How To Keep Your Computer Secure

By Frankline Bell


It might seem a bit dramatic to state that our computer is our life's blood, but it is a crucial part of the lives of most people. These machines store everything from financial documents and information, details about your company or business, as well as personal information and even precious family photos. Keeping your system secure is a high priority, and the following tips can protect you from many common issues.

One essential item is anti-virus software, and sometimes your operating system will have software built in. You also can purchase anti-virus software and update to that instead. You only need one type of anti-virus software running at any one time, though, as more isn't better, it's just more hassles for you. It can be irritating to have the program ask you to make updates or to approve a source, but it's far worse to deal with a virus so those two or three minutes a day you might spend dealing with anti-virus software are definitely worth the time. Be sure to make all the updates, as these do improve security.

You might think that anti-virus software and firewalls are the same, but you need both. A firewall protects your network or your personal computer from being accessed by an outside source. Anti-virus software scans for malware and viruses. Your router and computer both need a firewall, and your operating system probably already has a firewall. Often, the router and modem come equipped with a firewall from your internet service provider, but you can update to a stronger firewall if you like.

Updates for your computer, browsers and even your Smartphone might seem like a big pain, but you really need to complete these updates. Not only do they fix tiny problems or bugs in the system, they also include essential security updates. New types of viruses and Trojans pop up every day, and these updates can provide you with a good defense. So when Firefox or Java asks if it can update, let it, even if it interrupts your work for a bit. Some updates take time, so make time for them to improve your security.

Many times, however, it's the computer user that unknowingly places a virus or worm or other type of malware on their computer. You can do this by simple clicking on a strange link in an email or by downloading something to your computer from an un-trusted site. It's also not wise to store your passwords on your computer, especially for any site where you give out banking or financial information. It's also wise to have a different password for every site that you use and make sure you have decent passwords that include a combination of letters, numbers, symbols and capitalization. This might seem like a pain, but imagine how difficult life will be if someone hacks into your system, steals your information and uses it for fraudulent purposes.

If your computer already has been compromised by a virus or another type of malware or it just seems to be running strangely or slowly, it is a good idea to call in an expert to clean up your computer. The staff at GeeksAKnockin' offers all types of computer repair and computer support for all operating systems. They can remove any malware and spyware and then provide you with some helpful tips to keep your computer running its best. A staff member can come directly to your home or business and solve most problems in 90 minutes or less, but they also offer virtual house calls and can handle many support services remotely.




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