While the internet can provide a multitude of entertainment and information, internet users also need to take caution as there are plenty of dangers as well. Here are some tips to help you keep your internet surfing safe and protect your computer:
Install Security Software (Anti-Virus/Firewalls/Anti-Spyware): Before you start browsing the web, these should be the first things you install. In the event you encounter a virus, worm, or other malware, Anti-Virus & Anti-Spyware software can stop these malicious programs before they cause damage. A Firewall will help you manage your internet connection, controlling which programs have access to internet, and prevent unauthorized access to your computer from threats on the internet. Keep in mind though that not all virus protection and firewalls are the same. You’ll find there is a multitude of protection software out there, but only a handful of them are worth installing. These are some of the top recommended companies to look for solutions from:
Symantec
McAfee
AVG
Avir
ESET
Some of these even offer free or trial versions of their programs so you can try them out. Keep in mind though with free versions tech support is usually limited or non-existent, so if you encounter any issues, you only have yourself to rely on for support.
Keep Your Computer Updated: This applies to the aforementioned security software (Anti-Virus/Anti-Spyware & Firewalls) as well as your operating system. Computers and the software that runs on them by their very nature are not perfect, thus new flaws and vulnerabilities are discovered all the time. Keeping your computer updated helps to resolve any of these vulnerabilities before they cause you problems.
Be Skeptical About Free Software: As you surf the web, you will likely encounter all sorts of offers of free software. While there are a lot of useful programs out there, unfortunately there are a lot of bad ones masquerading as good. Before you download things like toolbars, weather alerts, screensavers and other such programs, check online for reviews and what other users have encountered when using these programs. Even though you might have security software such as anti-virus or anti-spyware, these can only go so far and you should not rely on these alone to protect you. Your first line of defense is avoid downloading and installing just any software you find in the first place. Think of your computer like your home. Before you let someone in, you usually take some steps to get to know them. The same should apply to your computer.
Lock Down Your Computer: Most computers have the ability to setup profiles for different users, and you can usually refer to your computers help documentation on how to do so. By default, usually the first profile you have on a computer will be an administrative one. While logged in under an administrative profile you can install and change applications as you please. But you can also set up profiles that have more limited access. These profiles can use applications and software already installed, but cannot install or make changes to them. If multiple people use your computer, or especially if you have children, it’s a good idea to setup these more limited profiles for everyone else. If you just have a single family computer that everyone uses, whether it be for mom & dad for online shopping and financial purposes, and for the kids for playing games and the surfing the web, this should be especially true. If you give everyone administrative privileges, then whether intentional or not, they may make changes to your computer that affects its integrity as well as the security of your data.
Taking these steps can make a world of a difference in keeping your computing experiences safe and fun. Do you have any tips or recommendations from your own computer experiences?
