Moved into Dorms want to protect computer

[Renzokucant]

Hi everyone i just moved into dorm style apartments, and i want to protect my computer. i used to live in a house where i utilized a router, now i am just plugged directly into the wall at these apartments. i want to make sure that i am protected, and i'm still fairly new at win7. I open the action center and check the securities tab and i notice that the network firewall is on. is there anything else i can do to protect myself? I also use Noscript, and scan my computer with Malware bytes. any suggestions for being safe? thanks for helping!

 

[Dinesh]

Use a good antivirus. Enable password protection wherever possible.

 

[TheSchaft]

I second what Dinesh said. There are a number of free antivirus solutions available.

Also, if you're using the Windows 7 firewall, look into adding the firewall controller - Windows 7 Firewall Control : Sphinx Software - the free one will help you control outbound connections without having to tweak the firewall policies themselves.

(A slightly more expensive solution would be to buy your own router, a bit of overkill for a single system, but it may prove to be a good investment if you get extra gear, like a networked printer or network storage drive or want to play LAN games with friends.)

 

[Barman58]

Check with your provider at the dorm as to what systems are already in place.
run a decent resident Anti-virus
Run a decent personal firewall ( I include the windows one as long as it is configured well)
Keep UAC on

Practice safe Surfing

Safe Hex - safe computing tips to defend against viruses, worms, trojans, and other malware.

 

[netguysc]

use a non-administrator user account on your computer

 

[Dinesh]

use a non-administrator user account on your computer

And what sense would it make?

 

[Barman58]

As a non admin user any malware that did take over the computer would only have the abilities of the standard user - it would be unable to access and alter any system settings

Using the UAC will also provide this protection when set at it's highest level

 

[Renzokucant]

thank you for all of the advice, can anyone recommend a decent router? something in the 20-40$ range?

 

[Barman58]

Can't give specific advice for your market in US but you should be able to find something from the major manufacturers - Linksys, Belkin or d-Link

 

[TheSchaft]

I just checked Pricewatch, Networking Router on Pricewatch.com, and they have a number in your price range, from all of the major manufacturers. I have a Linksys, have had d-Link and Belkin. I don't recall a lot of difference between the major brands. Different features mostly.

I like and can recommend Linksys, a Cisco company now I believe.

 

[netguysc]

Here is a great site pertaining to computer security

mechBgon's guide for first-time PC builders... Best practices for ongoing security

 

[Jacee]

Here is a great site pertaining to computer security

mechBgon's guide for first-time PC builders... Best practices for ongoing security

An excellent guide

 

[Lordbob75]

Hey, saw this thread, thought it would be useful for me as I will be doing this next year (holy sh*t I'm going to college!)

I have an extra wireless N router (the wireless is touchy) that my dad replaced. I am planning on bringing that and using it as a firewall. Of course, I also have three computers I will be taking....

~Lordbob

 

[TheSchaft]

Hey, saw this thread, thought it would be useful for me as I will be doing this next year (holy sh*t I'm going to college!)

I have an extra wireless N router (the wireless is touchy) that my dad replaced. I am planning on bringing that and using it as a firewall. Of course, I also have three computers I will be taking....

~Lordbob

Remember to set the MAC addresses of your computers in the router so that they are the only ones that can connect, and set the SSID to no broadcast.

Of course it goes without saying that you have changed the default router password, right?

P.S. - Where are you going to college? (Some folks here may have some helpful advice on things to do/not do, although my advice is that you only regret what you didn't do... )

 

[Lordbob75]

Hey, saw this thread, thought it would be useful for me as I will be doing this next year (holy sh*t I'm going to college!)

I have an extra wireless N router (the wireless is touchy) that my dad replaced. I am planning on bringing that and using it as a firewall. Of course, I also have three computers I will be taking....

~Lordbob

Remember to set the MAC addresses of your computers in the router so that they are the only ones that can connect, and set the SSID to no broadcast.

Of course it goes without saying that you have changed the default router password, right?

P.S. - Where are you going to college? (Some folks here may have some helpful advice on things to do/not do, although my advice is that you only regret what you didn't do... )

Indeed I did and will. I will not be using Wireless much, and the Pass will be super secured (30+ random digit code for both SSID pass, and router admin stuff).

Right now, I am taking one class (during high school) at Arizona State University. I want to go to Cal Poly next year though.

~Lordbob

 

[TheSchaft]

Cal Poly SLO? Oh, man! That school rocks - good teachers, great computer geeks, and some very beautiful people. You WILL enjoy...

Ummmm... How do you plan to remember a 30+ random character password? (I use a yellow sticky on the monitor myself )

 

[Lordbob75]

Cal Poly SLO? Oh, man! That school rocks - good teachers, great computer geeks, and some very beautiful people. You WILL enjoy...

Ummmm... How do you plan to remember a 30+ random character password? (I use a yellow sticky on the monitor myself )

Write it down. lol.

Yeah, thats the place. Love the staff, love the area, love the school.

Actually, at one point I did have a 25+ character password (all randomly generated) memorized....

~Lordbob

 

[R0am3r]

Remember to set the MAC addresses of your computers in the router so that they are the only ones that can connect, and set the SSID to no broadcast.

This works for the average person, but is a speed bump for others. MAC addresses can be spoofed and SSIDs are visible to tools like Kismet, etc. I prefer good old WPA2 with a strong key.

 

[TheSchaft]

You memorized a random 25 character password? OK, now that is sick

I taught a one day class there on computer security about 10 years ago, and I still remember some of the folks I saw on the campus. I would have forgotten the password in a heart beat.

Anyways, enjoy your time there or wherever you go. You've done a heck of a lot here, and I expect we have not heard the last of "Lord Bob".

 

[TheSchaft]

Remember to set the MAC addresses of your computers in the router so that they are the only ones that can connect, and set the SSID to no broadcast.

This works for the average person, but is a speed bump for others. MAC addresses can be spoofed and SSIDs are visible to tools like Kismet, etc. I prefer good old WPA2 with a strong key.

I suspect that Lordbob will set that, and memorize the key...