How to Protect Your Computer

Have you ever lost your documents because of a virus on your computer? And now you don’t know how to explain it to your teacher? Here are some tips at least to prevent it from happening again.
Have You Turned On Your Firewall? A firewall helps protect your computer from hackers who might try to gain access to crash it, delete information, or even steal passwords or other sensitive information. Software firewalls are widely recommended for single computers. The software is prepac kaged on some operating systems or can be purchased for individual computers. For multiple networked computers, hardware routers typically provide firewall protection.
Have You Installed or Updated Your Antivirus Software? Antivirus software is designed to prevent malicious software programs from embedding on your computer. If it detects malicious code, like a virus or a worm, it works to disarm or remove it. Viruses can infect computers without users’ knowledge. Most types of antivirus software can be set up to update automatically.
Have You Installed or Updated Your Antispyware Technology ? Spyware is just what it sounds like — software that is surreptitiously installed on your computer to let others peer into your activities on the computer. Some spyware col lects information about you without your consent or produces unwanted pop - up ads on your web browser. Some operating systems offer free spyware protection, and inexpensive software is readily available for download on the Internet or at your local computer store. Be a war e of ads on the Internet offering downloadable antispyware — in some cases these products may be fake and may actually contain spyware or other malicious code. It’s like buying groceries — shop where you trust.
Do You Keep Your Operating System Up to Date ? Computer operating systems are periodically updated to stay in tune with technology requirements and to fix security holes. Be sure to install the updates to ensure your computer has the latest protection.

Are You Careful With What You Download ? Carelessly downloading e - mail attachments can circumvent even the most secure anti - virus software. Never open an e - mail attachment from someone you don’t know, and be careful about forwarded attachments from people you do know. They may have unwittingly advanced malicious code.
Have You Turn ed Off Your Computer ? With the growth of high - speed i nternet connections, many opt to leave their computers on and ready for action. The downside is that being “always on” causes computers more susceptible. Beyond fir ewall protection, which is designed to defend against unwanted attacks, turning the computer off effectively cuts an attacker’s connection.