Smart Practices

Computers and the Internet can be both enjoyable and very useful tools. We quickly become used to their place in our daily lives and take them for granted until something happens to make them stop functioning. Many of the problems that can occur, however, are preventable with smart computing practices.

Before you connect your computer to the Internet, it is important to make sure your system is protected. Install a good antivirus program. A good program will run automatically when you turn the computer on and automatically update itself without user intervention. A good antivirus application should be well supported with frequent updates. The antivirus program should scan all the files on your computer, any files that may be downloaded, emails, and Instant Messaging windows. Most new programs also include pop-up blockers, ad blockers, spam filters, and other added features.

It is also important to have a firewall to prevent unauthorized access of your system. Most firewall programs are designed to automatically recognize most popular programs and allow them to function properly, while blocking unwanted access. Since many viruses and other such programs are designed to send information out of your computer, it is good to have a software firewall to prevent this. There are many packages that include both firewall and firewall software among other added features. It is good to note, while not as advanced or secure as other firewalls, Windows firewall does provide a certain amount of protection and is better than no protection at all.

Email is a very conmen method of exchange today and most people use it. It is a very convenient method of communicating and transferring data. Because of its popularity, email makes a good method of delivery for viruses and other bad programs. Because of this, it is important to never open attachments in an email sent to you by someone you don’t know. The same advice goes for instant messaging. Never accept a file or click on a link sent to you in an instant message by someone you don’t know. They may contain viruses, that when opened, will infect your system and then spread to others. It has also become common for criminals to send emails that look like they are from a bank, eBay, PayPal, or some other institute. They will ask you to provide information about your account, PIN, etc. so that they can update their databases or some other such nonsense. DO NOT respond to these emails. A valid organization will NEVER send you an email asking for your personal information. If you are worried about the validity of such an email, go to the original web site of the company and use their contact methods to ask them about it. This is another reason to use a good antivirus program, as most will integrate themselves with your email software to protect you from emails containing viruses.