As security professionals we all know when our computers are trying to tell us that there is something wrong.  We also have our own techniques for poking around "under the hood" looking for trouble before it gets out of hand.  Like car enthusiasts, we know what each rattle and noise means and we take steps to correct the problem early.  But what about our parents and extended family members who don't have the same skills?  Like the temperature gauge or "check engine" light in your car, how does a typical user know that something is wrong?

Most newer operating systems have a system health and monitoring capability.  For example, in Windows 7 you do this:

• Log on as a local administrator on your computer, click Start, and then click Performance and Information Tools.
• Under Advanced Tools, select Generate a system health report.

And in Windows XP you take these steps:

• Log on as a local administrator on your computer, click Start, and then click Help and Support.
• Under the Pick a task, click Use Tools to view your computer information and diagnose problems.
• In the Task pane, click My Computer Information, and then click View the status of my system hardware and software.

But what else can a non-technical user do that is simple and easy?  We published a diary about this subject a couple of months ago and got some really cool ideas.  Take a look at the comments and see if there is anything else you are aware of.  Use the "comment" link below to add your ideas to this diary.

Marcus H. Sachs
Director, SANS Internet Storm Center