Bulletproof

From LearniT

Contents 1 An Introduction 1.1 How to Bulletproof your computer 1.2 Open Source: Go with the Free Stuff 1.3 Secure the Desktop

An Introduction

Now that you've learned how to backup and restore your computer back to a healthy, new state, it's time to learn how to bulletproof it against future problems, prolonging your computer's life and getting the most out of your computer purchase.

How to Bulletproof your computer

[ Theory and Background | Vocabulary | Teacher Notes | Extra Resources | Video Script ] (Robert/Welsh)

Outline

1. Bulletproofing the computer means protecting three different aspects of the system: hardware, os/apps and data
   1. Hardware
      • always plug computer into a surge protecting power strip rated for computer equipment; most of these will come with warranties that covers the cost of any lost equipment
      • do not share your power supply with hi-demand appliances
      • keep your computer well ventilated and free from dust
      • listen for a faulty fan and replace before it fails If your computer warns you of overheating or fan failure, shut it off
   2. Data
      • keep all data on the data partition, separate from you os/apps
        • Use "Partition Magic" create a separate partition for your data
      • use a usb external drive to make regular backups of your data your hard drive WILL fail after 2-4 years of use, and all of your data will be gone with it
      • keep your usb backup offline on a shelf; if you are really paranoid, keep a second copy of your data at another location

Worksheets

1. [ FillinBlanksWorksheet ]

Hands-On Activities

1. Use "Partition Magic" to separate os/apps from data [ BulletproofLabPartition ]
2. Use Norton's Ghost to make a backup image of your os/app partition archive the image to your data partition under "ghost" [ BulletproofLabGhost ]

Open Source: Go with the Free Stuff

[ Theory and Background | Vocabulary | Teacher Notes | Extra Resources | Video Script ] (Will)

Outline

• There is a whole world of free computer operating systems and applications called "Open Source." A couple of important examples of open source applications are "Firefox" and "Thunderbird."
• The great benefit of these os / applications:
  1. They are FREE. All you need is hardware to run them.
  2. They can be very stable and functional
  3. They are continually updated
  4. They can be secure from many viruses that attack commercial products

Worksheets

1. Research open source operating systems

Hands-On Activities

1. Download and Install the Ubuntu Operating System [ OpenSourceLabUbuntu ]
2. Download and Install Open Office [ OpenSourceLabOpenOffice ]
3. Download and Install The GIMP [ OpenSourceLabTheGIMP ]

Secure the Desktop

[ Theory and Background | Vocabulary | Teacher Notes | Extra Resources | Video Script ] (Gina & Ray)

Outline

1. The main dangers to the desktop are:
   • viruses and spyware
   • data theft
   • changes to the os/apps by someone other than yourself

Worksheets

1. Vocabulary Quiz [ SecuringDesktopLabVocabQuiz ]
2. Paragraph on "Why my parents should let me do this?"

Hands-On Activities

1. Securing Your Microsoft XP Desktop [ SecuringDesktopLab ]
2. Activate the Firewall on your Windows XP computer
3. Install ClamAV and run for virus protection
4. Download and install spyware scanner
5. Create admin users and regular users