|
Computer safety measures are important
for both individuals using their personal computer or a
parents concerned about their
kids safety on the internet. This is for the very reason
that the computer and internet threats are attacking your
computer as never before. According to the one proven
research, if your computer is left unattended without any
security measures, it will be hacked, or infected within 15
minutes. There are network worms desperately seeking your
computer to use it as a base for future attacks. Then there
are malicious websites only wanting to make your computer as
a zombie by exploiting the vulnerabilities of Microsoft's
browser and operating system. Not forgetting spywares ever
ready to to steal your personal information and performing
identity theft. This computer safety resource will help
both individuals and their family members from the
dark side of the internet.
Protecting computer is really easy, and I’ve broken computer
safety measures into following steps:
-
-
-
-
-
-
All the above computer safety measures can be taken manually, or
be solved by installing an internet security software
such an
Panda Internet Security Software which consists of all the above
mentioned protection software. However, by installing all the above
protection software manually and one by one will provide you an
added benefit of getting the best of breed software whether its an
antivirus or anti spyware, and you want be restricted to one brand
of product. Down size is of course you have to install the software
individually which is little time consuming.
Step 1: Install Antivirus
Protection Software and Update Regularly
 As
the name suggest virus acts same as its biological variant. It
spreads unwarranted inside your computer and damaging or affecting
either the performance of the computer. According to one research:
- 12% of virus infections results in buying a new computer.
- 1 out of every 10 websites on the internet contains a virus
threat.
- 1 in 4 emails sent on the internet contains virus.
Believe it or not 90 percent of computers are affected by viruses
or its
derivatives. Like me you must be alarmed by viruses generating,
bombarding, and attacking our computers everyday, therefore it is
essential for computer safety, to have an anti-virus.
One should not confuse virus with
spywares . Spywares are created for different intent,
and are totally different from virus, therefore they
requires new tools to combat them. More on them shortly.
Since new viruses are generated and developed every day, it is
recommended to update the anti virus program regularly. Without
updates the anti virus would be obsolete, and want be able to combat
new viruses. Here is a guide on
how to prevent virus infecting your computer.
Step 2: Install Firewall
If your computer is connected directly to the
Internet - especially if you just upgraded to broadband - be sure to
get a firewall running on the machine. Why? This is because without
a router acting as a firewall, a computer connected directly to a
cable modem is exposed to the wilds of the Internet which runs
rampant with infected PCs just waiting to spread their viruses and
worms. The free
ZoneAlarm does just fine as a software firewall; alternatively,
simply enable Microsoft's built-in firewall (in Control Panel,
Windows Firewall).
Step 3: Install Spyware Protection Tool
Online predators, hackers and online fraudsters place spyware
secretly into ones computer. Once placed, spyware tracks users
information such as their surfing habits, their personal
information,
online banking information etc... and send it back to its
central source. To read more on spyware threats
click here.
Firewall can only go as far as protecting computers from online
predators and hackers on instances where they try to penetrate
manually or directly to ones computer. Today’s hackers are really
smart and employ spywares and adwares to perform their crimes such
as identity theft. Here is a guide on
how to prevent/block spyware.
Following articles will help you to learn more on spywares.
Step 4: Keep Computer Registry up to date
Registry act as the brain of your
computer, therefore it should be kept optimized. Good registry
cleaner can help you to keep your computer free from running too
slow, crashing etc... For computer safety, if you are wondering what
is the best registry cleaner to look for, read on to my review on
the best registry cleaner.
Looking For A Good Registry Cleaner?
I've found RegCure as the best registry cleaner.
To learn more
click here
Step 5: Make sure that your operating
system is up to date.
Microsoft Operating system is the prime targets for hackers and
crackers, who works passionately to dig out any security hole in
Microsoft operating system. Microsoft, often introduces latest
security patches for there operating system's vulnerabilities. Users
of Microsoft OS must check for these latest patches, and must
install them.
Regulate Internet
Once all the above computer safety steps are taken, your
computer is safe from viruses, spywares and malwares, but
what about inappropriate websites, pop-ups and ads that you
and your family members stumble upon while surfing the
internet? Internet must be regulated at your home by using a
parental control software.
|
