My PC would be of little value to me if I couldn’t explore the internet. But the internet is filled with nasty places that want to do harm to both you and your PC. With a little knowledge and preparation, you can have a PC that can provide maximum enjoyment with minimal risk. Here are the 3 most important thing you must have for safe surfing:
- Updated Antivirus Program
- Updated Windows Defender
- Updated Common Sense
1. Anti Virus Program
Links are provided on the main page to two great, free antivirus programs. The main reasons I like these so much is that they don’t consume a lot of system resources and they are continuously updated. It’s basically a set and forget situation for ether one.
A quality antivirus program makes sure that your PC can detect and remove *most* threats that come your way.
UPDATE: Read about Microsoft Security Essentials here
2. Windows Defender
Windows Defender protects your PC against spyware, malware and adware which can cause your PC to run erratically or even crash by detecting and removing known spyware from your PC. It also features real-time protection which works while you are online. Windows Defender updates itself very frequently through the Microsoft Update process.
Windows Defender is included with Vista and WIN7. It is available for XP here http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=435BFCE7-DA2B-4A6A-AFA4-F7F14E605A0D&displaylang=en&mg_id=10134
UPDATE: Read about Microsoft Security Essentials here
3. Common Sense
You have to keep your eyes wide open to all possible sources of attacks on your PC. Threats can come from almost anywhere, but are mostly concentrated around certain types of sites. Sites to be cautious of are:
Online Gaming sites
File-Sharing sites
Social Networking sites
Adult content sites
etc.
Be careful when any window pops up asking you to click something. One of the most pervasive techniques that hackers use is to pop up a window that says that your PC has a virus and that you must “click here” to remove it. And when you click it, you open youself up to whatever is lurking. Sometimes, there will even be a button that looks like a common ‘close’ button, but in reality is another gotcha. To be safe, use the keyboard shortcut Alt-F4 to close the window safely.
Sometimes, even popular programs contain an option to also install a companion or affiliate program that can slow down your PC by monitoring your browsing habits in order to suggest similar sites that might interest you.
If you practice safe browsing habits and have good anti-virus/anti-spyware protection, the chances of your being attacked are greatly reduced.
/doc
