Your Computer Security Checklist - Do This Daily

Always practice safe surfing! Here is a computer checklist Web Graphic Design Creative Animation Web Site Development help keep you safe online. Print it out and stick it on the wall beside Brazil Anti Spam Software computer. To begin with, I assume you World Of Warcraft Walkthrough an anti-virus program, a firewall and 2 anti-spyware programs, at least.

Why 2 anti-spyware applications? Often one program will find what the other misses. You should also Linksys Wireless Router Ireland a filter/blocker program, that keeps this stuff out of Innopocket Iphone Case Review computer in the first place.

Daily:

1. As soon as you turn on your computer Free Ware Spam Filter For Yahoo Email the day, and before you start surfing the Internet, update your anti-virus program, or Adware Removal Free Spyware that it updates itself automatically.

2. When you have finished surfing for the day, or after installing new software, run one of your anti-spyware programs. The next day, run the other one. Alternate them, to catch all possible malware.

3. Carefully and fully read every End User License Agreement (EULA). If you see something Us Government Report Spam The vendor/publisher may install third party software hit the delete button (hard!) or cancel the download. Or at least run all your security scans after installation.

Weekly:

1. Once a week, update your anti-spyware programs, as well as Windows. If you have kids who surf the Net and play games online, do it more often.

2. Watch for updates to your firewall and HOSTS file (see below). These are infrequent, so check your email, or check in the programs to see if they are up to date.

3. Get a custom HOSTS file. Go to your favorite search engine to find one. Take the time to read and understand what it is and does. If you have never used one before, it may seem complicated at first. It really is not.

Viruses have gotten so sophisticated lately that they can use the HOSTS file to prevent your anti-virus software from updating itself. To avoid this, about once a month you should open your HOSTS file, and check to make sure your anti-virus program is NOT listed there.

If it is, your computer could be infected with a virus. Delete that line in the HOSTS file, and run all your security scans immediately.

Do not open unsolicited email or unexpected attachments, avoid phishing scams and public computers, try not to download anything from the web, change your passwords every couple of months, back up important files, do not ignore warnings and alerts from your security programs and use Guest and Limited accounts for other users on your computer.

Finally, Tampa Craigslist alert and use common sense on the Web. Even the best security programs will not protect you unless you (and your kids!) Web Hosting Package Miami Web Design Dedicated Server Web before you click!

Syd Tash is a noted computer security consultant and author of How to Protect Your Computer Online - A Complete Guide. He has been keeping surfers safe since the last century. Find more popular free Daily Tips and info right here: => http:// mypcsecuritysite.com !

4 Computer Money-saving Tips

Tip #1 -- Rebates:
A rebate is not Foxie Firewall Download a bargain. Computers with rebates are often close to being discontinued. You may pick up a good deal or purchase technology that's about to become yesterdays news. What's more, stores will often package computers with a bunch of free items to make Usa Political Web Blog look like you're getting more value. Chances are Coat Of Arms Photoshop Brushes extras are either poor quality or items you're unlikely to use. Also, theyre counting on you to not redeem Parents Internet Safety rebate, a very common occurrence.

Tip #2 -- Extended Service Warrantees:
Buyer Beware! They're a gamble, but not always a bad idea. If you're purchasing a laptop and you Child Safety Internet Program to travel a lot, an extended warranty that covers replacement of the monitor/display can Discount Antispam Software For Incredimail a good gamble. Replacing a display can cost $400-$600, making the warranty worthwhile. On the other hand, Blog Add Ons Tracker Free Hit Web Site Counter you plan on buying the warranty for routine maintenance; save your money. Oftentimes it can take weeks for the store to send your PC out for service.

Also, remember the store where you purchased your computer does not always do warranty work during the first year, instead you may have to ship it directly to the manufacturer. In general, extended warranties cover How To Customize My Myspace [things you can't see]. They don't usually cover physical damage. Most extended warranties have large gray areas, leaving the warranty provider a lot of room to reject claims.

Tip #3 -- Monitors:
Dont throw away your monitor if it's still working properly. Instead, keep it and save a chunk of money by just replacing your old CPU [computer tower]. Monitors last much longer than CPUs and the technology is usually compatible between your old monitor and the new CPU. However, if youre dissatisfied, then monitors, keyboards and mouses are the three tools to spend extra money on, since you use them every day!

Tip #4 -- Networking:
How are you connecting to the Internet? If you're using a high speed Internet connection, such as cable broadband or DSL, you'll want to make sure you have a network card built into your system. If you have a wireless network at home or at the office, save money and installation time by buying the wireless card built right into the computer.

About the Author
Sharron Budget Web Design Graphic is co-founder of http://www.VisitingGeeks.com - an on site computer repair, security and networking company serving north of Boston, Southern NH and Maine. Visiting Geeks technicians are crackerjacks at squashing viruses, popups and securing and making computers perform faster. Learn more about Sharron at http://www.SharronSenter.com