Even if you are using the latest Microsoft operating system, it is still important to ensure the security of Windows 7 network connections. The wireless network connections or wifi can really bring so much convenience to our lives. This enables us to move around the house while accessing the internet using various devices like PDAs, tablet computers, laptops, mobile phones and other gadgets. When you are outside, you can also find hotspots which will enable you to access the internet. These wifi hotspots can be found almost everywhere like cafes, restaurants, malls, airports and other business establishments. In fact, even schools have free in-campus wifi connection too.

It is necessary to double check the security of Windows 7 network connections. Yes, Windows 7 is probably considered as the most sophisticated OS that Microsoft has to offer these days but this does not mean that when you access the internet via public wifi connection, you are assured that you would not be hacked. Even if Microsoft used the most complex technology, people who do not have clean intentions still have creative ways on how they could work around the latest creation of Microsoft.

Network Connections

One thing that you could do to keep secure Windows 7 network connections is to click on the start menu which is found on the lower left corner of your computer screen. Find the option for Network and Sharing Center. When you have accessed this, go to Manage Network Connections. The secured connections that you have saved in your computer will be shown. Click on the Properties. You will see an option which states, Connect to a More Preferred Network if Available. Make sure that this is unchecked. That way, your computer would not automatically connect to whichever wireless network connection is available, even if you are in a hotspot.

Another important aspect is to make sure that your computer’s Firewall and Anti-virus program is working well. When these two are up, your computer can automatically block malware that could be used by hackers to meddle with your personal information and files.

Network Connections

You also have to proactively define the Windows 7 network connections. If in case you need to connect to the wifi at school, in your office and at home, make sure that these are the only connections that are recognized as secured by your computer. Do not automatically add up connection especially those which are from public hotspots even if you frequently visit those places. For example, if you usually spend your afternoons in a café and you use their wifi services for a few minutes, do not add up their connection to your list. It may be quite tedious to re-establish connection everyday but this is the safer thing to do.

You can trust that Microsoft is giving top of the line products that are carefully engineered to make it easier for you to use the computer. However, taking proper precautions for your Windows 7 network connections is something that you should not forget about.

These days, having stable network connections is a must. With the ultimately modern world that we all live in today, a lot of our activities would no longer progress if we do not have a reliable internet connection. Communication, bank transaction, research and even shopping all depend on the worldwide web. To add to that, most of our gadgets function well if there is a stable internet connection. With our extensive use of mobile phones, computers, GPS devices, music and video players, entertainment appliances and other gadgets, we certainly need to be aware of the things that we need to do to ensure that our connections are functioning well.

Having stable network connections greatly depends on the internet service provider. A few years back, we only rely on dial-up connections. These do not really provide excellent speed when connecting to the internet. It takes a few seconds, even minutes, before a connection is established. Aside from that, it would take some time before the web page that you would like to view loads up. Today, with the introduction of DSL and cable internet, the speed when connecting to the internet is absolutely impressive. You no longer have to wait for minutes before you can view the page that you are accessing.

The varying speed is due to the type of service that you are availing. Usually, faster internet connection also entails higher fees. If you would like to ensure that all your gadgets and computers will be able to access the internet without any trouble, call up your service provider and inquire about the internet speed that will be able to handle your demands.

Network Connections

Another concern when it comes to network connections is security, especially when you are using a Wi-Fi connection. These days, we need to provide confidential information via the internet to be able to do most of our daily tasks. For example, when you are doing online banking, you need to type in your card number, bank account number and PIN. For online shopping, you have to provide details for your bank account and shipping address too. Merely sending out emails means sharing your private information as well. That is why, you need to ensure that you have an efficient anti-virus protection installed in your computer to block all malware that could potentially hack your personal information. Make sure that the password for your Wi-Fi connection is activated too so that other people who can detect the signal would not be able to connect. The Wi-Fi services provided by public places like restaurants, airports, cafes and other hotspots can be such great innovation. However, these may not be the safest among the network connections.

Network Connections

For both your home and office, it is also imperative to do regular check up on the cables. The router and all other cables which connects your computers to the internet all has to be plugged properly. Do regular cleaning too because dust may accumulate in the ports. It is also best to use the latest components to be able to truly maximize the speed and stability of network connections.

Wireless network connections may be convenient but you need to know that this is less secure than cable network connections.

If you do not implement proper safety measures, other people can utilize your connection or even hack your computer. Do not fret because there are things you can do to ensure that your computer and files are safe.

You would have to secure your network transmission. This could be done through Wired Equivalency Privacy (WEP), Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) or Wi-Fi Protected Access-2 (WPA2). If you are using an older operating system, it might only work with the WEP which is the oldest among the three. Usually, the WEP keys are 40 bits to 104 bits long. Newer operating systems already use either WPA or WPA2 which can support longer key length. The passphrase that you will use as keys should be something that can not be guessed by others. That way, your network connections will be available only to you and others who know the keys.

Network Connections

It is also important to disable the broadcast SSID or Service Set Identifier to secure your network connections. The SSID is an information that comes from the router. Allowing transmission of such information may allow hackers to locate it through their own computers and that would give them access to your accounts and personal data. You can also set the network name to something that can not be easily identifiable.

Network Connections

Make sure also to change the default username and password for your router. If you do not do this, it is like sending out an invitation for people to utilize your wireless network connections. Change it to a name that is not related to you and your entire family. The password should be really unique too.

We hope you enjoyed this post and continue reading our blog on network connections.