To fight software creep, periodically inventory the software and services running on your system, and remove what isn't needed. You can manually inspect your system or use a utility like Microsoft's Autoruns, a free download. Autoruns will list every program and service running on your system and allow you to disable what is not needed with a click of the mouse. My advice is to do your research before disabling anything you don't recognize, so you don't cause yourself unexplainable operational issues later on, after you've forgotten what you disabled.
Step 7: Back up your data
We've all been using computers for a long time now, and we know that stuff happens. It's good to have a multiyear computer warranty, but to minimize the damage when your computer crashes, make sure to back up your irreplaceable data. Windows 7 includes a reliable backup program that you can set up at Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore. Or just search on the keyword "backup" in Help and Support to learn everything you need to know about Windows backups.
This article covered the items that should be done to make an already secure Windows 7 system more secure. If your OS and all applications stay fully patched and you don't get tricked into running Trojan horse executables, you will have significantly less risk than the average user. Don't fall into the trap of disabling the Windows 7 defaults (UAC, Internet Explorer's Protected Mode, Windows Firewall, and so on). Many well-meaning advisers don't have access to the cumulative customer experiences that Microsoft does.
Get the independent advice and expertise you need to support a virtual workforce.
The increase in Linux popularity has increased the frequency and sophistication of malware attacks. Read this 2 page white paper now to learn how you can protect your Linux environment with real-time protection that is certified by all major Linux vendors.
Download now »
Ensuring acceptable application delivery will become even more difficult over the next few years. As a result, IT organizations need to ensure that the approach that they take to resolving the current application delivery challenges can scale to support the emerging challenges. This handbook elaborates on the key tasks associated with planning, optimization, management and control and provides decision criteria to help IT organizations choose appropriate solutions.
Download now »
A common misconception is that mid-range storage requirements are dramatically different than that of a larger enterprise. Mid-range storage users may require less capacity, but they have similar functionality and management requirements. This ESG paper examines mid-range storage needs and reviews a new solution that adjusts size while retaining value, performance and functionality.
Download now »
Sign up to receive InfoWorld Resource Alerts
This white paper provides guidance on how to develop a strategic approach to managing and monitoring logs, a key function required for compliance with many regulatory mandates and a critical defense against security threats.
Download now! »
Learn about the processes and technologies that support security information management (SIM) operations, as well as the business case for SIM. The series examines different options for implementing SIM and gives you evaluation criteria for selecting the best option for your organization.
Download now! »
Learn the strategies, actions, and capabilities that Best-in-Class organizations employ and technologies they choose to obtain superior performance against various security performance metrics. This report provides guidelines for identifying which security solutions to consume as a MSS and defines best practices for choosing and managing MSSPs.
Download now! »
933 Recommendations
1 reply