In the process of home network setup, one thing that you may not have considered is network security. Wireless network installation can be very complicated, and as such, you might believe that the security part of it can wait till a later date, but you could not be more wrong. This is something that needs to be done as SOON as possible.

You might think that you should be that one person on the block setting up a home network that anyone can use, and that’s a great dream to have. The only problem with this is that anyone could park in your immediate area and use your internet to download illegal materials. This could include music, games, movies, or even inappropriate forms of pornography. In the end, this can all be traced back to you, which is why you need to make sure you have the best wireless network security system set up.

When it comes to wireless security, there are two major types of firewall. The first type is the software firewall. This type of firewall is one that you install on your computer and it keeps you protected. The second type of course is the hardware firewall. Technically it is still software, but it is a box that sits on your network keeping hackers and other malicious users out of your private life. The question is what type of hardware firewall you are going to purchase.

Since a hardware firewall is essentially a router, you need to figure out what brand you want. There are quite a few different major brands such as Cisco, D-Link and Netgear, but in the end the level of security and quality you want will determine the price you pay. For instance we could first start out by talking about the standard D-Link and Netgear.

The lower end routers do their job, and can even be customized with Linux based firmware. They will cost you somewhere in the neighborhood of $40 – $50. Not a huge price to pay, but you have to remember that their security isn’t always top notch, and in many cases can be easily broken. Though you may not be able to afford it as a home user, a Cisco router would be a great choice if you are big on security.

Note that Cisco is normally used for large scale companies or even corporations, and their routers can easily run from $500 – $15,000. It’s a lot of money, but if you can afford it, then this would definitely be the best wireless network security option for you.

In the end it all comes down to how much security you need, and what you need it for. All wireless routers offer some measure of security, and if you are not happy with the items on the market, then you could always create your own router. That however, is something best left to those with experience, and you’ll be there soon enough.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allen_Taigom

Since you work and do a lot of browsing on the Internet, the first thing you need to learn is computer optimization techniques. It is much better that you take a little extra effort to look after your computer regularly, rather than have it freeze, lock up, or crash when you lose everything on it, at which time you’ll have to pay out a lot to have it fixed. Not to mention you have now lost all of the information, or data, you were working on. Follow these computer optimization tips and you will be much safer.

1. Set your anti-virus software checker to update itself automatically. This way, it is always updated with the latest protection.
2. Perform a scan of your computer daily when you finish working on it.
3. If you download any files through email or just from browsing the internet, scan this item before you open it with your anti-virus software.
4. Use your registry repair software to scan your computer once a week.
5. Use your adware/spyware software once a week. You can set this up to run automatically, which will help you keep this updated.
6. Never open any attachments in emails from people you do not know. Especially if the file is a .exe file. This is an executable file, and can launch all sorts of viruses.
7. Do not open any attachments even from people you do know, if you are not expecting anything from them.
8. If you do not have a anti-virus software installed, a virus could replicate itself to everyone on the address book and send itself out by email, without the owner even knowing this has been done. This is what happens when your computer is hijacked.
9. Do not download free music on the Internet – these free sites are always infected. If you do, run a virus scan, as well as your registry repair, and even the anti-spyware software.
10. As with the above statement, do not download any free games from the Internet.
11. Steer clear from adult sites, as they are particularly prone to viruses.
12. You can install software which will back up all your data on a daily basis. Use flash drives, memory sticks, and even DVD’s etc.
13. Even though you get statements and fill forms out electronically, print out contracts, payment forms, agreements and all legal documents and file them away in a ring-binder.
14. Be extremely careful if you do anything with your finances, payment details, payment processor passwords, credit card details, etc. on your computer. A hacker could easily access all these details, if they are anywhere on your computer.

If you can follow the 14 tips for computer optimization listed above, you will be better off than probably 99% of the population. Just by using your anti-virus software, your anti-spyware software, and your registry repair software, you can keep your computer running at optimal speed, and keep the errors and problems to a minimum.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Baker