The Symantec Guide to Home Internet Security
by Andrew Conry-Murray & Vincent Weafer

» Home
» Officers
» Committees
» Calendar
» Newsletters
» SIGs
» Membership
» Projects & Events
» Articles
» Reviews
» Resources & Links

Quick Links

» Current Newsletter
» Membership App

The last time I was asked to read a book and write about it was in High School and it was called a 'book report'. The main reason for the report was to see if I had actually read it. This time when I was asked to read a book, it was to write a review to advise you if the book was worth buying. I am happy to give a resounding YES!

The Symantec Guide to Home Internet Security by Andrew Conry-Murray and Vincent Weafer calls itself "The only home internet security book you'll ever need". That statement may be an exaggeration, but this is one of the first books you should obtain to increase your knowledge of Internet Security. The authors described the focus of the book very succinctly in the Introduction:

"If you are looking for quick and easy solutions to keeping your Windows-based computers safe from the dark side of the Internet, this is it. This book is especially for the non-technical users, so it includes a host of step-by-step instructions and helpful figures. If you know how to surf the Web and download software, your have all the skills you need to gain the benefits of a safe and secure Internet Experience."

While a complete read of the book is helpful, the authors have designed the chapters so that one can address a specific problem without having to read the entire book.

The chapter headings are:

• Understanding Internet Risk
• Preventing Identity Theft
• Firewalls
• Getting Rid of Unwanted Guests - Part 1: Viruses and Worms
• Getting Rid of Unwanted Guests - Part 2: Spyware, Adware and Trojan Horses
• Just say No to Spam
• Securing Windows
• Keeping Your Family Safe Online
• Wireless and VoIP Security
• Privacy and the Internet

With the cover of this book covered with references to Symantec and Symantec software, I was worried that the book would be an extended ad for Symantec products. This is not the case. The authors have given fair and impartial reviews on every security software available from the mainstream software to some of the lesser known offerings. "Freeware" applications are also discussed and suggested. Various utilities and the URL's to download them are offered for the reader. It was a pleasure to read such a comprehensive treatment of the subject.

The authors stress several items in this book:

1. You are at risk when you are on the Internet.
2. You have the ability to reduce that risk.
3. There is no excuse for not protecting your computer when accessing the Internet.

"The Symantec Guide to Home Internet Security" by Andrew Conry-Murray and Vincent Weafer is THE book that you will need to address and answer these items.

For further details, visit Symantec Press

Reviewed by Edward B. Jahncke, Jr.

NOPCC
P.O. Box 8364
Metairie, Louisiana 70011
Club Hotline: (504) 887-5746