How Can I Protect My Computer and Personal Information?
Anti-Virus Software - a software program that searches your hard drive and floppy disks for any known or potential viruses.
Most anti-virus software will detect programs that may allow remote access to your computer (Trojans), or perform activities or functions that may corrupt data on your computer.
Here are just a few of the many anti-virus programs out there:
Panda Software (both web and PC based)
Trend Micro(both web and PC based, free web trial)
Norton Antivirus (both web and PC based, free web trial)
McAfee Antivirus(both web and PC based, free web trial)
F-Secure Antivirus(PC based for networks)
McAfee AVERT Stinger(free online scan)
In addition, we recommend that you keep all software, especially Internet-related software, up to date and fully patched to assist in preventing unauthorized access or exploits. You can find a list of some of these programs by visiting the following websites:
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ (Windows Operating System Updates)
http://www.zonelabs.com/ (Firewall Products)
Time Warner Cable does not endorse or support any of the above products. They are listed for your reference and represent only a portion of those commercially available.
Firewall - a piece of computer software intended to prevent unauthorized access to system software or data.
Basic Security Procedures:
- Don't open or run executable email attachments, even if you do recognize the sender. Most times people have no idea their computer is infected and sending out viruses. Always contact the sender to confirm their email attachments. You could be saving yourself problems and helping the sender be aware of the infection.
- Don't host/offer services like chat or telnet, or run web servers, FTP servers, or other servers on your computer. Servers are prohibited on residential and certain commercial Road Runner accounts.
- If you must have Print and File sharing enabled, make sure it is properly configured.
- Be wary of shareware that has not been professionally reviewed or is downloaded from questionable websites or FTP servers.
- Be careful when passing out personal information on the Internet; only do so if you are using a secure connection (SSL-128 bit), or if you trust the website. The Road Runner Online Help Desk has additional information about secure websites and the Internet.
- Purchase and regularly update your virus protection software (such as a Trojan horse scanner and a firewall).
- Download and install the latest updates for your operating system and Internet software, including your web browser and your email client.
