Keeping a PC safe

[Michael Sacci]

Carrying two systems with you is just not practical. I understand that with everything you do you add a level of vulnerability but there has to be suggested steps to take.

[Michael Sacci]

So no one out there uses a PC to edit that is connected to the internet, uses it to check email. Take it to a coffee shop to do a little work? Every PC is almost completely locked down. Takes 2 computers EVERYWHERE they go. Your onsite and you have your editing laptop and then a second to get connected.

If so, this would confirm every Mac person’s evaluation of why not to go with a PC.

[Chris Wright]

you’re delving into the deep realm of security. without getting into security plus terms ‘n stuff.

1. keep windows up to date. and all drivers. even firmware.
2. don’t use adobe flash for anything, ever.
3. google chrome has the least attack vectors.
4. don’t open email attachments.
5. never enter personal data into a non https:// server ie.e https://
6. if you go to a coffee shop, always use a VPN.
7. if you’re really paranoid, you can sandbox your web browsing in a virtualbox then anti-virus scan it in the virtual box and port it over to your actual windows.

as for antivirus, I wouldn’t use windows defender, it has more holes than a coffee grinder.

[Michael Sacci]

Chris,

Thanks, very helpful.

Is there an anti-virus software and settings you recommend.

Wish flash would just go away for good.

I’m not paranoid, just want to be cautious and start off with good habits. I will look into sandboxing.

As for #6, I have a VPN at my house that allows me to get to servers when I’m on the road. You recommend using that so the web traffic is going through the company firewall before getting to me?

[Neal Broffman]

Michael,
I made the switch last year and use the PC (desktop workstation) strictly for editing. That said, I connect to the internet to upload to Vimeo and for updates to plug-ins (Red Giant, BCC). That’s pretty much it. I have my old Mac workstation sitting right next to the PC and use it for email, purchases, browsing, etc. If I buy production music on-line I do it on the Mac and then throw it into Dropbox, which is also on the PC.
I rarely edit away from my office but I take a Mac laptop into the field for footage transfers and some rough edits. This arrangement has, so far, been very efficient. Works for me.
Good luck.
Cheers,
Neal

Neal Broffman
One Production Place, Atlanta, GA
http://www.oneproductionplace.com
Current FIlm:
Help Us Find Sunil Tripathi
http://www.HelpUsFindSunilTripathi.com

[Greg Janza]

Michael, I agree that the idea of not having an edit system connected to the internet or having a second computer for web use is completely impractical. I also recently switched to a PC after 20 plus years on a mac and it’s hard to get used to the idea of your computer being vulnerable since macs tend to be exempt.

My edit workflow is a continual combination of internet acquired media (music, sound effects, pictures and video) and also local media on a raid. I couldn’t function efficiently if I had my edit system offline.

But naturally it does add risk. All of Chris’s suggestions are spot on. I also use a vpn on my home system and a malware monitoring program.

Adobe Premiere 2017.1.1
Windows 10 Pro
Samsung SSD 850 EVO system
Samsung SSD 850 EVO Adobe cache
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970
OWC Thunderbay 12t x 2 in Raid10 configuration (thru Storage Spaces and Disk Management)