Ensuring Internet Security and Privacy

While browsing the Internet presents many advantages, there are a few dangers as well. You should safeguard your computer from any unauthorized use (by using a firewall, for instance). You may also set Internet security levels for sites, change the privacy controls, and use additional programs to prevent intrusions (which are harmful or simply annoying). This section discusses these security features.

Turning On Windows XP Firewall Systems

Many home users these days use cable Internet connections. Because these types of connections are always on, it's important that you protect your computer from outsiders. Both cable and DSL connections have more security issues than systems that use dial-up access. Why? Because they are connected 24/7 and usually have a static (unchanging) IP address. Dial-up access is connected only when you are online and uses a temporary IP address, making those connections much more difficult to crack into.

To protect your computer, you can use Windows firewall protection. As defined by Windows XP online help, "a firewall is a security system that acts as a protective boundary between a network and the outside world." To activate the firewall, follow these steps:

1.	Click the Start button, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and finally Security Center. The Security Center provides information about the security of your computer. tip If you aren't sure how this feature protects your Internet use, you can click the link for more information. That link gives you all the technical details about how the firewall monitors incoming, unsolicited traffic from the Internet.
2.	To view detailed information about a firewall, click the down arrow next to the firewall setting. You'll see the current firewall settings, as well as information about using a firewall (see Figure 8.10). Figure 8.10. You can check out key security settings using the new Windows Security Center.
3.	If the firewall setting isn't on or if you need to change the setting, click the Windows Firewall link at the bottom of the Security Center. You'll see the options for using Windows XP's firewall (see Figure 8.11). Figure 8.11. You can turn on or turn off Windows XP's firewall using the options in this dialog box. note If you have a home network and used the Home Networking Wizard to set it up, Internet Connection Firewall is turned on automatically. You can get more information on home networking in Chapter 24, "Setting Up Windows XP on a Home Network."
4.	Make any changes and click OK.

Setting Privacy Options

Privacy is one of the key issues of debate about the Internet. How do you take advantage of all the Internet has to offer, while still maintaining some privacy? To address this concern, Windows XP includes a Privacy tab that you can use to set the level for privacy. With this tool, you have various zones including the Internet, Local intranet, Trusted sites, and Restricted sites. You can then add sites to each of these zones.

You can also make sure that the Pop-up Blocker is on, a new feature designed to block annoying advertisements that pop up (or pop under) as you navigate to a site. These ads appear in a separate browser window and may appear on top of Internet Explorer or under it. When they are blocked, Windows XP displays a message under the address bar in Internet Explorer. You can display the blocked windows by clicking the message. (Some pop-ups or pop-unders are useful.)

caution

If you have an Internet Security program or suite (such as Norton Security), it may include a firewall also. In this case, you don't want to turn on both firewalls, or you will have a conflict. Use one or the other.

Follow these steps to select the level of privacy and check for pop-up blocking:

1.	Open the Tools menu and click the Internet Options command.
2.	Click the Privacy tab (see Figure 8.12). Figure 8.12. You can set the privacy level and make sure Pop-Up Blocker is on from this dialog box.
3.	Drag the lever to set the privacy at the level you want. As you change the level, Windows XP displays an explanation of what that privacy setting means.
4.	Make sure that the Block pop-ups check box is checked.
5.	To view what happens when an ad is blocked (and make any changes), click the Settings button. In the dialog box, which is shown in Figure 8.13, make any changes to the notification (such as whether a sound is played). You can also change the Filter Level by displaying this drop-down list and selecting the level you want. Click Close to close the Pop-up Blocker Settings window. Figure 8.13. You can change the settings for how pop-up ads are handled in this dialog box. caution If you set privacy on a high setting, you may have problems visiting or displaying information at some sites. Therefore, you may need to adjust the setting if you do want to view a blocked site.
6.	Click OK to close the Internet Options dialog box.

If you have children, you might also use the Content Advisor on the Content tab of the Internet Options dialog box. Furthermore, you can set up special security zones (trusted sites and restricted sites). You do this from the Security tab of the Internet Options dialog box by selecting the type of site (trusted or restricted), manually typing in the addresses of the sites in that category, and then adding them to the list.

tip

If you are an online shopper, be sure to read that site's privacy statement before entering any information. Most reputable sites provide a link that specifically outlines their privacy rules. Also, watch out for check boxes for automatic alerts, new products, or joining mailing lists. Often, these are checked (turned on), and if you don't make a change, you are placed on that mailing list and receive constant messages about "special" offers "just for you!"

Dealing with Spyware

Another privacy issue that you should think about is checking for (and getting rid of) spyware. Spyware programs are installed on your computer (sometimes without your knowledge). They track what Web sites you visit and relay this information back to their sponsors. With this information, marketers and others can track what sites you frequent. They claim they want to use this information to provide customized advertisingadvertising that is pertinent to your interest, but most people feel this is a violation of their privacy, especially if they don't even know the program is working.

To check for and delete spyware, you need to use an anti-spyware program such as Spybot's Search and Destroy. This program is a shareware program; you can try it and if you decide to use it, pay a small fee to the author of the program. You can also purchase and use other spyware programs, such as StopZilla or NoAdware. (Some spyware programs also include features for dealing with unwanted email or spam.)

These programs search your computer for any installed spyware and then delete it (with your consent). You should periodically run your spyware program to check for this privacy problem.