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Can Windows 7 change the perception that Windows Firewall is security you use until you install protection that actually does something?

Like Rodney Dangerfield, Windows Firewall gets no respect. Little changed for it between XP and Vista, and, while it does its simple task well, its lack of ambition made it a punching bag for reviews of better personal firewalls. I can't tell you how many times I've written, "Sure, Product X stealths all your ports against hack attack, but heck, even Windows Firewall can do that." Though Windows 7 adds a few new features in the firewall and related network-safety areas, the firewall in Windows 7 doesn't deliver the big changes I had anticipated.

The benefits of backing up data from your personal computer or business servers are countless. Data on any computer these days is very valuable, whether it's your iTunes music library or an accounting database for a small business. This valuable information can be lost in a plethora of disasters including power surges, viruses, and even improper shut downs or device removals.

As more and more information is digitized and external storage prices continue to drop, increasingly more data users are "backing up" their information. That is - they are saving their files in multiple places to avoid loss of valuable data. Now that you have decided it's a good idea to backup your files, you have two choices - external hard drives or online storage.

The security of the computer has become a very important problem that each and every personal computer owner has come to face during the last few years. The important data we store on our computers is no longer safe. Not to speak about the personal information that all of those nasty programs are hunting! Therefore, with all of the viruses, worms, and spyware floating around in the internet, it is more important than ever to be conscious about the security our computer needs.

In order to protect your data and other important stuff on your computer, you must absolutely use a firewall. With the release of the built in firewall with the last version of Windows, it has become easier than ever to use. A user must only open up the network connection properties and turn it on. The base setting will be more than enough and, unlike other firewall programs available on the market, it will require almost no additional configurations. Therefore, the Windows firewall can be used by all of use, regardless of our computer skills. The Windows Update must though be configured by the user. The best part of it is that, once configured, the updating service will automatically download and apply any critical patches for your Microsoft software. All of this will be happening in the background, without you even knowing it!

Having an antivirus and anti-spyware software installed is very important in keeping your system free of viruses, worms and other malicious programs. There are many effective free antivirus programs for you to choose from. One can also get robust commercial programs, but these are not free for you to use.

The internet browser security is very important in getting your computer safe from the viruses, but its shield is not very trustworthy. Should you be using Internet Explorer, the default security settings can be set in a matter of seconds. You will then have all the necessary protection it may provide.

Following these simple and quick steps you can be sure your system is more secure and up to date against the latest security vulnerabilities. Hoping that these tips will help you get all the protection that you will ever need. I am speaking about keeping safe from the wide range of the malicious software on the internet! Therefore, it is up to you to protect your computer!