Computer Safety Tips

Achieving good computer security can seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, following the few simple computer safety tips outlined below can provide a good measure of security in very little time.

• Use antivirus software and keep it updated

You should check for new definition updates daily. Most antivirus software can be configured to do this automatically. This is the first computer safety tip.

• Install security patches

Vulnerabilities in software are constantly being discovered and they don't discriminate by vendor or platform. It's not simply a matter of updating Windows; at least monthly, check for and apply updates for all software you use.

• Use a firewall

No Internet connection is safe without one. Firewalls are necessary even if you have a dial-up Internet connection - it takes only minutes for a a non-firewalled computer to be infected.

• Secure your browser

Many labor under the dangerous misconception that only Internet Explorer is a problem. It's not the browser you need to be concerned about. Nor is it a matter of simply avoiding certain 'types' of sites.
To ensure optimum browsing safety, one of the best computer safety tips is to disable javascript for all but the most essential of sites - such as your banking or regular ecommerce sites.

• Take control of your email

Avoid opening email attachments received unexpectedly - no matter who appears to have sent it. Remember that most worms and trojan-laden spam try to spoof the sender's name. And make sure your email client isn't leaving you open to infection.

• Treat IM suspiciously

Instant Messaging is a frequent target of worms and trojans. Treat it just as you would email.

• Avoid P2P and distributed filesharing

Torrent, Kazaa, Gnutella, Morpheus and at least a dozen other filesharing networks exist. Most are free. And all are rife with trojans, viruses, worms, adware, spyware, and every other form of malicious code imaginable. There's no such thing as safe anonymous filesharing. Avoid it like the plague.

• Keep abreast of Internet scams

Criminals think of clever ways to separate you from your hard earned cash. Don't get fooled by emails telling sad stories, or making unsolicited job offers, or promising lotto winnings. This is also one of the best computer safety tips.

• Don't fall victim to virus hoaxes.

Dire sounding email spreading FUD about non-existent threats serve only to spread needless alarm and may even cause you to delete perfectly legitimate files in response.

By following the computer safety tips above and becoming actively engaged in your own security, you'll not only be protecting yourself, you'll be contributing to the protection and betterment of the Internet as a whole.