You’re just 10 steps away from a Smooth Running PC
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Here are ten steps for increasing the security of your PC. You’ll discover how to find viruses and you’ll learn how to avoid them.
Windows password is by far the easiest way to make sure you know who is using your PC. Always choose a long password, make sure it contains capital and lower case letters. When you include a number or two you’lll greatly increase your computers security. By having a Windows password the only people who can log onto a Windows session are people that you have given this password to.
How many times have you been told that you should never write your passwords down? And never use the same password all the time, this will make it very easy for hackers to find your personal information. So how in the world are you supposed to keep track of all those passwords if you can’t write them down and you can’t use the same one for everything? Use a password manager. I recommend using Roboform. It’s an easy to use password and profile manager that docks neatly into your browsers toolbar and keeps track of all your passwords for you. Roboform also uses a master password system. You’ll have one password that accesses all of the passwords in the program. This is the best way for you to keep your information safe and secure. Here’s the address if you want to download Roboform http://www.roboform.com and it’s free.
Next to spam, spyware is no doubt the internet’s biggest pain-in-the-butt. By definition, spyware is: any software that covertly gathers user information through the user’s Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Do you know most people aren’t even aware this is going on behind the scenes of their PC? Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to a third party. The horrible reality is that spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers. The more internet surfing you do the more spyware is on your PC. I recommend that you scan for spyware at least once every week or whenever your system is running slowly. If you don’t have a spyware scanner, I recommend you get http://www.webroot.com
Antivirus is a bad thing. You do realize, if your computer is connected to the internet you need antivirus software. If you perform weekly scans and program updates you should be protected from most antivirus threats. For added protection, I recommend installing and using more than one anvtivirus scanning service.
What’s a firewall? A firewall will keep those unwanted visitors out of your computer. You can obtain a firewall either by using software application like ZoneAlarm or Black Ice Defender, or you can use a router with your internet connection. Here’s just one of many places you can go for more information on routers http://www.Linksys.com
Did you realize that file sharing programs are the single biggest security risk you will come across on your PC. This is because the only information you have about the files you’re about to download is the file name and the size of the file. It‘s quite simple to change a filename to dupe someone into downloading a virus or other malware like keystroke recorders. My advice is to stay away from file sharing no matter what. If you need to use it, make sure you have updated antivirus software installed and running at the time you download the files.
Keep informed and know what’s out there that can harm your PC. At http://www.Symantec.com there’s a section on this website that’ll serve you well. You need to know what types of viruses exist and how to avoid them. This will make you a much smarter internet user.
Most all antivirus services available offer email scanning. If yours doesn’t, you should really get one that does. Email scanning will make certain all of your incoming and outgoing emails are safe for both you and the recipient. Email viruses spread very quickly by using your address book to propagate the virus. Never open email from people you don’t recognize no matter what the subject line is, and always make sure your email scanner is active.
Another way that viruses spread is through your computer network. Here’s few quick tips to keep your network safe. Always scan every file that come in from other computers. Even if it’s a file you’ve brought from home. Never allow a file to be placed on your network until it’s been scanned. The main server should be the only computer with file sharing enabled. By not allowing computer users to transmit files, you can quickly stop a threat.
Maintenance performing is easy to do and will go a long way in keeping your PC safe. Perform a weekly virus and spyware scan. Defragmenting weekly will also greatly improve the performance of your computer. When you put in the effort, you’ll be rewarded with a safe and fast running pc. Not to mention less headaches!
If you follow these ten steps, you’ll see a big improvement in the performance of your computer. You will also get peace of mind as you gain a new sense of security.
