Backup Backup Backup are the three most important words in computing. Murphys First Law of Computing is A properly backed up hard drive will never fail; but a hard drive that does not have a current backup will always fail at the most inopportune time. There have been several reviews of backup hardware and software in this column over the years, and all worked ok to some extent, but there is one irrefutable fact about backing up your hard drive. That is that you need a current backup, period. At least weekly, backup critical data files so that if your hard drive or computer fails, you can restore your programs from their original CDs, and then restore your data files from the backups. It would be even better to make a full backup (everything), and then periodic incremental backups (only those files new or changed since the last backup). Most backup software has this as a feature. Since almost all recent computers have a CD burner, and blank CDs are cheap, there is absolutely no excuse for being wiped out by a hard drive failure or a virus. The basic software that comes with CD burners or preinstalled on factory computers with CD burners is totally adequate to copy critical data files to a CD. Each blank CD holds over 600 megabytes of data, so it will only take a few to do a backup right now. If an external hard drive or DVD burner is available, there is no excuse for not having comprehensive backups. If Murphy is correct, and you do have current backups, then you have nothing to fear.

If you have been a regular reader of this column, you could already guess my next mandatory resolution for all computer users keep your antivirus software updated on at least a daily basis. Viruses, worms, and Trojans are getting nastier, more sophisticated, and capable of doing more damage than those in the past. Contemporary computer worms can easily steal your identity and send your highly personal information to unknown individuals with larceny in their hearts. Other viruses can destroy the critical data on your computer, hijack your internet connection and attack the national infrastructure, or commit other heinous acts. There is absolutely no reason not to have current antivirus software installed. Price can not be an issue, because there are still several freeware titles available from AVG (www.grisoft.com) and AVAST (www.avast.com). Recently Microsoft and Computer Associates (CA), announced that for a limited time the $50 CA antivirus and firewall suite can be downloaded for free (for personal use) from www.my-etrust.com/microsoft, and includes a year of daily updates Other popular retail antivirus products, such as McAfees VirusScan, and Symantecs Norton Antivirus, are currently available for nominal prices, after rebates; they may even be free (after rebates) when purchased as a bundle along with some of the major income tax software. Once installed be absolutely sure that the antivirus software is updated at least on a daily basis.

Practice Safe Hex is a comprehensive computing term meaning be careful on the internet, especially with email and while browsing. This includes never responding in any way (including remove me requests) from spammers, and instantly deleting any spam email. This also includes never opening any email of suspicious origin, or with suspicious attachments. This especially means be very suspicious of email attachments from acquaintances, as most modern viruses and worms hijack address books and send themselves out randomly selecting a to and from email address from the victims address book, also meaning that such email did not really come from the apparent sender. This method of human engineering makes it attractive to open the infected email, as well as makes it difficult to track the real source. Be suspicious even if antivirus software is installed and updated, as many of these new viruses spread rapidly, often infecting computers faster than the antivirus publishers can post updates. Other forms of safe hex include killing spyware (Spybot Search and Destroy, free at www.safer-networking.org), and using a firewall to keep intruders out of your computer. Outpost (www.agnitum.com) and ZoneAlarm (www.zonelabs.com) are available free for personal use, and are excellent quality. It is also imperative that the operating system security patches are installed (windowsupdate.microsoft.com).

Another variant of safe hex that warrants a resolution is to stop forwarding hoaxes and urban legends. These can be harmful, so check out any interesting stories or reports at urbanlegends.about.com or www.snopes.com before forwarding them, even if they were sent to you by a reputable person.

If any readers would like to learn more about cyberthreats, I will be conducting a free 8-hour seminar at LIT on Friday, January 9, starting at 8:30 am. If you would like more information, call 880-1713 after January 5. Pre-registration is required, as there is limited seating available.

For more information on the Tulsa Computer Society click here