Below are some simple and easy steps that will make your Computer secure.

1. Always make backups of your most important information and store in a safe place separate from your computer.

2. Install a firewall. Zone Alarm is best. Without a good firewall, viruses, worms, Trojans, malware and adware can all easily access your computer from the Internet.

3. Update your operating system, web browser and software. I recommend FireFox, it’s a safe Browser. Internet Explorer is the favorite browser of the hackers.

4. Review your browser and email settings for optimum security. Why should you do this? Active-X and JavaScript are often used by hackers to plant malicious programs into your computers. While cookies are relatively harmless in terms of security concerns, they do still track your movements on the Internet to build a profile of you. At a minimum set your security setting for the “internet zone” to High, and your “trusted sites zone” to Medium Low.

5. Install anti-virus software and set for automatic updates so that you receive the most current versions.

6. Do not open unknown email and email attachments. Remember “I Love You” virus?.Delete it at once.

7. Do not download any programs from unknown websites. If you’re looking for drivers, download it from manufacturer’s website. Don’t download any program from websites with adult banners, most of them have spyware and malware that will stole your information.

8. Disable hidden filename extensions. By default, the Windows operating system is set to “hide file extensions for known file types”. Disable this option so that file extensions display in Windows.

9. Disconnect your computer from the network or Internet when not using it. A hacker cannot attack your computer when you are disconnected from the Internet

10. Make a boot disk on a floppy disk in case your computer is compromised by a malicious program you can bring your Computer back to life.

Advice from Admin

If your computer problems are not resolved by these simple tips, then it’s time to call in the experts. Unless you are a real computer wiz, fiddling and rummaging through your computer’s hard drive and software can cause further problems, making fixing your computer problems even harder. It’s time to call in the experts…