Routers, firewalls only a start to PC protection

           By John J. Fried
           THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER
           November 29, 2004

           Please elaborate on the protections that routers and firewalls
           offer and don't.

           A router, by itself, offers virtually no protection. While most
           routers have built-in firewalls, those only keep out hackers
           actively looking for PCs online.

           Only a software-based firewall installed on the hard drive will
           protect against programs, such as Trojan horses, that can use
your
           PC to distribute spam or attack government or corporate Web
sites.
           Firewalls, however, don't protect against viruses or worms.

           Let's turn the question around a bit: What protection do I need
on
           my PC?

           Software firewall and anti-virus programs. Leading providers of
           these programs, and suites that incorporate both and more, are
           Trend Micro, McAfee, Symantec and Zone Labs.

           Update these programs frequently so they can guard against new
           threats or variations on old ones.

           An anti-spyware program. It will scan the PC for existing
           spyware/adware that invades your privacy, hijacks you to
           unscrupulous Web sites or installs dialers that make hundreds of
           calls to 1-900 telephone numbers or to overseas destinations.

           Opt for a product that keeps spyware from installing, rather
than
           one that finds it after the fact.
           Note: Some experts recommend using two anti-spyware programs.

           Use your head. The best tool against Internet evils is between
           your shoulders.

           Avoid porn sites. Avoid peer-to-peer video-and music-exchange
           networks. Don't download free programs, except from reliable
sites.

           Don't respond to spam, even to tell the spammers off.

           Ignore e-mail that purports to report a problem with one
           of youy bank or credit-card accounts. Don't even open it.

           I recently installed Windows XP. However, my Desktop icons
           have disappeared. How can I get them back?

           To get program icons back, right-click on your Desktop. In the
           pop-up menu, choose "Arrange by." Click on Show Desktop Icons
           to enable the option.

           Windows-specific icons are displayed by right-clicking on the
           Desktop, then choosing Properties, Desktop, Customize Desktop
           and General, and then choosing which icons you want displayed.

           If you don't have luck with these approaches, search, one at
           a time, for the various executable program files: winword.exe,
           for example.

           When the executable turns up, right-click on it and choose to
           create a shortcut on the Desktop for it.

           If the icons still refuse to show, reinstall XP.

           If you can, however, do so by opting for a clean reinstall,
           meaning one that reformats the hard drive and then installs XP.

           Be sure to back up your data, Favorites, updated drivers and
           address book first, and ensure that you have your program CDs.