Welcome to the Security Centre

1. Backup 2. Lockdown 3. Play it Safe

** Disclaimer - Hinterland IT provides the following information as a guide only. We take no responsibility for any loss incurred. We recommend that all crucial tasks in your IT system be performed by trained staff and that if you are unsure about any of the procedures listed below that you consult a trained professional.

Backup - The Most Important Word in Computing

No matter how long it takes, how inconvenient it is or if it costs you money, Just Do It! The number of clients that front up with a dead PC, and when asked the question do they have a back up, a horrified look flows across their faces as they realise that all their time, effort and memories may be gone. While more than no the data is easily recovered, it is not worth taking the risk. Spending half an hour a week to thoroughly organise your files and make backup copies is not as painful as loosing all your documents, photos and all the other files that are important to you. In this section we will look not only at data backup, but backup for your whole computing experience.

Data Backup

This involves creating a physical copy of all your important files, settings and documents. There are numerous ways of backing up but however you do it make sure you do it well. Here are a few ways to assist you in backing up you files.

Microsoft Backup

Microsoft Windows comes with this very capable utility. Windows XP Home users may not have this installed but it is possible. To find out how to use Windows Backup, download the Getting Started file and read on.

Microsoft Outlook Personal Folders Backup

The Personal Folders Backup download creates backup copies of your .PST files at regular intervals, in Outlook 2000 and later versions, making it easy to keep all of your Outlook folders safely backed up. To use this download the file here and then visit this Microsoft webpage; "Using the Microsoft Outlook Personal Folders Backup tool".

Outback Plus & Express Assist

Microsoft Outlook Personal Folders Backup is OK, but only backs up limited information in Microsoft Outlook or for that mater Outlook Express. If you need to back up not only your emails and address book but also your account settings, stationary, rules etc.. than you will need to use a program like Outback Plus or Express Assist to do a thorough job. Click the links and you can download trial versions.

Acronis True Image

At hinterland it we regularly use Acronis True Image and recommend this very effective and easy to use program. You can back up your entire system, that is all your PC's files for restoration of your complete system or a few file quickly and easily. The True Image backup file can also be browsed through the program so you can recover individual files and folders if needed. This program is highly recommended and very easy to use.

Where you back up to is another question you need to ask yourself. Will your important files fit onto CD's or DVD's? If not can you back up to multiple disks, e.g. Photos to one DVD and all your other documents to another. Maybe you have a partitioned hard drive and you can back up to a separate partition, although this does not allow you to store back up away from you PC. The best option these days include large storage drives that are attached to your PC like external hard disks connected through a USB port or perhaps network storage. Whatever you use make sure that you can easily backup all your important files. it is worth considering an external hard drive as these can be had for under $200.00 and are a great investment in you sanity.

Hardware Backup

Another important aspect that is more often than not overlooked is ensuring that your PC itself is secure and hence reducing the risks of headache's in the future. Firstly we recommend the use of a reputable UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to provide constant power to your system. With today's energy companies struggling to provide constant power under heavy loads, power failures, brown outs and fluctuations are a regular occurrence. With the latest PC's also being more sensitive to power fluctuations hardware failure during these times is quiet common. In fact we can almost bank on picking up work after a storm or power failure whether it is simply a damaged power supply in a PC or a full rebuild of a highly damaged system. Remember though it is best to turn off and completely disconnect your PC and all its cables when storms or inclement weather are present.

*Why you should have a UPS

A UPS is similar to  insurance: you need to have it, but hope you never have to use it. Like an automobile, a computer is an expensive investment you want to protect. In the event of a blackout, a UPS instantly switches your computer to emergency battery backup power and lets you work through brief power outages without losing data or experiencing other damaging effects. These can include hardware degradation, keyboard lockup and motherboard damage.

A UPS protects your system from the following power problems:

• Power transients — brief surges in voltage caused by lightning strikes or when electricity-hoarding appliances (like air conditioners and copiers) are turned off
• Spikes — instantaneous increases in voltage caused by lightning or overloaded power grids
• Brownouts — a reduction of your incoming voltage
• Power failure — a complete interruption of electrical power
• Line noise — interference from electrical appliances

Why a UPS and not a surge protector?

UPS units have a leg-up on surge protectors in many ways. Both handle surges, but a UPS gives you battery backup power. This allows time to save the data in your computer and shut down yoursystem before anything is lost. Typical battery backup run times are shown in minutes and indicate the amount of time the battery backup operates. A UPS protects your computer from electrical noise and damaging power surges, including lightning. A surge protector can handle surges during a brownout, but your system will still have to work harder due to the lower voltage.

*By Melissa Winter - www.bestbuy.com

Regular Servicing

Just like a car needs regular servicing to continue to run well, it pays to regularly check a number of items in and around your PC to help extend the life of your PC:

• Check Cables - carefully inspect all cable for wear and damage and replace of required, make sure they are arranged in a tidy fashion
• Dust Busting - Keep your PC area and peripherals clean and free of dust as much as possible, dust and PC components can be a bad mix
• Crud Cleaning - if you are confident, open your pc case and use "Air in a Can", available from electrical stores like Dick Smith Electronics or Tandy and gently blow out all dust, spider webs and foreign materials from your components. Be careful not to damage anything and never use a vacuum. A very soft, small paint brush can be used for stubborn dust and you can use a rag to sweep out settled dust from the bottom of your PC case. If in doubt, give it to a repairer, the job is quick and should not cost you more then $35.00.
• While you have your case open, carefully feel all cable connections inside your case. Check to see if they are all secure. Once again if in doubt ask a pro
• Always remember to keep you PC area well ventilated, as PC's  often these days are a lot faster and can generate more heat and heat can cause serious issues if it is let get to high. Preferably place your computer of the ground (helps eliminate dust to!) and in an open area like on top of the desk. This will allow the internal cooling systems to work at their best.
• If you can eat it or drink it, it doesn't belong near your PC. Food particles and liquid spills can easily cause minor to major dramas. Eat at the table!

Software Backup

Many a time we come across users who when repairing or replacing systems, have little or no idea where their important software is located. Software, especially dedicated solutions for your business can be an expensive outlay and t is important that all software media, manuals and license information is stored safely.

This is important as when restoring your system after an upgrade or repair, you need this software to restore your data. A data backup of your accounting information is useless if you do not have the software it was created with. In many cases you will need to repurchase the software adding considerably to the costs involved.

It is also important to record what software you have and the versions you have currently. Some packages may provide updates over time and a record of what version you were running is also important.

We would recommend the following procedure:

• Store your software disks, manuals and any other relevant articles in a safe location together with other programs.
• Have a hardcopy of a database recording software owned, versions and all license information stored with your software and on a PC

Lockdown - Clean up & Secure Your PC

Now more than ever unscrupulous individuals are making an effort to invade your privacy, steal your important information and generally make your computer experience a nightmare. Virus', Malware, Spyware, Junk email and phishing are an ever increasing problem for PC users.

These programs and malware can corrupt your important data, steal your information, harm your PC and much more. Hence it is important to ensure the security of you systems from outside attacks. Here are a few steps that will assist you in keeping your systems locked down.

Anti-Virus Software

No system should be left to the wild without a quality Anti-Virus solution. Virus' can enter your computer in a number of ways and infect various areas of your computer. And virus' are not just received via the web. They can be present on software disks or if you are on a local network, another PC. Virus' can be received through emails and email attachments and also through websites that download software, music, games etc. Remember there is a multitude of what can only be described IT thugs and vandals out there trying to corrupt peoples PC experience. And although some of these people think they are smart, they are nothing better than lowlife criminals who wish to damage other peoples property or steal there import information.

To this end we implore all users to use an effective anti-virus solution.

Grisoft AVG Antivirus

AVG Antivirus comes in a number of flavours to suit your needs. There is a free version that we have found to be very effective. It performs excellent and is easy to set up and use and needs little system resources. While it is free, it still maintains and regularly updates a comprehensive virus removal database. Grisoft also has a number of versions of AVG Anti-Virus that are available for s small license fee. These editions include a lot more features and are licensed for business use where as the free edition is only licensed for home users.

Anti-Spy ware Software

Spy ware is a general term used for software that performs certain behaviors such as advertising, collecting personal information, or changing the configuration of your computer, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent. You might have spy ware or other unwanted software on your computer if:

• You see pop-up advertisements even when you're not on the Web.

• The page your Web browser first opens to (your home page) or your browser search settings have changed without your knowledge.

• You notice a new toolbar in your browser that you didn't want, and find it difficult to get rid of.

• Your computer takes longer than usual to complete certain tasks.

• You experience a sudden rise in computer crashes.


Spy ware is often associated with software that displays advertisements (called adware) or software that tracks personal or sensitive information. That does not mean all software which provides ads or tracks your online activities is bad. For example, you might sign up for a free music service, but "pay" for the service by agreeing to receive targeted ads. If you understand the terms and agree to them, you may have decided that it is a fair tradeoff. You might also agree to let the company track your online activities to determine which ads to show you.

Other kinds of unwanted software will make changes to your computer that can be annoying and can cause your computer slow down or crash. These programs have the ability to change your Web browser's home page or search page, or add additional components to your browser you don't need or want. These programs also make it very difficult for you to change your settings back to the way you originally had them. These types of unwanted programs are also often called spy ware.

The key in all cases is whether or not you (or someone who uses your computer) understand what the software will do and have agreed to install the software on your computer.

There are a number of ways spy ware or other unwanted software can get on your system. A common trick is to covertly install the software during the installation of other software you want such as a music or video file sharing program. Whenever you are installing something on your computer, make sure you carefully read all disclosures, including the license agreement and privacy statement. Sometimes the inclusion of unwanted software in a given software installation is documented, but it may appear at the end of a license agreement or privacy statement.

Many kinds of unwanted software, including spy ware, are designed to be difficult to remove. If you try to uninstall this software like any other program, you might find that the program reappears as soon as you restart your computer. If you're having trouble uninstalling unwanted software, you may need to download a tool to do the job for you. Several companies offer free and low-cost software that will check your computer for spy ware and other unwanted software and help you remove it.

Play It Safe - Using Your PC Wisely

Spy ware and other unwanted software can invade your privacy, bombard you with pop-up windows, slow down your computer, and even make your computer crash. Here are several ways you can help protect your computer against spy ware and other unwanted software.

Step 1: Use a Firewall

While most spy ware and other unwanted software come bundled with other programs or originate from unscrupulous Web sites, a small amount of spy ware can actually be placed on your computer remotely by hackers. Installing a firewall or using the firewall that's built into Windows XP provides a helpful defense against these hackers.

Step 2: Update your software

If you use Windows XP, one way to help prevent spy ware and other unwanted software is to make sure all your software is updated. Visit Microsoft Update to confirm that you have Automatic Updates turned on and that you've downloaded all the latest critical and security updates.

Step 3: Adjust Internet Explorer security settings

You can adjust your Internet Explorer Web browser's security settings to determine how much, or how little, information you are willing to accept from a Web site. Microsoft recommends that you set the security settings for the Internet zone to Medium or higher.

To view your current Internet Explorer security settings:

1. In Internet Explorer, click Tools and then click Internet Options.

2. Select the Security tab.

If you're running Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) and you use Internet Explorer to browse the Web, your browser security settings for the Internet zone are already set to Medium by default. Internet Explorer in Windows XP SP2 also includes a number of features to help protect against spy ware and many other kinds of deceptive or unwanted software.

Step 4: Download and install Anti Malware and Virus protection

Remember to keep your subscription current and always set the program to update automatically. If your AV program wont do this it is highly recommended that you upgrade to a package that has complete fulltime protection and updates like AVG

Step 5: Surf and download more safely

li>The best defense against spy ware and other unwanted software is not to download it in the first place. Here are a few helpful tips that can protect you from downloading software you don't want

• Only download programs from Web sites you trust. If you're not sure whether to trust a program you are considering downloading, ask a knowledgeable friend or enter the name of the program into your favorite search engine to see if anyone else has reported that it contains spy ware.
  
• Read all security warnings, license agreements, and privacy statements associated with any software you download.
  
• Never click "agree" or "OK" or the red "X" to close a pop up window. Instead, right click the taskbar area were the window is located and select "close" to close a window.
  
• Be wary of popular "free" music and movie file-sharing programs, and be sure you clearly understand all of the software packaged with those programs.
  
• When providing personal details on a sites always ensure that a lock icon is present at the bottom of the screen and the address of the site has the prefix "https:".

Step 6: Use your email client wisely

Often the most common way viruses enter your system is through security holes in your email client. Many people simply set up their email account in a favorite client and not worry about security. Most email clients have a range of measures and tools that can be utilised or modified to greatly improve security.

• Never open emails that you suspect are junk, spam or dubious. Generally if you do not know the sender and it does not seem at all work related, do not open it but delete it.
  
• In all folder screens, inbox, junk, deleted etc. ensure that the preview or reading pane is turned of. Most clients by default show you a preview section on screen of emails in the current folders. Unfortunately this means that the email is already opened and a potential vulnerability for a virus to attack.
  
• Do not believe what an email may say. Despite the email telling you that if your personal details are not update now your bank funds will be suspended or something to that accord, Banks and financial institutions have implemented policies that do not request personal info via email. If you are unsure, ring your branch.
  
• If an offer has come to you randomly and sounds to good to be true. You know what to do!
  
• Set up rules via the tools menu. These allow you to filter emails with various criteria. For instance your email client can delete any emails containing any vulgar words you tell it to. Spend plenty of time learning about these rules and adjusting them. They are an exceptionally powerful tool.
  
• Do no unsubscribe if you did not subscribe in the first place. Often junk email from a regular sender will ask you if you would like to unsubscribe, often this link will just confirm to the spammer that your address is active and continue to bombard you with more spam. Depending on your email program you may be able to add this sender to a blocked senders list or adjust your rules to delete these when they come.

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