Computer Security Tips - Secure Your Computer

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Computer Security Tips

By: David Korn

Ensuring that your computer is fully secure will give you peace of mind. There are a few steps you can take to enhance computer security. Making this a habit will help you to avoid future problems in the technological world.

Many software programs and operating systems have a firewall built in. This is necessary to prevent hackers and other malicious attacks on your computer. To access the firewall for the operating systems, go to start, then to security center. Make sure it is turned on. Usually, the computer will notify you if it is turned off. If software programs interfere with your firewall, they give you the option to adjust your settings. However, if the software requires you to have your firewall turned off, I’d suggest to find another software program that will allow it to be on.

I’m sure we have all heard that having antivirus software is important. In this day and age, it is even more so. There are a small percentage of computer savvy people that can do without. But, for the majority of us, it is a necessity. I would recommend running a virus scan once a week, as well as updating the software. There are a variety of great free antivirus programs that work just as well as the paid versions. I would do a search for the top 3 free antivirus programs and choose the one that you like the most. The advantages of paid antivirus programs are technical support and some extra features.

Anti-spyware software is just as important as antivirus programs. Each day an onslaught of attacks are being unleashed. Much like antivirus programs, you can choose from a variety of free ones that are just as good as the paid versions. Running anti-spyware scans should also be performed once a week. Of course, if your computer alerts any infections, scanning can be useful to eliminate the threats.

Many people have never heard of an anti-keylogger or anti-rootkit program. Keyloggers or rootkits are programs that can monitor and take control of your computer. Many times these files can be installed without you knowing via e-mail or other exchanges. This allows the hacker to monitor every keystroke you take, take pictures and screen shots of your computer, and get unauthorized access. It is a good idea to invest in purchasing these software programs or possibly finding the top free ones. This will help protect your privacy from unwanted visitors.

The combination of these programs will keep your computer safe. Nothing is guaranteed to work 100% of the time, but you will be pretty close to it with a variety of programs at your fingertips. As the old saying goes “It is better to be safe than sorry!”