Introduction to PC Security
What
you don't know about PC security really can hurt you! Learn why you're at risk
and what you can do to protect your precious personal and business data from the
outside world. This course, taught by a security expert, will quickly bring you
up to speed on the fundamentals of PC and network security.
You'll understand and explore the many vulnerabilities of operating systems,
software, and networks. Then, you'll get into the minds of hackers and crackers,
developing an understanding of the exploits they use to access your computer
without your knowledge. You'll find out why, where, and how viruses, worms, and
blended threats are created. You'll be able to identify and work to prevent DoS,
SYN flooding, and other network attacks. You'll learn a safe way to share files
and data across the Internet through a virtual private network. And you'll be
able to install and configure a firewall to build an impenetrable moat around
your computer or network.
To enroll in this course, click the Enroll Now button below:
Requirements:
A familiarity with general PC terminology, an understanding of Windows and an ability to locate programs and change settings (or completion of Introduction to Windows XP), Internet access, e-mail, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser.
Syllabus:
All courses run for six weeks, with a two-week grace period at the end. Two
lessons are released each week for the six-week duration of the course. You do
not have to be present when the lesson is released, but you must complete each
lesson within two weeks of its release.
A new section of each course starts on the second or third Wednesday of each
month. If enrolling in a series of two or more courses, please be sure to space
the start date for each course at least two months apart.
| Week One |
| Wednesday - Lesson 01 |
| In our first lesson, you'll learn the facts--and the
myths--about PC security. Then, I'll introduce you to the language of
security and explain what you need to know about each acronym. By the
end of this lesson, you'll also be able to assess your own risk, whether
you're an individual or manage a network of any size. You'll also
perform a self-assessment to evaluate just how vulnerable you are to
security flaws. |
| Friday - Lesson 02 |
| If you ever wondered what technical gurus are
speaking about when they talk about LANs, WANs, VPNs, and P2P, you'll
find detailed answers in this lesson. Discover the basics of networks
and how your PC connects to them. |
| Week Two |
| Wednesday - Lesson 03 |
| Most of us don't stop to think about how a Mac can
talk to a PC and vice versa. Yet, different types of machines talk to
each other on a daily basis across networks. They also talk to printers,
fax machines, and a host of other devices. The OSI model for network
connections lets you accomplish this, and you'll learn all about it in
this lesson. I'll also teach you how, why, and where the weak links of
security are in software and operating systems. |
| Friday - Lesson 04 |
| Get ready to investigate the world of viruses, worms,
and blended threats. You'll learn what they are and the differences
between all three. I'll also show you why people create them and where
they come from. Of course, all this knowledge will also teach you how to
protect yourself and your network from the hackers and crackers of the
world. |
| Week Three |
| Wednesday - Lesson 05 |
| We’ll introduce you to the ware family in this
lesson. Who is the ware family? They are the products that download
themselves onto your computer without your consent or knowledge—spyware,
scumware, malware, and adware. You'll meet them and learn all about
their family traits and values. I'll also show you where they live,
places they frequent, and how to remove these unwelcome guests that
inhabit your PC. |
| Friday - Lesson 06 |
| You may have heard of them: vulnerabilities,
exploits, and exposure. But what are they? Have you ever wondered if
someone really can control your computer without your knowledge? If
you've been pondering these questions lately, then you'll find your
answers here, along with priceless information on protecting your
computer and your network to keep your business and personal data
private. |
| Week Four |
| Wednesday - Lesson 07 |
| Have you ever tried to access the Web but received an
error saying the page can't be displayed, you aren't connected, or you
don't have access? If so, you may have been under an attack! Denial of
Service attacks and SYN flooding are two types of network attacks that
seem to go unnoticed on personal PCs and small networks. Why? Because
beginners don't know what they are, why they're happening, or where
they're coming from. After this lesson, you'll no longer be left
wondering what happened to your Internet connection. |
| Friday - Lesson 08 |
| This lesson will introduce you to firewalls. Join me
in this lesson, and you'll soon start building an impenetrable moat
around your network. |
| Week Five |
| Wednesday - Lesson 09 |
| Now that you have your moat built, it's time to arm
up and defend yourself. In this lesson, you'll learn how to configure
your firewall and maximize your network security. |
| Friday - Lesson 10 |
| You may want to check out this lesson before you grab
your laptop and run off to the next Internet café, because what you
learn today may surprise you! Laptops and wireless connectivity are the
buzzwords of the moment, but these two technologies aren't as secure as
they appear. You'll understand why in this lesson. |
| Week Six |
| Wednesday - Lesson 11 |
| I'm going to share my love for VPNs with you today.
You'll learn what a Virtual Private Network is, how it's different from
standard networks, how it works, how to secure it, and how to set up
your own. Just think about the possibilities! You can share files with
family across the miles by allowing them to connect remotely to your
designated shared folders. You can share music files, family pictures,
and anything else you choose to give them access to. |
| Friday - Lesson 12 |
| Now that you know what's out there, how can you possibly keep on top of security issues? There's so much information out there, how will you know what applies to you? Have no fear, for I'll show you a simple method for staying up-to-date with those security issues that only pertain to you. You'll also learn about emerging security technology, sources to use that will help make the job of managing and securing your network easier, and creating a checklist to keep handy. Finally, you can test yourself against the first security assessment to see how well you've secured your own PC or network. |
To enroll in this course, click the Enroll Now button below:
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