The number two most important piece of broadcast equipment after the transmitter is a computer, be it desktop or laptop, which provides not only program playlist and audio source, but often houses website and radio stream servers. But we get mixed messages about how to secure our specialized computers from hostile invasion by hackers large and small. Some advisers say we do not need security software, sometimes security software conflicts with server software or playlists. What is a safe and reliable approach to secure our online computers?
This is a complex topic, and many hours (and lots of bytes) could be used to work through all the permutations.
I note that you say "online computers". There would be different requirements for offline computers.
First and foremost, you need some sort of firewall between your computer and the Internet. A router provides a great deal of that protection (either wireless or wired). Properly configured, it will stop unauthorized incoming and outgoing traffic.
Firewall software on your computer duplicates a lot of that functionality, but most computer O/S's come with it, and it does provide more a more granular level of protection (most useful by application) so you can stop unauthorized calls out to the Internet. Because its integrated with the O/S, the overhead is usually pretty low.
I'm of mixed minds with anti-virus software. If you're only using the computer for automation, and not general purpose Internet surfing, e-mail, etc., then I consider it optional. But you'll get different opinions on that. I generally use a program that will scan for viruses, malware, etc. on demand, but does not operate real time (which can generate a lot of overhead and interference issues).
Other than that, use strong passwords, only install known software, check logs periodically for unusual behavior (such as multiple logon attempts), make sure you have backups - in other words, use common sense. And you should be OK.
For general purpose computers, real-time virus/malware checking software is helpful. Even the act of surfing to a malicious website can cause issues. But then again, not using unknown websites, programs, etc. will avoid most problems. Don't follow links in e-mails or open programs contained therein unless you're absolutely sure of the providence.
I never rely on these anti virus programs - those that think that they totally protect your computer are deluding themselves.
That's my take, anyway.
Much appreciation to Artisan Radio for the tips on computer security. Yes, our radio services all come from a single computer, the Zara Automated Playlist, audio hardware output to a part 15 transmitter, our kdxradio.com website server, Icecast KDX-OGG and KDX-MP3 Radio Servers, and a Firefox Browser is utilized to locate and download the audiofile programs we schedule.
A second computer is employed for e-mail and general browsing.
No security problems have been detected, except that recently, following an e-mail from one of our regular correspondents who supplied some links to information for our blog, we have been flooded with spam-mail, making a daily job of weeding it out and deleting it.
I use AVG but the pay version which includes hackers etc...and never have ever had a problem. Even fix me stick couldn't ever find anything.
But for the audio source and automated program like Zara I have a small laptop just for this nothing else and never connected to the internet. I don't stream. No worries about viruses and other stuff as no internet it can't get in and also no updates including the antivirus that wants to keep updating that screws you up. Can't go off the air because windows needs to install all kinds of stuff. Firefox won't load a site if it detects it's not safe but I can allow it and if something not good AVG pops up a window letting me know about what was just zapped so good protection.