PC Protection
People usually ask me several questions about there computers, and the most common is how to protect them. Either you spent a lot on your computer or now-a-days very little on a powerful laptop. Below are a few areas that will help you get answered about security.
Name
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Link
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Description
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1.) Windows Update |
WindowsUpdate.com
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- Windows update is VERY crucial to do especially if you are running
Windows XP, Windows Vista & Windows 7.
- Basically Microsoft figures out and fixes ‘holes’, issues & bugs in ALL of its operating systems.
- Normally, this process should be done automatically if you have Automatic Updates turned on.
- Updates come up once a month. This day falls on the second Tuesday of the month and better known as Patch Tuesday.
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2.) Virus Software |
Kaspersky.com
AVG.com
Microsoft Security Essentials
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- Almost everyone should have and run a virus scanning software as often as possible.
- Virus software doesn’t always have to cost money, they’re several alternatives to the paid versions that do an excellent job. On the left, AVG & Microsoft Security Essentials are free.
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3.) Firewall |
Hardware
D-link.com
Linksys.com
Software
ZoneAlarm.com
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4.) Spyware |
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- Here are a few very helpful utilities in removing Spyware. What is spyware? It’s garbage that gets put onto your computer without your knowledge. Usually it causes your computer to crash, slowing it down, pop-up ads and can steal any info on your computer or turn your PC into a malicious machine.
- Also make sure you run the update EACH time you run these detection programs. I’d say run them once a week if you do a lot of surfing or emailing.
- The first link – it’s basically the same as above but this one may find spyware that Ad-Aware doesn’t find and vice versa. Also it claims to prevent future spyware on there.
- The second one is free and put out by Microsoft. This one is simple to use and can watch your computer in real-time…meaning it can act like virus software. This one I run the most cause its easy to use and does a great job.
- I would recommend having and using all three once every two weeks or sooner.
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5.) Better Browser |
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- I can’t stress this enough… Internet Explorer is horrible at blocking spyware and adware. I’m getting everyone I know to switch and a lot of people don’t look back. Firefox also has 1000’s of useful plug-ins from controlling iTunes to displaying the Weather.
- I can also recommend Google’s Chrome. People it even faster than Firefox and find it lighter and takes up less space.
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