As people use their computers for more and more things and especially with the growth in online transactions, securing your computer against hackers and online thieves becomes a vital necessity. Here are some tips to help provide better protection.
1) Use a Mac. This probably isn’t practical for most people but it is something to consider. It is widely known that Mac’s are much more resistant to attacks from hackers and cyber thieves. That is because the operating system is not as widely used as Windows so it isn’t as enticing to attacks.
Most of the viruses have been created to attack Windows based operating systems so the Mac avoids this problem. In addition the Mac simply has a more robust and virus resistant operating system and can normally provide you with the best protection from hackers and online crooks.
However if you are already using a Windows based computer and have made a large investment in software and learning how to use it. So don’t worry about it. There are great ways to secure your Windows based computer as well.
2) Install virus protection software. This is a MUST! An antivirus software installation is your first line of defense. Programs from Norton or MacAfee are probably the best choices. They usually come with a trial version. And sometimes you can get a top rated antivirus software from your Internet provider. For example Comcast makes Norton software available to its subscribers. Check it out.
3) Use Firefox browser. Windows Internet Explorer is known to have many security flaws and they are always publishing enhancements to try to plug the holes that hackers always seem to find. The Mozilla Firefox browser has less security issues and is also a very efficient and robust browser platform. Many people have switched over to it.
4) Keep Windows and Microsoft Office installations up to date. Microsoft is always looking out for ways to minimize attacks from hackers and publishes updates to their programs on a regular basis. It is possible to set up Windows to look for updates automatically and download them in the background. That’s probably the best way to go.
The same thing can be set up for Office applications or you can search for updates yourself.
5) Be careful when you search. Of particular concern are websites which offer free downloads of commercial software products. Many of these sites are known to contain programs which can hack into your computer and steal sensitive information.
6) Other alternative programs. Unfortunately Adobe Reader has some security flaws and is easier to hack than other programs which do similar functions. If you want a good pdf reader, then try a free program called Foxit Reader.
Simply apply some of these tips, keep track of the latest security news, and use good common sense. In this way you should be able to secure your computer successfully.
1) Use a Mac. This probably isn’t practical for most people but it is something to consider. It is widely known that Mac’s are much more resistant to attacks from hackers and cyber thieves. That is because the operating system is not as widely used as Windows so it isn’t as enticing to attacks.
Most of the viruses have been created to attack Windows based operating systems so the Mac avoids this problem. In addition the Mac simply has a more robust and virus resistant operating system and can normally provide you with the best protection from hackers and online crooks.
However if you are already using a Windows based computer and have made a large investment in software and learning how to use it. So don’t worry about it. There are great ways to secure your Windows based computer as well.
2) Install virus protection software. This is a MUST! An antivirus software installation is your first line of defense. Programs from Norton or MacAfee are probably the best choices. They usually come with a trial version. And sometimes you can get a top rated antivirus software from your Internet provider. For example Comcast makes Norton software available to its subscribers. Check it out.
3) Use Firefox browser. Windows Internet Explorer is known to have many security flaws and they are always publishing enhancements to try to plug the holes that hackers always seem to find. The Mozilla Firefox browser has less security issues and is also a very efficient and robust browser platform. Many people have switched over to it.
4) Keep Windows and Microsoft Office installations up to date. Microsoft is always looking out for ways to minimize attacks from hackers and publishes updates to their programs on a regular basis. It is possible to set up Windows to look for updates automatically and download them in the background. That’s probably the best way to go.
The same thing can be set up for Office applications or you can search for updates yourself.
5) Be careful when you search. Of particular concern are websites which offer free downloads of commercial software products. Many of these sites are known to contain programs which can hack into your computer and steal sensitive information.
6) Other alternative programs. Unfortunately Adobe Reader has some security flaws and is easier to hack than other programs which do similar functions. If you want a good pdf reader, then try a free program called Foxit Reader.
Simply apply some of these tips, keep track of the latest security news, and use good common sense. In this way you should be able to secure your computer successfully.
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