- Most important ways to protect your computer from viruses how to#
- Most important ways to protect your computer from viruses install#
- Most important ways to protect your computer from viruses update#
- Most important ways to protect your computer from viruses upgrade#
- Most important ways to protect your computer from viruses code#
It is very important to use a different password at every site where you have an account. They can now login to your email, see what other accounts you have, banks that you use, etc and gather even more private information about you. If you use the same password at every site, and one of those sites was hacked, the hacker now has your account information everywhere that you have an account. It has now become common to hear about a company who was hacked and the hacker was able to access the company members email addresses and passwords.
Most important ways to protect your computer from viruses how to#
How to detect vulnerable and out-dated programs using Secunia Personal Software Inspector (PSI) Tip 3: Do not use the same password at every site Information about this program can be found at this tutorial: If you use Windows, there is a great program called Secunia PSI that automatically scans your computer for applications and automatically updates them for you.
Most important ways to protect your computer from viruses upgrade#
If there is a new version of your web browser available, you should upgrade it so that any security vulnerabilities are fixed.
Most important ways to protect your computer from viruses code#
This is especially true for web browsers, which are commonly targeted by malicious code on web sites. If you are prompted by a known application that you commonly use stating that there is a new update, just click the button to allow it to be updated. The problem is that many people just ignore alerts about new updates, even though these updates fix security problems that could allow hackers into your computer. In order to make your computer as secure as possible, you need to make sure these programs are updated when new security fixes are released.
Most important ways to protect your computer from viruses install#
Common programs that are targeted due to their large install base are web browsers, Microsoft Office, Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash, Adobe Shockwave, and Oracle Java.
Most important ways to protect your computer from viruses update#
Therefore, there really is no reason not to install them.īelow are two tutorials that can be used to learn how to update your operating system in Windows and MacOS:įor Macs: How to install Software Updates on your Macįor Windows: How to update Windows Tip 2: Keep your installed applications up-to-dateĪ common method that computer infections use to infect your computer are security vulnerabilities in your installed programs. In fact, most of these methods do all the work for you and just require you to click a prompt to allow the updates to install. Thankfully, all modern operating system provide easy methods for installing new updates. By not installing these updates you leave your computer at risk from remote users hacking into them or viruses exploiting these bugs to gain access to your computer. In order for your computer to operate smoothly and safely it is imperative that all users install updates, especially security updates, as they are released. Due to this, companies will routinely release updates and patches to fix any security vulnerabilities or errors as they are discovered. It does not matter what operating system we are talking about, bugs are always introduced. Though the developers spend many hours trying to prevent these bugs, they are ultimately human, and bugs occur. When operating systems are developed, bugs, or programming errors, are unfortunately created that could cause security vulnerabilities or make your computer act unexpectedly.
The most important steps for any computer user is to always install updates, especially security updates, when they become available for your operating system. What you need to know to keep your computer safe on the Internet Tip 1: Always install Operating System updates The advice in this tutorial applies to all computer users and all operating systems, but we have tried to point out specific steps for various operating systems as it becomes necessary. When using these techniques you will not only protect yourself and your data from hackers and viruses, but also keep your computer running more smoothly and reliably. This tutorial was created to provide tips and techniques for smart and safe computing. With proper education and smart computing the Internet can be a safe, useful, and fun place to visit without having to worry about what is lurking around the corner. In many cases those who become infected unknowingly become a breeding ground for unwanted programs and criminal activity. There are hackers trying to access your computer, worms trying to infect you, malicious Trojans disguised as helpful programs, and spyware that reports your activities back to their makers.
Let's face it, the Internet is not a very safe place.