- Jan 8, 2011
- 22,361
Protecting your PC - Security Tips by Huracan.
You can learn to protect your PC by understanding the OS you're using, how it operates and what you can do to prevent a malware infection.
I have compiled a simple list to help explain what you can do to Protect your PC:
- Keep your OS up-to-date, and if possible use the latest version. Linux is less susceptible to malware (viruses), but offers a whole different OS experience to Windows that may not meet your or work requirements (ie. software incompatibilities or not suitable for your line of work).
Important: Windows XP SP3 is no longer supported by Microsoft. Please upgrade to Windows 8.1 or switch to another OS such as Mac OS X or any supported Linux distro (ie. Ubuntu, Linux Mint).
For Windows Vista: Check you have Service Pack 2 installed.
For Windows 7: Check you have Service Pack 1 installed.
For Windows 8: Check you have applied the free upgrade to Windows 8.1 via the Windows Store.
For Windows 8.1: Check you have applied the latest Update 1 update from Windows Update. This ensure you will receive all future security updates.
- Install an Antivirus product. Having the latest updates and definitions ensures your PC is protected from the latest threats, and contains features to help prevent new and emerging malware. Free Antivirus products don't require a subscription, but check if an account is required to use (ie. Bitdefender Free), else you'll discover after 14, 30 or 60 days your Free AV has expired.
Important: Windows XP SP3 is no longer supported by Microsoft.
For Windows Vista SP2 and Windows 7 SP1: Microsoft Security Essentials provides free AV protection for your Windows OS. Virus definitions are downloaded daily through Windows Updates, so it's important that Windows Updates is set to automatically update.
Note: With Microsoft Security Essentials installed, it will disable the built-in Windows Defender, which only provides Anti-spyware protection. This is different to Windows Defender in Windows 8.x (see below).
For Windows 8.x: Microsoft have re-branded Microsoft Security Essentials and re-purposed Windows Defender. It now operates as a full Antivirus providing Anti-spyware and Anti-virus protection. Microsoft Security Essentials cannot be installed on this OS.
- Trusted software. Only install from trusted sites and search for software reviews beforehand. Be cautious when using download sites that offer their own Web installer, as they are commonly bundled with unwanted software (ie. CNET Downloader, Softonic Installer).
- Avoid pirated software. Keygens and cracks may contain hidden unwanted secrets, ie. Trojans or Key-loggers that steal your ID by recording and monitoring your keystrokes and browser activity. Your banking credentials or any other online usernames and passwords will be at risk!
- Update, update, update. ALL software requires updates, they contain code to prevent exploits or existing vulnerabilities and even contain new features to enhance your experience. It's especially important to keep using the latest Web browser and any plugins you have. If you're not using a certain browser plugin, uninstall it.
(Will be updated regularly).
You can learn to protect your PC by understanding the OS you're using, how it operates and what you can do to prevent a malware infection.
I have compiled a simple list to help explain what you can do to Protect your PC:
- Keep your OS up-to-date, and if possible use the latest version. Linux is less susceptible to malware (viruses), but offers a whole different OS experience to Windows that may not meet your or work requirements (ie. software incompatibilities or not suitable for your line of work).
Important: Windows XP SP3 is no longer supported by Microsoft. Please upgrade to Windows 8.1 or switch to another OS such as Mac OS X or any supported Linux distro (ie. Ubuntu, Linux Mint).
For Windows Vista: Check you have Service Pack 2 installed.
For Windows 7: Check you have Service Pack 1 installed.
For Windows 8: Check you have applied the free upgrade to Windows 8.1 via the Windows Store.
For Windows 8.1: Check you have applied the latest Update 1 update from Windows Update. This ensure you will receive all future security updates.
- Install an Antivirus product. Having the latest updates and definitions ensures your PC is protected from the latest threats, and contains features to help prevent new and emerging malware. Free Antivirus products don't require a subscription, but check if an account is required to use (ie. Bitdefender Free), else you'll discover after 14, 30 or 60 days your Free AV has expired.
Important: Windows XP SP3 is no longer supported by Microsoft.
For Windows Vista SP2 and Windows 7 SP1: Microsoft Security Essentials provides free AV protection for your Windows OS. Virus definitions are downloaded daily through Windows Updates, so it's important that Windows Updates is set to automatically update.
Note: With Microsoft Security Essentials installed, it will disable the built-in Windows Defender, which only provides Anti-spyware protection. This is different to Windows Defender in Windows 8.x (see below).
For Windows 8.x: Microsoft have re-branded Microsoft Security Essentials and re-purposed Windows Defender. It now operates as a full Antivirus providing Anti-spyware and Anti-virus protection. Microsoft Security Essentials cannot be installed on this OS.
- Trusted software. Only install from trusted sites and search for software reviews beforehand. Be cautious when using download sites that offer their own Web installer, as they are commonly bundled with unwanted software (ie. CNET Downloader, Softonic Installer).
- Avoid pirated software. Keygens and cracks may contain hidden unwanted secrets, ie. Trojans or Key-loggers that steal your ID by recording and monitoring your keystrokes and browser activity. Your banking credentials or any other online usernames and passwords will be at risk!
- Update, update, update. ALL software requires updates, they contain code to prevent exploits or existing vulnerabilities and even contain new features to enhance your experience. It's especially important to keep using the latest Web browser and any plugins you have. If you're not using a certain browser plugin, uninstall it.
(Will be updated regularly).
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