- 1). Install an anti-malware program. Viruses and spyware are destructive and the sooner they are located, the easier they are to remove. Security software is essential in keeping your hard drive from being corrupted by malicious programming. There are a number of anti-virus and spyware protection programs on the market such as Norton, AVG, Avira and Ad-Aware.
- 2). Update your security software regularly and scan your computer at least once a week. All it takes is one corrupted website to infect your computer and new viruses are released daily, which makes having the most current virus definitions in your program scanner a necessity. Weekly scans can detect and delete malware before it can inflict much damage.
- 3). Exercise safe Internet habits. Never open an attachment from someone unless you know exactly who is sending it and you are expecting the file. Even then, scan it with your security software before opening it. Avoid unfamiliar websites. Pornography and file-sharing sites are known for having many different spyware and virus programs. If your computer starts jumping to a site without you telling it to, terminate your Internet connection immediately and run your anti-virus software.
- 4). Back up all your important files to an external hard drive. This will protect your data in the event of computer damage or theft. Update the hard drive once a week to make sure it has all the most up-to-date information.
- 5). Password-protect any important files to prevent unauthorized people from accessing them when you are not around. Use different passwords for all your online accounts so one password cannot compromise all of them.
- 6). Secure the room or building the computer is stored in. Desktops are more stationary than laptops and are usually permanently kept in a single location. Ensure that location is protected against vandalism or theft by locking all doors and windows and using a security system if one is available whenever you are not in the vicinity.
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