| Computers provide connectivity with others, which is great, but this also brings with it some security issues that need to be handled. If you are connected to the Internet, if more than one person uses your computer, or if you share work (perhaps by bringing work home from the office or collaborating on a project and sharing files), you need to protect yourself. Security has become a big issue, and you should take these risks seriously. While a computer is replaceable, you may find that the data you stored on it is not. For instance, suppose that you just finished writing the next great American novel, and you have only your disk files from the hard drive. If something happens to those files, poof, your entire novel and all your writing may be lost. Or, suppose that you store all of your financial records on your laptop, and the laptop is stolen. Because security affects many various aspects of using a computer, security issues are covered throughout this book, with the information included where it is most relevant. This section gives you an overview of the key security risks and where you can find additional information. It's best to think about security at the beginningbefore you have problems. Spend some time reviewing this list and making sure you have an adequate plan for each of the following security issues: Protection against viruses. Just like you can get a virus, so can your computer. Computer viruses range from simple, mischievous programs that might display stupid messages to really dangerous ones that can wipe out all the data on a drive. You can get a virus from any number of sources, including the Internet, email attachments, and opening a file that happens to be infected from a floppy disk or other removable media (like a CD drive). To protect yourself, you should get and use a virus scan program. You learn more about viruses in Chapter 17, "Securing Your PC." Blocking annoying ads (called pop-ups or pop-unders). Often, when you browse the Internet, you may find that ads keep popping up. If so, you can use special software to prevent the ads from appearing. Chapter 8 covers how to deal with ads. Blocking junk email (called spam). Another annoying problem can be with the amount of junk email you receive. To handle spam, review the suggestions in Chapter 7. tip  | One way that you get on "junk" mailing lists is by registering at different Internet sitesfor instance, if you order a product via the Internet. Look for options that say, "Yes, please send me information on upcoming sales," or "Please add me to your mailing list," or something similar. Make sure to uncheck these options when you place an order or register for something online. |
Safeguarding your privacy. In addition to security, you should be concerned about your privacy. One type of program called spyware, for instance, tracks where you go online and then relays this information back to its sponsor, often without your knowledge. To check for and prevent spyware (and to handle other privacy issues), see Chapter 8. Securing your PC if you use a 24/7 Internet connection (a cable modem). If you are always online, you need to use a firewall to make sure that others can't access your computer. Chapter 8 discusses how to check to see whether you have a firewall, and if you don't, how to use the Windows XP firewall feature to protect your computer. Making an extra copy of your data. As mentioned previously, your data is the most valuable thing about your computer. You should make backup copies of all your data files, as well as your entire system, periodically. Chapter 17 covers protecting your data.
The Service Pack 2 Release of Windows XP includes a new Security Center, which provides you with the status of some of the preceding issues. To view Windows's evaluation of your security, display the Security Center: 1. | Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools.
| 2. | Click Security Center. You'll see an assessment of your current security (see Figure 4.8). You'll learn more information about viewing and working with the Security Center later in this book.
Figure 4.8. You can get an overview on many security issues using Windows XP's new Security Center. 
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The Absolute Minimum Most computer problems are easily solved, and you will be surprised how disaster-proof your PC is. Common problems can usually be fixed by restarting. If not, you can use Windows XP's help system. Keep these "tools" in mind: If you are having problems, try exiting all your programs. (Save your work first.) You can exit using the program's File, Exit command. If that doesn't work, try exiting from the taskbar button. Still no luck? Try using the Task Manager to exit. You might have to restart your computer. You might have to do this if the computer gets stuck or if you make changes to your computer (such as adding a new hardware component or a new software program). To restart, use the Turn Off Computer button on the Start menu. If that doesn't work, you can turn off the computer by pressing its reset button or power button. Make a habit of shutting down the computer properly. To do so, use the Turn Off Computer button and select the Shut Down option. Windows provides extensive assistance in its help system. You can look up topics by browsing, searching, or using one of several other tools including Web support and an index. If your printer won't print, check the obvious things first: Is it connected? Does it have power? Does it have paper? You can also check Windows or your printer for any printer error messages. To make sure your data is safe and your online experience is not hampered by unwanted email or advertisements, you need to take some security precautions. In this chapter, you learn the key security issues you need to consider to safeguard your computer, as well as where to find more information on these topics.
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