What should you learn during a computer security course?
During a computer security course you should learn how to make your working environment as safe as possible. This include securing workstations from unwanted access as well as various methods of implementing network security and password policy. This also includes basic knowledge about common methods of attack and security issues. The best courses also include learning about social techniques of network attacks – a man can be a weak point, and often is.
Protecting your computer against intrusions
1. Software and hardware firewalls – installation, configuration and use
Nowadays Internet is the most common source of intrusion attempts. Every computer security course includes knowledge about firewalls and methods of using them. Firewall basically blocks unwanted connections and allow you to control who and when can connect to your computer. During a computer security course you will learn what ports are especially vulnerable to attack and how to configure a firewall to block them. Hardware firewalls are generally more secure than software, but are also more difficult to configure and less flexible. One of the main differences between software and hardware firewalls is that software firewall can not only monitor and block network traffic, but also can monitor specific applications while they are trying to connect to the network, allowing or disallowing them to connect. While hardware firewalls generally protect the network against dangers from the outside, software firewalls can also protect the network from the inside – reducing danger of leaking important information due to spyware.
2. Spyware removal programs and what to do if they don't work
During the computer security course you will also learn about spyware and methods of removing it. Spyware represents a serious threat to the security, and should be removed as fast as possible. There are special programs that are designed to fight spyware – but be aware, that some of them are mere fakes that only install more spyware on your computer. It is best to use well known programs. However, even the best program cannot guarantee the successful removal, and sometimes it is necessary to handwork the problem by editing the windows registry in safe mode or even using clean boot environment that allow editing Windows registry (like ERD commander). Do remember, that other operating systems (like Linux or MacOS X) are better secured before spyware, thus reducing need for specialized removal software.
3. Basics of network security (wired and wireless)
Basics of network security are the same to wired and wireless environments. During a computer security course you will learn how to ensure safety to both of them. Here are some examples:
- Change passwords frequently and do not use “easy” ones. Let no one know your passwords!
- Protect your network with the firewall.
- Do not open unknown e-mail attachments, as they can be Trojans, spyware or viruses that can compromise security. This is mostly Windows problem.
- Use actual antivirus software.
In case of wireless networks some other things shall be done:
- Configure your access points to not broadcast your network SSID
- Allow only known (by MAC address) network adapters to connect to the network.
- Implement WEP or WPA cryptographic protocols. Use Radius servers when necessary.
Online Web Design Course
Choosing an online web design course
It is generally easy to find an online web design course. But is it exactly what you are looking for? Only you can answer to that question. But before you do it, it is necessary to define what exactly you expect from an online web design course. Designing web pages is a complex task, and thus requires extensive knowledge. After defining your needs, there is a time to choose a proper course. Generally, if you are newbie, choose one of basic online web design courses. They can give you basic understanding what means web development and how to code a web page. If you already have such knowledge, then you may choose from one of the advanced courses.
Find the right school
Before you choose an online web design course, you have to choose which school suits you best. There are many schools and the quality of the course can vary dramatically. Before you choose, check opinions about a school – how it is esteemed, how many courses it provides and how long the school exista. Online forum of the school can be a good place to start gathering opinions about the quality of the courses, but even then consider checking a few independent sources of information, like independent forums.
The quality of the course
Before you sign for an online web design course, check carefully what you will learn during it. If you are in doubt, check opinions of others or consult the potential teachers. It may be wise to check what results were achieved by others, perhaps looking for practical ones (like another's portfolios).
Expectations and the course's curriculum
Do not expect miracles. Short courses will not make you a master designer. Of course, you will have some basic knowledge, but it will be good if you consider it only as the beginning of the adventure, not as the happy ending. You will need to go the difficult and long way to achieve a real mastery. An online web design course is a mere beginning of the journey. Even advanced courses will not make you the master of the Web. Most importantly, these courses cannot learn you creativity – they can only give you the tools to convert your creativity into the results.
