The Computer Security Tool V4
Running The Computer Security Tool for the first time
The Computer Security Toll has two modes of operation, Basic Mode and Advanced Mode. When run for the first time the program defaults to Advanced Mode (the current mode is displayed in a "Tab" at the top of the main program window). To change between modes, click "To Basic Mode" or "To Advanced Mode" in the "Options" menu on the left hand side of the main program screen. You can set the program to start in Basic or Advanced mode by clicking "Set Preferences" in the "Options" menu.
Running in Basic ModeBasic Mode in the Computer Security Tool is designed for users who want maximum security with minimum fuss.
Basic Mode Step 1 - Running the Scan
In Basic Mode The Computer Security Tool provides information about the computer being scanned, including;
the Operating System installed;
the version of the Operating System; and,
the date that the Operating System was installed; and,
the IP address of the computer (a unique address identify the computer
on the Internet).
To start, press the "Scan" button. The progress bar will track the progress of the scan. A complete scan should take less than 4 minutes (Note that it is possible to stop the scan in progress, however this is not advisable as some security issues may not yet have been detected and will not be provided in the scan results). At the completion of the scan, click "Next".
Basic Mode Screen 1
Basic Mode Step 2 - "Tell Us About This Computer"
An integral component of providing strong system security is to understand how the system is used, and more specifically, the requirements for Network and Internet access. In Step 2 of Basic Mode, two questions are asked:
i) Is this computer networked with other computers?
ii) How does the computer connect to the Internet?
Your answer to these questions will control which Internet and Networking functions of the computer are activated or disabled. For example, a home computer that is NOT networked with other computers will NOT need networking services.
You only need to answer the questions once by using the tick box "Don't ask these questions again". Turn the questions back on via "Options" in the top menu.
Basic Mode Step 3 - "Fix Security Issues"
Security issues identified on a computer are put into categories as shown below:
Click on a button to show details of the security problem identified in that category. Click on the problem to show more information about it in the right hand window. Remove the tick if you do not want to implement that change:
The Fix Now button will implement the recommended security changes. If you wish to learn exactly what changes are to be made, or configure each setting individually, please switch to Advanced Mode.
When the Fix Now button is pressed security changes will be implemented. However, prior to the changes being made, a backup of the current security settings will be made.
Once security changes have been made you will be taken to the "View History" Window. The changes you have just made are listed at the top of the screen.
To "Rollback" or "Undo" one or more of these changes click on the "Rollback/Undo" tab and make the appropriate selection
If you continue to have problems, click here for further troubleshooting information.