How Do I Protect My PC?
Saturday, October 6th, 2007Here’s a layman’s guide to PC security…
I am often asked which programs to use to protect a PC. I think is a legitimate question, a question with many answers.
You need to use different programs to protect against different threats. They break down in to 5 categories:
1. Anti-virus
2. Anti-Spyware
3. Browser Pop-up Blocker
4. Software Security Updates
5. Backup
I’ll spend a brief moment on each.
Anti-virus: You should have an anti-virus program that can catch any viruses that may attempt to reach you via the internet. It should also scan incoming Email if you are checking locally. It should have the ability to run a scan automatically. Be aware that the more features a program has the better protected you are, but the more system resources it may use. This could slow your machine down.
Anti-Spyware: You should have some kind of protecion against these threats. Most programs catch most problems, but some are better than others at some things. Often times, multiple anti-spyware programs running concurrently is not a bad idea. They should have some kind of real-time protection.
Browser Pop-up blocker: These are actually a very useful tool. First, they do just what they say, block pop-ups. Second, they often have useful features like related links, or search boxes, or they will fill in forms parts of forms on the internet for you.
Software Security Updates: If there is an update for your main programs, especially system files, then get it. Trust me, these companies are not in the habit of spending time and labor on a useless update. Update your PC system files. Update your Anti-virus manually, just to make sure. Update your Anti-spyware manually, just to make sure. Do all of these things once a week, and make it a habit to run a scan with them too.
Backup: Lastly, I must add the one thing that will save you headaches and anguish should something happen to your PC: Back up your data. Record your pictures, important documents, music, and whatever else you couldn’t get back if the PC was stolen, damaged, or it failed. I cannot stress enough how important it is to back it up. Oh, and back it up.
Did I mention to back up your system? Good. PC4PEOPLE.com makes some recommendations as to what to use here.


