In the past decade, the use of personal computers has increased dramatically. At the same time, the number of viruses and spyware programs has also increased. A virus is a malicious program that can infect your computer and spread to other computers, even if you are into judi slot online. Spyware is a type of software that gathers information about you without your knowledge and sends it to someone else.
There are several things you can do to protect your computer from viruses and spyware:
- Install antivirus and anti-spyware software
- Keep your software up to date
- Use a firewall
- Don’t open email attachments from people you don’t know
- Be cautious about what you download
Install Antivirus and Anti-Spyware Software
Antivirus software helps protect your computer against viruses. Anti-spyware software helps protect your computer against spyware. Some programs, such as Microsoft Security Essentials, offer both antivirus and anti-spyware protection.
There are many different antivirus and anti-spyware programs available. Some are free, while others must be purchased. It’s important to choose a program that is well-reviewed and that offers the features you need.
Keep Your Software Up to Date
One of the best ways to protect your computer is to keep your software up to date. When software developers find security holes in their programs, they release updates that patch those holes. If you don’t install the updates, your computer will remain vulnerable.
Most software programs can be set to update automatically. For example, you can turn on automatic updates in Windows by going to Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Update.
Use a Firewall
A firewall is a program that helps protect your computer from hackers who might try to gain access to your computer through the Internet. A firewall can also help protect your computer from viruses and spyware that are spread over the Internet.
There are two types of firewalls: hardware and software. A hardware firewall is a physical device that is installed between your computer and your Internet connection. A software firewall is a program that is installed on your computer.
Most routers have a built-in firewall. If you have a router, you probably don’t need to install a software firewall as well.
Don’t Open Email Attachments From People You Don’t Know
One of the most common ways that viruses and spyware are spread is through email attachments. If you receive an email with an attachment from someone you don’t know, don’t open it. If you receive an email with an attachment from someone you know, but you’re not expecting it, verify that the email is really from that person before opening the attachment.
Be Cautious About What You Download
Be careful about what you download from the Internet. Only download programs from websites that you trust. If you’re not sure whether a website is trustworthy, do a quick search for reviews of the website before you download anything. Even if you are into idn slot online, stay cautious.
When you download a program, pay attention to the installation process. Some programs try to install additional programs that you may not want. If you’re not sure whether you want a program, just decline when it asks if you want to install it.
