Most of us use a PC, but how many of us are really serious about protecting it? Well, no more of us! They just need to do their work sitting on PC and, therefore, look no further. But they are in big trouble when the PC crashes, corrupted files, login information is stolen or attacked by viruses and malwares. Now, we know that "prevention is better than cure" and "self-help is the best help". Therefore, according to the lines of the famous sayings, I'll try to highlight some tips through which a novice user would be able to protect your PC. This article applies even for advanced users and experienced. Then read on and help to repel your PC's security woes.
1. Use an antivirus
In the era of high-speed internet and portable media, you just can't compromise your PC and your valuable data. Thus, the antivirus software is a must for every PC user. The virus remains active in memory of the system and monitors its file transfers, network/internet connections and programs for suspicious activity and keeps away harmful computer viruses, worms, and Trojans to play the devil in your PC. He even can clean, heal or quarantine affected files already on your PC and keeps your data safe. There are many antivirus packages available, many of which are free to use.
Some of the free packages are:
a. AVG Free Edition http://www.free.grisoft.com:
b.-Avast! Home Edition http://www.avast.com:
c. Antivir Personal Edition http://www.free-av.com:
2. Use a Firewall
To protect your PC with the network/internet connection from the prying eyes of hackers and attackers, is a necessity to install a Firewall software. A firewall is simply a piece of software that sits between your PC and the outside world (network/www) and lets certain programs/data passing through it, thus filtering traffic based on configured rules.
As antivirus software, firewall software list is long. ... and there are a number of free options available.
Some of the free packages are:
a. ZoneAlarm http://www.zonelabs.com:
b. Kerio Personal http://www.kerio.com:
c. outpost http://www.agnitum.comfree:
d. Sygate Personal http://www.sygate.com:
3. Use an AntiSpyware/Adware
Each day that passes gives birth to a score of new malware is any type of program written exclusively for the victim's installed on your PC without your knowledge, to monitor your activities/logins and send them to a hacker to identity theft. Similarly there is adware that provide addresses of browser ad and spoof/unwanted redirects. Thus, you never know what the form that you filled in 10 minutes ago is not the original site! To protect your PC against these nasty pests, you need a package of Anti-Spyware/Adware.
Some of the free packages are:
a. Spybot S & d http://www.safer-networking.org:
b. http://www.lavasoft.comAdaware:
c. MS Antispyware http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx:
d. back up often
It is really important to backup your valuable data is often so that you can get a copy at hand when there is a system failure, virus or hacker attack. Just keep only the important files and folders as backup and not the entire disk! A habit of backing up ever you upsets in the long term. It is a good idea to back up data on a different hard disk or removable media, cheap as CD, DVD and USB flash drives to name a few. There are many free and paid software of your choice.
5. follow some good habits.
a. No never give your login/password information to anyone.
b. don't give your credit card number or any database login online to anyone.
c. use a strong password that is difficult to guess. containing letters, numbers and special characters.
d. password protect or encrypt sensitive information and valuable to prevent abuse by someone.
e. and always set a password for your operating system logon/BIOS.
f. do not open suspicious e-mail attachments or consciously someone send an infected file.
g. non Monte a known virus affected media for a PC without anti-virus protection.
h. don't respond to emails asking for login information confidential, even if they seem to come from the company or site. Can be a phishing attempt.
i don't reply to spam messages or emails as "You won $ holds Lottery sum!". If you reply to spam, spammers become aware of their activity and spam you still more. Just ignore them and keep the spam filter.
j. do not post your e-mail id across the internet spam (e.g.-forums) ... bots can be harvesting them. Use the format myid [at] provider.com.
To conclude, I should like to say that the steps that have been described above are not too difficult or time-consuming to follow. You certainly would benefit from using these precautions and measures to protect your computer. Remember, if you protect your own PC, you will not only help the same, but many other users also. So, spread the word and start to act now.
