Windows 2000 - Security Recommendations?

First and foremost other than disconnecting from the internet and never sharing a floppy disc, USB memory stick or CDR ROM with anyone else there is no absolute guaranteed method that will protect you. However we have put together based on our experience and the research we have undertaken the following recommendations: Before reading further please however ensure you have run Windows Update (this can be found here Windows Update) and update your system to latest available set of updates. We also recommend an online Virus Scan if you have any doubts as to whether your Antivirus software is up to date, you can try the online scan at Symantec (Norton) you also check your online exposure to other security threats Symantec Online Symantec Online

The first thing to note about Windows 2000 is that there is no built in Firewall as with Windows XP and therefore this is probably one of biggest areas of concern for the home or small business user. If you do nothing else install Zone Alarm's software Firewall Now !

1. Connecting to the internet via dial-up ?

If you are still using dial-up then to appreciate the internet and the applications available on-line an upgrade to broadband should be considered ! If you stay with dial-up a good software firewall should be installed as an absolute minimum - Appleton Computer recommend Zone Alarm - the free version for Windows 2000, free Antivirus from AVG and Anti-spyware packages such Ad-Aware from Lavasoft or for the more experienced user Spybot Search and Destroy are also recommended - these can be from the Download Section Windows XP and Windows 2000 Download Page

2. Are you using broadband ?

Firstly if you are using a USB modem, then we would recommend you consider an upgrade to a full ADSL Modem/Router. A router with built in hardware firewall will provide you a first line of defense in that your computer will no longer be directly visible on the internet, also most USB modems are not the latest USB 2.0 compatible and therefore will only allow a maximum internet speed of approx 2Mbits, broadband is now also widely available with speeds up to 8Mbit, another reason for ditching the USB modem. If you are on NTL / TeleWest cable broadband a hardware firewall that connects via Ethernet to either your cable modem or set-top box is also highly recommended. A further benefit of a hardware firewall / router is that if you ever buy a second machine or laptop then your internet connection can be used by more than one computer at the same time. Appleton Computers will be happy to provide and install either an ADSL Modem / Router or Wireless unit and set this up with your computer accordingly.

Appleton Computers recommend that for Windows 2000 a software firewall such as - Zone Alarm is installed, the free version for Windows 2000, free Antivirus from AVG and Anti-spyware packages such Ad-Aware from Lavasoft or for the more experienced user Spybot Search and Destroy are also recommended - these can all be found in the Download Section Windows XP and Windows 2000 Download Page