The two things every computer user MUST do do:
1.Protect your computer from infection!
Infections do a lot more than slow your computer down; they can also leave you vulnerable to fraud and identity theft, as well as damage your operating system.
2.Protect your files with backups!
Hard drives fail; a lot! You can lose everything: pictures, financial information, documents, email.
I know many of my customers don’t consider themselves savvy enough to work with antivirus tools and backups, but failing to do these two things can cost you a fortune in time, aggravation, and money. Please read on for tips on protecting yourself. If you still feel you need more help, call me.
Infection control
Install a virus software package. Here are a few examples.
- Norton antivirus
- McAfee antivirus
- Microsoft Security essentials
One of the key differences between free products and paid products will be the inclusion of "pulse" updates and automated scheduling. These pulse updates ensure that you receive the latest virus definitions immediately upon release, and that your computer is always scanned on a regular basis. For more information, please read the websites.
Always keep your virus definitions up to date.
Scan your computer on a regular basis. Your virus package will have a scheduling feature to automate this process.
Be sure to always install updates to your operating system and any software you run, browsers, document software such as Adobe, etc, since failing to keep software up to date can leave you vulnerable to infections.
Backing up your files
Your operating system will include a facility to provide you with backups. It is up to you to decide where to keep your backups. Many people will find it convenient to purchase an external hard drive. This can be connected to your computer via a USB port. Once you have installed the drive and you have assigned a drive letter to it, you simply go to your computer's control panel, select "Backup and Restore", then follow the directions on the screen.
If you don't wish to set up an external drive, you can opt to use an offsite backup service like Carbonite or Norton Online backup. There are also backup services geared toward businesses, such as offsitebackups. Offsite backup services have many advantages, particularly for businesses.
Other things to remember
Beware of “scareware”. A pop-up box warning you of a security threat, and telling you to download some virus software you never heard of … NO! don’t take the bait ! If you get a popup asking you to download a software update, and you don’t recognize the software as something you run, such as Adobe, or your browser or mail package, don’t download it. If you aren’t sure call me.
Avoid “peer to peer” websites, such as free music and gaming sites. Free games and music sometimes come with infections.
Never open email from someone you don’t know or do business with.
If you get an unsolicited email containing a link to a sign-on page, don’t take it. Your financial institutions don’t normally send an email linking you to a sign on page, except if you request it; for example, you have forgotten your password. Also, if you get an email from your bank or broker, it should have your name on it. If you see “Dear Customer” this is a scam!