Many of us spend a large chunk of time on our computers and often spend quite a sum of money on our technology. Everyone should be taught how to protect their investments, so here are ten tips to protect your computer from viruses.
Tips to Protect Your Computer From Viruses
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1. Software
The first move to protect your computer from viruses is to install trustworthy anti-virus software. This is the foundation for protecting your computer, a back-up plan of sorts, but making bad choices could still endanger your computer so check out the next tips to minimize the risk.
2. Email
You should have at least 2 email accounts; 1 that you use to send work/university emails that should be particularly protected. This should be the email address you use when signing up for bank cards or other trustworthy and important things, while the other email should be for your less trustworthy subscriptions.
For example, if you register with sites like Groupon then you should use your second email account for them. This way if you get a virus on your second account the more important account is still protected.
3. Extensions
Don’t trust files with extensions like .exe, .vbs, .lnk or .bat as they are most commonly the ones that contain viruses. More trustworthy extensions include .do, .pdf and .jpg.
4. USBs
Be wary when using other people’s USBs, as they can transfer viruses from their computer to yours.
5. Pop Ups
Be very careful when you click on pop ups. You shouldn’t be clicking on pop ups except to close them, but many have false exit buttons now so you are forced to click on them instead of the real x.
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6. Updates
Make sure your anti-virus software does regular security updates to protect your computer.
7. Plan B
Back up all of your files on a hard drive so that in the unfortunate event of getting a virus you won’t have lost all of your work.
8. Safety First
Avoid sites that you are hesitant about trusting, if they don’t seem trustworthy they might not be and you don’t want to risk your computer.
9. Friends
You might not assume your friends would send you viruses, and they probably wouldn’t unless their computers have already been infected or hacked. If you get emails from friends with attachments you don’t recognize or if they suggest you check out certain links that don’t seem to make sense then do not open them.
10. Downloads
You should be careful when downloading anything, but especially movies and music. Especially if you’re not getting them from the most reputable sources. Remember, you might think downloading something for free illegally is worth saving your money, but it won’t be when you download a virus that runs havoc on your expensive laptop.
If you do happen to get a virus you should contact desktop service support and see if there is any way they can help you correct the situation before you bring your laptop back to the store to be fixed as it will cost a large sum.
Are there any tips you have picked up to protect your computer from viruses?
Author Bio: James Duval is an avid tech-lover who blogs for Electronic Workplace.
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