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eLearning Series
Internet Security
How
To Protect Your PC
From
Freezing Up or Crashing
The last thing you need is a frozen computer,
which will happen if your computer is not properly protected
against viruses, worms and Trojan horses. Deep freezes can
cost you precious time and a lot of money that you won’t have
to spend if you follow these ten tips to keep your PC up and
running.
1.
Anti-virus software is a must have for all computer users. If you don’t have any anti-virus software on your computer
right now, then stop reading and go get one right away. Not
only do you have to install the software, you need to keep
up with the updates. Everyday, new viruses, worms and other
threats emerge and seek out those unsuspecting vulnerable computers.
The two most popular anti-virus software packages are McAfee
Virus Scan and Norton Anti-Virus. These packages can range
from $35 to $60, but they are well worth it. There will also
be smaller annual fees for ongoing subscriptions to these services.
2.
Watch for suspicious emails. You may think you’re getting
an email from a friend, maybe the email has a tempting file
attached, so you click on it. Then before you know it, you’ve
just infested your computer and any machines attached to it
with a severe virus. You can loose files and even affect everyone
in your address book. This is not a good way to make friends
and this will most certainly ruin your day.
3.
Avoid any websites that require you to download any software
in order to be able to view a page. Unless it’s software like
Acrobat Reader or Flash Plug In, or some other well known software.
You may be downloading a Trojan horse or some other virus.
Never install any software unless you are confident it’s coming
from a reliable source.
4.
Spyware can secretly install itself into your computer
without you knowing about it. This can happen when you are
downloading software. Pop-ups can follow close behind these
spyware programs. You can install a tool such as Ad-aware or
StopZilla to help prevent spyware from being downloaded into
your computer and to block all those nasty pop-ups.
5.
Smite the spam! These unsolicited emails are annoying and
such a nuisance. Spam is also a prime source of virus infections
and other threats to your computer. Spam catching programs
can be obtained from McAfee Spam Killer 5, Norton Anti-Spam
and I Hate Spam. These can be purchased from $20 to $50.
6.
Security patches. Holes do occur in security software from
time to time. That’s where the security patch comes in, to
patch it up and make it safe again. Always update your security
program on a regular basis and install any security patches
as they become available.
7.
Use your discs. It’s always a good safety measure to have
all your valuable information backed up on disc. Bad things
happen to good people, and if your computer contracts a virus,
you are at risk of losing everything you have. And unless you
only use your computer to play video games on, you really need
to save your data onto disc. I can not emphasize this enough!
8.
Beware of hoaxes and fraudulent emails. Never believe everything
you read. There are too many people out there trying to scam
you out of your money. Once they have all your personal information,
they can take you for all you’re worth. Never freely give out
your personal information and most definitely not any of your
financial information to those who ask. Unless it’s a website
that you are familiar with or have had transactions with in
the past, buyer beware.
9.
Install a firewall. A firewall is almost impossible for
hackers to figure out, therefore keeping you safe in all your
internet endeavors. You can find these firewalls for free or
you can purchase them. However you choose to acquire one, just
get one, because you do need it.
10.
Back up your files on a regular basis. Whether you fall
victim to a hacker, worm, Trojan horse or some other virus,
you will want to create a means of escape with minor damage.
If you don’t back up your files, well, you must be a glutton
for punishment.
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SolveYourProblem.com : 2007
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