How to protect your computer from hackers, spyware and viruses
These recommendations are very simple rules which should be observed. I will try to add more and give you details soon.
When a computer is attacked by a virus or hacker, first it’s the owners fault! So be sure you observe all these rules:
- Install Anti-Virus Software: and set it on auto-update or do it at least once in a week. Which kind of Antivirus?! Most of are effective, but the important thing is how to setup it ! if you don’t know how to set up an anti-virus, let us know.
- Update Windows and all Softwares: The most important software to keep up to date is your Windows operating system. It is essential to have Automatic Updates turned on and set to download and install updates automatically.
- Install only Trusted Softwares: Sometimes programs will ask you to install other programs during the install of the first application. Be careful of that because it’s usually a spyware. Install software from famous names only.
- Avoid P2P File Sharing Software: Avoid using P2P softwares which usually let you download music, movie and picture. Most of them are illegal and they may use your pc as an upload center and send spyware to your pc, So don’t use them if you are not a professional.
- Run Virus Scans Regularly: If you’re not in the mood to scan every day, at least run a scan once a week. Actually, setup a schedule for your computer in your anti-virus software to run a scan late at night or whenever you don’t use your computer and that way you won’t be bothered with a slow computer.
- Be careful what you attach to your computer: This is a more common way to transfer viruses than you might think. Everyone now has a USB flash disk that they carry around on their key chains, ready to snap into any computer. But who knows what your viruses are on your friends computers and what accidentally got transferred to their USB disk. A lot of virus programs will auto launch right when the USB disk is put into the computer, so you don’t even have to open or download any of the files to be infected.
- Avoid Shady Web Sites: Never go to illegal websites such as porn and …, You are DEFINITELY will have some viruses or spywares if you browse these sites.
- Turn on windows firewall: If you’re running Windows XP, make sure Windows Firewall is turned on. A firewall prevents hackers from gaining access to your computer by limiting the number of ports that are open to the public. Also, when buying a wireless router, make sure it has a built in firewall.
- Use a Complex Password for Login: This means that you should already have a password to login to your computer. Not having a password at all is not a good idea. Create a password for all user accounts and make sure it’s complex. Complex means it should have numbers, upper case characters, lower case characters, and symbols. This makes it way more difficult for a hacker to get into your computer.