Introduction

If you have had a home computer connected to the Internet for more than about a week, you know that it's a wonderful educational resource. You also probably know that there are many places on the Internet that you'd rather not visit, and that you certainly don't want your children to visit. This month we take an introductory look at how to keep your family safe from the web's nether regions, and how to keep your computer safe from the various bugs, viruses, and other malicious things that it might acquire from its Internet connection.

Virus Protection
Let's begin with viruses. These are packages of computer code that typically attach themselves to e-mail messages. Viruses are more of a problem for those who use Microsoft's Outlook or Outlook Express mail programs. This is not because these are bad programs, but because they're the most widely used, and therefore the programs which those who create viruses most like to challenge.

When unsuspecting users who receive virus-infected messages click on the attachment, any number of bad things can happen. The results, while not always fatal, can be time-consuming and can erase months' of files or work. Viruses can also burrow into application files, though this phenomenon is far less common.

Fortunately, the solution for virus protection is fairly straightforward. Every computer should have an up-to-date virus-checking program. One of these programs usually comes pre-installed on most PCs sold. If yours doesn't have one, Norton and McAffee both make very good virus protection software; expect to pay $50 - $75 depending on where you buy yours. Virus protection programs typically come with features that let them automatically update their virus definition files as new viruses infiltrate the web. This is essential protection, since it's the newest virus that is most likely to cripple your computer. Updates are usually free for one year. After that, expect to pay $10 a year to keep your virus definitions updated. Do it! This is money well spent.

Surfing Safely
Protecting young users from sites they shouldn't be using is a bit more complex. Your child's school likely handles this issue in a fashion similar to the virus-checking software. School networks typically use software that blocks an ever-changing list of web addresses so that students cannot access them. Even these systems, though, require frequent tweaking to meet local needs and specifications.

Our favorite home web filtering system is PITR: Parent In The Room. Putting your computer in the family room or some other location through which parents frequently pass is one of the simplest ways to ensure appropriate use of the web. As children become more independent, however, you'll likely want a real software solution to this problem.

For your home computer, the age of your children and your personal preferences will need to guide your filtering software choices. Your two most basic choices are to purchase and set up software yourself, or accept whatever content filtering your Internet service provider offers. American Online's filtering has received some very good reviews, but it's still their system, not yours. You'll have much more choice if you make filtering your responsibility. Some popular filtering programs include Cybersitter, Surfwatch, Cyperpatrol, and Cybersitter 2000. Filtering is an imprecise art at best, and there are trade-offs between using stringent filtering that eliminates useful content and lax filtering that allows in more useful content but may also pass unacceptable content. You need to be the judge of what level of filtering is appropriate for your family, and you need to check periodically to be sure that the filtering system is working according to your expectations.

Security and High-Speed Connections
Do you have a DSL, cable modem, or other high-speed web connection? If so, there's one more level of security to consider. Because these high-speed connections are "always on," they can allow hackers and snoopers access to your computer if it is not properly protected. This problem can be serious, and it's especially an issue if you have two or more computers that are sharing files on a home network.

The solution to this issue is called a firewall - a hardware or software system that prevents outsiders from gaining access to the innards of your computer. You can get firewall software that will protect a home PC with a full-time connection for around $70. Try a Google search to find the most popular brands. You can also use a router to provide a hardware solution to the firewall problem. It's a slightly more expensive route, but it's especially useful if you have multiple computers that you want to connect to your high-speed service. Expect to pay $125 to $200 for a router, depending on its specifications.

For the typical user, installing a firewall (hardware or software) and setting it to its maximum security settings should provide quick, effective protection from Internet snoopers.

Conclusion
Finally, while firewalls and virus software are generally "set and forget" tools, remember that web use by children should be a privilege, not a right. Monitor your child's use of the computer. Learn how to check the history listings on your browser, and also on your filtering software if it has that feature. If your children are younger, sit at the computer with them and guide their online activities. At the very least, be in the same room when they're on line. Setting firm expectations is often the best protection against abuse.

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