (If you use a Hotmail e-mail account, it comes with the McAfee virus
checker/protector. An AOL account comes with the Panda virus checker.) There are
currently some 60,000 known viruses in circulation. In any given month, hundreds of
viruses are actively floating around – some harmless or simply annoying and others
malicious and destructive. Your computer will almost certainly be corrupted sometime if
you don’t have a virus protection program, which is updated regularly with new virus
definitions. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
How do you select and maintain a virus checker? - The two most popular virus
checkers, Norton and McAfee, have automatic update features that will keep your virus
checker current. Because new viruses are constantly being created, these protection
programs use a virus data-reference file that resides on your hard drive. Setting the
automatic update feature will enable the virus checker to keep this file up-to-date without
your intervention. In most cases, this automatic update is the best way to protect your
computer from viral invasion.
Update regularly: Remember, effective virus and Windows System protection
depends on your computer being regularly updated. You should set your virus protection
software so it calls in to Norton or McAfee’s web site get new virus “vaccines” updates at
least every week. (Fairfax County updates their computers every day!) One survey found
that Windows users were three times more likely to be infected by a virus than Macintosh
users. For an informative article on this subject see Consumer Reports, June 2000, pg.
20, “How to Minimize the Probability You Will Contact a Virus.”
III. Protecting your computer against program bugs:
Bugs are not viruses or invaders but software program errors that often are only
discovered after the product has been on the market for awhile. All programs contain
bugs. For this reason it is important to remember to regularly update your operating
system, web browser, and other key software by using the manufacturer’s update
features. As the manufacturers of these programs discover the problems, they often offer
updates, patches, hotfixes or service packs that can be downloaded from the
manufacturer’s web site.
You can find Microsoft’s update program in pre-XP versions of Windows by
opening your Start Menu and clicking on “Windows Update.” In Windows XP: click on
the start menu and then Programs. If you have just installed Windows XP or are
upgrading your Windows Operating System, you will probably find that you will need to
install a service pack that was developed after your version of Windows was shipped.
Microsoft’s update web address is: www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com. Once you have
connected with the Windows Update web site Microsoft will examine your computer to
see what patches or critical updates are needed. Once your computer system has been
scanned Microsoft will advise you how to proceed. Microsoft will also present you with
17
Revised: February 2005
a list of non-critical updates, utilities or programs. Examine these items carefully and
download only those that you want.
Activating Windows XP Auto Update Program:
Windows XP can be set to automatically update your Windows operating system.
The following steps show you have to set your computer to call into Microsoft to get
critical updates as they become available.
Steps for setting your computer to auto update Windows XP:






Click on Start
Click on Control Panel
Double click on System icon
Click on the Automatic Updates tab
Check the first box (Keep my computer up to date) and the second or third radio
button
Click Apply
To lean more, click on the blue link entitled: Automatic Updates.
IV. Firewalls:
What is a firewall? - A firewall is a program that examines incoming and
outgoing traffic from another computer on your network or from the Internet. The
firewall watches for unwanted traffic trying to get into your computer through the
Internet. A firewall program should also have outbound controls to watch for a Trojan
horse or spyware trying to call out from your system. All computers with a connection to
the web should have firewall protection. This protection is strongly recommended if you
are using a broadband cable modem or a high-speed DSL line (i.e. digital subscriber line
-- usually from your phone company). If you are on a local area network a firewall is
built into your internet access system (cable or DSL modem or router).
Why do you need a firewall? - The short answer is that a firewall blocks
unwanted access to your computer that could corrupt your data and operating system.
While the virus checker looks at programs the firewall looks for unwanted traffic/data
going from and to your computer. This unwanted traffic usually comes from a location
with the intent to compromise your computer by installing a virus or Trojan horse. A
Trojan horse is a program that has been installed on your computer without your
knowledge. These insidious invaders are used for purposes such as gathering personal
data, doing damage to your software and monitoring both your web usage and
keystrokes. (Norton Internet Security software provides both virus and firewall
protection. McAfee may also have a similar all in one software package.)
18
Revised: February 2005
How to maintain a firewall? - The two most popular virus checkers, Norton and
McAfee, sell a firewall product, either stand-alone or as part of a suite of products. Both
have automatic update features with a firewall data reference file that resides in your hard
drive with the latest firewall information. Setting the automatic update feature will keep
this file current without your intervention. In most cases, automatic update is a must
feature.
Activating Windows XP firewall:
Windows XP comes with a built-in firewall that will block illegal attempts to
access your computer. It does not, however, offer outgoing controls to block a Trojan
horse or spyware from capturing your address book and mailing itself to all your friends.
For this reason you are urged to purchase firewall software from Norton or McAfee
rather than using the Microsoft program. However, if you choose to use the built-in
program it will need to be activated before it will function. It is important that you not
activate this program if you have installed another firewall – the programs will conflict
with one another.
Steps to activating the Windows XP firewall:






Click on Control Panel
Double click on Network Connections icon
Right click the icon that represents your connection
Click on Properties
Click the Advanced tab
Check the box labeled “Protect my computer & network by limiting or
preventing access to this computer from the Internet.”
OR
 Click on the hotlink labeled “Learn more about Internet connection firewall”
OR
 Click the Network Setup Wizard link
Note: We recommend that you purchase a virus utility rather than relying on the
Windows XP program because of its inability to stop outgoing viruses and Trojan horses.
V. Spyware Checker:
Computer interconnectivity has opened a world of possibilities, and our
lives are more convenient because of it. One trade-off, however, is that
it's now possible for prying eyes to monitor virtually every action you take
on your computer.
- Laptop Magazine
What is spyware? A spyware, unlike a virus or Trojan
horse, is not designed to do mischief, but rather to gather
19
Revised: February 2005
information. It examines programs and “cookies” on your computer looking for items
used to either gain data from your computer or track your Internet use. A spyware
checker is a program designed to protect your personal information.
It is now surprisingly easy for anyone to install spy programs on your computer
and watch your every move. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes. Spyware
is becoming a major tool in the hands of unscrupulous people. With hundreds of
thousands of copies of surveillance software currently in use worldwide, there's a good
chance your computer may be infected already.
Without Spyware protection you could easily become the target of anyone who
wants to spy on your computer activity. There is also "hybrid spyware" which disguises
itself as an E-Card greeting card! The moment you open it, you're infected.
Unfortunately, spyware is so easy to install and use, it can turn any eight year old into a
seasoned hacker. Spy software can even be installed remotely over the Internet without
anyone ever going near your computer.
Privacy software expert Steve Gibson of Gibson Research (www.GRC.com)
explains: "Spyware is any software (that) employs a user's Internet connection in the
background (the so called 'backchannel') without their knowledge or explicit permission.
Silent background use of an Internet 'backchannel' connection must be preceded by a
complete and truthful disclosure of proposed backchannel usage, followed by the receipt
of explicit, informed consent for such use. Any software communicating across the
Internet absent of these elements is guilty of information theft and is properly and
rightfully termed: Spyware."
Advertising companies often try to install additional
tracking software on your system, which will then continuously
"calling home", using your Internet connection to report
information about you and your surfing habits to a remote location.
While the privacy policies of the companies claim that there will be
no sensitive or identifying data collected from your system, the fact
remains that without firewall and anti-virus software programs
installed, your PC is sending out information to an anonymous site about you and your
surfing habits.
Do I Need It? The answer is “Yes!” A number of software applications,
including Ad Aware and OptOut (by Gibson's company), are available as freeware to
help computer users search for and remove suspected spyware programs. Also, most of
the firewall programs will stop a spyware from getting into you computer.
A word about “Cookies” – Should I worry about them? Cookies are
commonly used to rotate the banner ads that a site sends, so that it doesn't keep sending
the same ad as it sends you a succession of requested pages. They can also be used to
customize pages for you based on your browser type or other information you may have
provided the Web site. Web users must agree to let cookies be saved for them, but, in
20
Revised: February 2005
general, it helps Web sites to serve users better. Numerous web sites won't work if you
have cookies disabled - including almost all e-shopping sites.
Activating XP’s Cookie Control Program:





Click on Start
Click on Control Panel
Double click on Internet Options
Click on the Privacy tab
Use the slide bar to increase or decrease cookie control.
21
Revised: February 2005
APPENDIX A:
Sources of Further Information
Vendors are now bundling several security features in the software packages they
sell. For instance, Norton Internet Security™ offers protection from viruses, hackers, and
privacy threats. This product includes Norton AntiVirus™, Norton™ Personal Firewall
and Norton™ Privacy Control. Please keep in mind that product vendors are the best
source of information regarding the technical support of their products. ZoneAlarm
offers a free firewall that can be downloaded from the web. The free ZoneAlarm
program is a good choice, especially if you are using a dial-up modem and, therefore,
your computer is connected to the outside world on a more limited basis than broadband,
which is always connected.
For Firewall and Virus checkers, see
http://www.mcafee.com/
http://www.norton.com/
http://symantec.com/avcenter/
For a stand-alone firewall, see
http://www.zonealarm.com
Steve Gibson of Gibson Research gives you the latest updates on computer security
issues. The site also provides a tool to check the quality of your computer security. The
checker is called, appropriately: “Shields Up”. See www.grc.com
For more information on the latest virus threats and description of viruses, see
http:www.symantec.com/avcenter/
For information on virus hoaxes, see
http://www.vmyths.com/
http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/hoax.html
For information on spyware, see the following sources. Webroot offers a free Spy Audit
program that will scan your PC for unwanted visitors.
Spybot Search and Destroy by PepiMK: www.Security.kolla.de
Ad-ware by LavaSoft: www.lavasoft.de
Webroot: www.webroot.com
For Product Reviews, check out these sources. Use the “Search Box on home pages to
find specific information.
http://www.pcmag.com
http://www.pcworld.com
http://www.zdnet.com
To search in the Microsoft Knowledge Base, see
http://support.microsoft.com
23
Revised: February 2005
APPENDIX B
HOW TO USE SPYBOT SEARCH & DESTROY
1. Open the Spybot program. You will see this warning. Click OK. If you don’t want to
see this message each time, put a check mark in the box before clicking OK.
2. The next view is this. Once in awhile, click on Search for updates, but be sure you are
on-line before you do this.
3. Put a check on all the updates and then click “Download updates” You will see some
action then the warning window will come up again, maybe.
4. Now you are ready to “Check for problems” Click on those words. You will see
numbers changing and a progress bar in the status bar at the bottom of the window. Go
get a cup of coffee and wait. When it is done you will see something like this.
In this case there were no problems. See the check mark. If there were problems you
would see one or more check boxes and a description of the problem. If you were to click
on the problem, you would see more descriptions. I just always remove all problems no
matter what they are.
25
Revised: February 2005
To remove the problems you will see a choice at the bottom of the window that says “Fix
Selected Problems”. Check all the boxes and click that and follow the instructions.
Lastly, after it is fixed click the Immunize button on the left and follow the instructions.
HOW TO USE AD-AWARE
1.Open the Ad-Aware program. If you haven’t updated the program for awhile, you may
see this notice. Click OK but be sure you are on-line before doing it.
2. The next view you will see is this. Click Connect.
3. It will download any updates then you will see this. Click Finish.
26
Revised: February 2005
4. The next view is this one. Click Start
5. The next view is this one. Notice there are 4 choices in “Select Scan Mode”. Most of
the time you should select “Perform smart system scan”. It is a shorter scan and will get
most of the problems. Do this about once a week. About once a month, you should select
“Perform full system scan”. Then click Next. Sit back and wait until it tells you it is
done.
27
Revised: February 2005
6. When it is done and if it found problems you will see something like this. In this
example I have 3 problems. Click Next.
7. The next view will look like this. It will tell you more about the problems. I always
remove all the problems
.
8. You remove the problems by RIGHT clicking on any one of the problem boxes and
left clicking on “Select all objects”. That will put check marks in all the boxes of all the
problems. You can check each one without doing this just by clicking on each box. This
is OK if you have just a few but if there are several, the other way is quicker.
28
Revised: February 2005
9. When you have checked each problem click Next and you will see this warning. Click
OK and you will see quick action to remove them
10. The next view will be the status view like in #4 above except there will be no
problems shown. You can click on the many different icons in the status window and
learn what they do but my advice is to not change any settings.
You are now done so close out the window.
29
Revised: February 2005
APPENDIX C
BACKING UP DATA FILES - WINDOWS XP
1. Open your “My Documents” folder where all your data files should be saved.
2. Select the files and folders you wish to back up. Hint: to select all of them, click
Edit, Select All. To select a few of them, hold down the Ctrl key and click each
file and folder you wish to back up. Each one will be highlighted.
3. Right click on any of the selected (highlighted) files/folders and click on Send To
in the menu and then click on the CD icon which is your CD-RW.
31
Revised: February 2005
4. A Balloon will appear at the bottom of your desktop by the clock, “You have files
waiting to be written to the CD. To see the files, click this balloon.” You will also
see a small CD icon indicating this. (It is the one to the far left in the picture below)
5. Click on the balloon or the icon and you will see the following view. Notice the
files and folders are short cuts and not the actual files/folders.
6. Click on the words “Write these files to CD” and the Wizard will appear. Type the
name of the CD (example: 012405 backup). It is best to state a date so you will
always know when it occurred. Decide if you want the Wizard to close after writing
the files (the check box near the bottom) then click on Next.
7. If you have not put a CD-W or a CD-RW in the drive, you will see a window
telling you to do it. Follow the instructions that may appear.
32
Revised: February 2005
BACKING UP DATA FILES – ROXIO EASY CD CREATOR
1. Open the Roxio CD writing Program and select Make a Data CD, Data CD
project
2. In this window, you have to find your My Documents folder where all your files
are located.
3. The window will show all the folders and files in the My Documents folder.
Select the files/folders you want to backup.
33
Revised: February 2005
4. After selecting the files and folders, click on the Add button and this will place
the selection in the bottom half of the window. Notice at the bottom of the
window (see arrow) you can see the total size of the files you are writing. This is
helpful to know so that you do not exceed the capacity (650.4 MB) of the CD. In
this example we are writing 10.6 MB and the remaining capacity is 639.75 MB
You can change the selected files list you have added by clicking on the folder or file
you do not want to write and click on the Remove button. This will remove it from
the write list.
Put the CD in the burner and click the red Record button.
5. In the following window, make the proper choices and click Start Recording
34
Revised: February 2005
35
Revised: February 2005
BACKING UP DATA FILES – NERO EXPRESS
1. Open the program and select Data and then Data Disc.
2. In the next window you will select the files to be written.
36
Revised: February 2005
3. Click on the Add button to start selecting the files. In the Location drop down
window, select My Document. This is where all your files should be located. The
window in the right side will show all your folders and files. If you want to copy
everything in the My Documents folder, select the first file of folder in the list,
scroll down to the last one, hold down the Shift key and select the last file or
folder. This will highlight everything in My Documents. If you wish to copy only
a few files or folders. Select the first one, hold down the Ctrl key and select each
on the others you wish to copy. This will highlight onlt those you selected. In
either case, next click on the Add button.
4. The next window will show all the files and folders you have selected. Note that
the total size of the information to be copied in shown at the bottom right corner
(see the arrow). In this example the size is 140 MB which will easily fit on a CD.
Note the scale at the bottom of the page which graphically shows how much space
will be used on the CD. Click the Next button.
37
Revised: February 2005
5. This window will give you some options on how to write your CD. The first is the
choice to give the CD a name. It is good to give it a date so you will always know
when it occurred. You also have a choice of how fast you want to write the CD.
The speed you select will depend on your CD writer and the type of CD’s you
have purchased. After making the choices, insert a CD in your burner and click on
the Burn button. You will then see a progress window of the burning process.
38
Revised: February 2005