Security News

I know I go on about security for your PCs, but I'm afraid we're still at the stage in the digital world where eternal vigilance is needed.

It was, therefore, interesting to read an article from Windows Secrets about what we all need to do to be safe on the internet. The piece is at:

http://windowssecrets.com/2009/08/27/02-Security-Baseline-provides-basic-PC-protection

Basically, we all need to:

• use the hardware firewall in the router
• have good firewall and anti-virus software "on guard"
• make sure Windows is kept up-to-date
• use an internet browser that is secure

That message has been consistent for a good few years now, so no real changes. But it is timely to reinforce the message so that we can avoid the nastier consequences of getting malware in our systems.

Be alert. Be safe.

Dust

I know, it's not the most exciting of subjects, but it is an important one for computers. Remember, the PC is set up to draw air over a warm surface (the heatsink over the processor (CPU)), and then send the now warm air out of the computer case.

The air that comes in carries dust, and it is likely to deposit that dust on the heatsink. I have seen some very clogged heatsinks in my time, and for one customer it solved the problem of why his computer kept crashing. The dust clogging the heatsink was sending the temperature of the CPU way too high, so in a gesture of self-preservation, the PC kept switching itself off.

I have a standard item on my jobsheet - valet. You can do this for yourself, but some words of warning and advice. First, switch off the PC, and remove the power lead. Then, remove the side panel, so that you can access the inside. Now be gentle - don't just shove the hoover's extension tube in and waggle it about! Gentle blowing helps, and you can use a soft brush. Pay particular attention to the heatsink over the CPU. I use a artist's painting brush to clean the blades of the fan, and then to gently brush out the dust in the radiator-type area beneath it.

Working on customers' machines, I have found copious amounts of dog and cat hairs, as well as dead spiders. I haven't found any dead animals yet, but I have read reports of mice being found!

So, time to boldly go in search of dust! And then remove it - carefully. You could add years to the life of your beloved PC.