Windows 7: Keeping hackers out of my computer

Amazon.com: The Basics of Hacking and Penetration Testing: Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing Made Easy (Syngress Basics Series) eBook: Patrick Engebretson: Kindle Store#_

This is a book I found on amazon.com and wanted some advice. I was a MIS manager in Silicon Valley for over a decade and had to take care of securing networks but didn't really have to worry about hackers. I have a network at home and would like to know something about security and I'm not talking about anti-virus and firewalls but defend against hackers. I've been retired for 10 years and I don't know anything against someone hacking into my computers but would like to learn. So is this book what I need or do you have a better one to recommend?

I'd start by going here and running the free test "All Service Ports":

https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

If your router (assuming you have one, if not, you should) is set up properly you should be in full stealth mode. The only exception would be for a port you opened intentionally where you understand the risks involved.

If your router is doing its job, the short answer to "Could you still be hacked?" is "Only if you let them in yourself", either through falling for something like a phishing scam or collecting a virus which opens a back door.

In brief, a good router will barricade the walls for you. After that, your main vulnerability is through user error which inadvertently opens a door from the inside.

I should have mentioned that I know nothing about the book itself, other than that the reviews look great. I will be taking a Computer Security class within the next year and have already added it to my list of supplemental reading.

Hello,

I have compiled an Article, it's a good read. This all I can contribute and would help a bit including securing your network away from the hackers. I am managing 2 different locations for 15 years now and so far both networks are very much secured by using my own procedure and hasn't been hacked. The Sonicwall appliance is one of my top picks.
I hope the Article helps and if this is not what you're looking for, sorry.