Advice & Tips

Update Windows frequently! Windows Update exists in order to patch up flaws and security exploits within the operating system. Without updating Windows, you are leaving your operating system open to well-known and previously addressed security issues. Ensure that you have a firewall and that is is enabled or switched on. (If you don’t have a 3rd-party firewall, please note that Windows has one built-in to the Security Center). It is just as important to patch your programs against security threats as it is to have a personal firewall and anti-virus program running; no matter what software you use, make sure it is up-to-date!

Staying safe online is critical. Using anti-spyware and anti-virus programs are critical to staying protected, but more importantly these applications have to be regularly updated in order to be effective. Most people don’t want to constantly verify protection for each of their security applications, so the best thing to do is set up an auto-update for your antivirus software that runs on a daily or weekly basis. This ensures you have the latest updates and are protected with no extra input on your part.

Is your computer infected? If you’ve owned your computer for a long time, you probably have a good idea as to what ‘normal’ computer behavior is. Monitor your computer’s behavior to make sure that it isn’t doing anything out of the ordinary. If your computer has software on it that is asking you to pay money or give out personal information in order to remove it, do not do so, as you are most likely infected. If you believe your computer is acting up, please see a professional or contact San Diego PC Help as soon as possible.

Did You Know...?

* Just 3% of today's security problems are caused by 'traditional' viruses.
* According to Secunia, more than 45% of users' computers are running 11 or more insecure applications.
* 90% of Internet users have read or sent email before.