10 tips for maintaining a healthy home network

Once your network is up and running, it's up to you to keep it healthy. This means incorporating all of the security features that come with your operating system, whether it's Windows Vista or Windows XP, and taking care of your network hardware properly. If your network computers aren't healthy (or have security problems), your network won't be healthy, either. Remember, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

1. Keep anti-virus software installed and up-to-date.

No matter what operating system you use, it's important to install, configure, and update anti-virus software. Make sure you purchase a program that protects against malware, phishing, and adware. One way to check if your anti-virus software is up-to-date is to open the Security Center in the Control Panel. Both Windows Vista and Windows XP offer a Security Center, and both will warn you if your computer security is compromised.

2. Configure and use Windows Update.

Windows Update is available to both Windows Vista and Windows XP users. You can find Windows Update in the Security Center in the Control Panel. Choose "on" under Automatic Updates to enable automatic updates for every computer in your home, and you will always have the latest drivers, software updates, and security updates for your computer(s). For more information about Windows Update, including how to best keep your computer up-to-date and configure Windows Update, read the article here.

3. Get the most from the Network and Sharing Center.

If you're running Windows Vista on any of your network computers, the Network and Sharing Center is an all-in-one place to enable networks, view computers and devices, and connect to networks. It also offers an easy way to diagnose and repair network problems. If any problem occurs, click Diagnose and Repair, and let Windows Vista solve the problem.

To best protect your network, turn on Password Protected Sharing in the Network and Sharing Center. When password protection is on, only people who have a user account and password on the computer can access shared files, printers attached to the computer, and the Public folder.

For all of your PCs running Windows XP, place files you want to share in the Public folder. Keep files you do not wish to share in personal folders.

4. Configure secure Internet Explorer 7 options.

Internet Explorer 7 offers many new features that will help you keep your network healthy. Two in particular are the Pop-Up Blocker and the Phishing Filter. Make sure both are enabled by clicking the Tools menu from the Internet Explorer interface. Internet Explorer 7 ships with Windows Vista, but if you're still using Windows XP, you can download it here.

5. Configure and use Windows Defender.

Windows Defender is included with Windows Vista, and is available as a free download for Windows XP. In either operating system, you can access Windows Defender from the Security Center in the Control Panel. Windows Defender offers protection against malicious and unwanted software, allows you to scan your PC for these threats, and lets you check for updates to Windows Defender automatically or manually. To keep your network as healthy as possible, make sure Windows Defender is enabled and configured to check for updates automatically.

6. Configure and use Windows Firewall.

Windows Vista and Windows XP both ship with Windows Firewall. As with other security features, Windows Firewall is available in the Control Panel's Security Center options. A firewall protects your network by preventing unauthorized users from gaining access to it through a network or the Internet. Windows Firewall is turned on automatically. A firewall is different from antivirus software, and is not a replacement for it. However, Windows Firewall and anti-virus software work together to help protect your computer and network. For more information about Windows Firewall, read the article Understanding Windows Firewall.

7. Prevent your kids from downloading malware with Parental Controls.

If you're using Windows Vista, it's easy to create, configure, and manage what your children do while at the computer with Parental Controls. Using Parental Controls you can set time limits, prevent your child from playing specific (or all) games, set limits for Internet use, and keep your child from running specific programs. You'll need to create an account for your child first, and then apply Parental Controls. Using Parental Controls helps keep your network safe by not allowing your children to harm the computer with Internet downloads, games from companies you don't trust, or malicious software. For more information on setting up Parental Controls, read the article here.

8. Keep a backup of all your data.

Windows Vista offers the Windows Backup and Restore Center, where you can create and configure automatic backups of the data on your network computers. Windows Backup and Restore Center will remember to perform the backups you need, so you don't have to remember to do it yourself. With Windows Vista, you can now back up your files to an external hard drive, secondary hard drive, writable CD or DVD, or to a network location.

If you're using windows XP, you also have a backup option. You can use the built-in Backup Utility to help you make copies of files, settings, or everything on your computer. For more information about the Windows XP Backup Utility, including how to use it, refer to this article.

9. Protect your computer from unwanted downloads.

User Account Control in Windows Vista improves the safety and security of your computer by preventing potentially dangerous software from making changes to your computer without your explicit consent. When software is deemed potentially dangerous, you are prompted to allow the software to run by inputting an administrator name and password. This helps keep your network healthy by incorporating the operating system, Windows Defender, and Internet Explorer 7, and helps reduce the impact of viruses, spyware, and other threats. Find more User Account Control information here.

10. Take care of your hardware.

You need to do more than secure your operating system. You also need to secure your hardware. This includes but is not limited to:

•	Keeping pets off the PC towers, keyboards, routers, modems, and other hardware.
•	Avoiding smoking around computer equipment.
•	Repairing or replacing frayed wires and cables, including power cords.
•	Making sure surge protectors are installed and working.
•	Making sure cables are not crimped, or under chair or desk legs.
•	Making sure all equipment has adequate air flow.
•	Avoiding shut downs and reboots (put the computer to sleep instead using Power Settings).
•	Using canned air twice a year to blow dust from inside and around computer towers.
•	Verifying wireless access points are properly placed.
•	Verifying power outlets have not become overloaded.