Homes and small businesses are increasing taking advantage of the Internet, wireless technologies and falling prices of hardware and software. We review what it takes to set up your network and how to protect yourself and your information from computer hackers, malware and spyware.

Your Computer Network
Comcast provides the high speed Internet service via cable modem in our area. Our entire office is a Linksys wireless office network including the cable modem. We also bought a wireless switch and wireless cards for our lap tops. There are other manufacturers as well. Whatever you decide, don't buy products from different manufacturers. This complicates matter immensely. Select a brand and buy your cable modem, routers and wireless cards for laptops and printers from the same manufacturer.

Installing the system was a bit more complicated than operating a VCR. See and listen to the Linksys Video on networking before you begin.

If you are not comfortable after listening to the video, get someone to set up the system for you. Your son or daughter, the techie friend at the office may be good choices. Most electronics stores also offer this service for a fee. It's probably well worth it.

Security
When you use a cable modem or DSL connection, you are continuously hooked into the Internet unless you turn off your computer. Like everything else in life, there are some drawbacks to this.

One thing for sure, you are not alone. By being "connected," computer hackers and data thieves can steal sensitive information on your computer and literally out of thin air if you are not careful.

If you don't protect yourself, these thieves and hackers can even use your computer to send spam to all of your friends and launch viruses, worms and trojans in the process. In a sense they will turn your computer into a zombie without you even knowing it.

Security Solutions
The solution is a firewall for your home or small office computer network. Essentially, the firewall is software between your computer and the Internet. It is like having a policeman at the door of your house 24/7 checking to see that only people allowed can come in your home or building and keeping the creeps out. This policeman also checks to see who is leaving, just in case an unauthorized person got in and wants to leave.

One of the best firewalls is ZoneAlarm Pro (WIN 2000,XP, Vista), which received numerous awards. ZonelAlarm prevents unauthorized access to or from a computer network.

You'll also need to install antivirus software on your computers and spyware. There are several good products- Norton Anti-Virus and McAfee are pretty standard. You should also buy Webroot Spysweeper AntiSpyware to maintain your privacy and protect your information.

The software of companie like Microsoft are constantly under attack. So are Apple Computers and Unix systems, but the less so. Software pathes that protect security vulnerabilities are issued routinely, because the hackers are constantly exploiting vulnerabilities. By all means, be sure to install secruity patches in a timely manner. You can easily find the latest Windows system updates and set this up automatically.

Unfortunately, Microsoft software is the target of hackers and those who want to ruin your day by introducing viruses, worms and stealing your information. While not fool proof, some folks say that using another browser helps. We actually use Firefox and Internet Explorer.

Te free Firefox web browser provides that following benefits:

1. Browse the Internet faster and efficiently,
2. Much safer than Internet Explorer,
3. Prevents Spyware,
4. No need to remove Internet Explorer to use Firefox,
5. Imports your saved favorites, settings and other information from Internet Explorer,
6. You can use Internet Explorer and Firefox at the same time,
7. It's free- supported by Time Warner, IBM and Sun Microsystem, and
8. Millions of internet users have already downloaded the Firefox Internet Browser.

Now is the time to experience the best in web browsers. You'll also get the added benefits if the Google Tool Bar:

• Instant search suggestions
• One-click form filler
• Highlighted search terms and
• Automated security and feature updates