Windows security isn’t easy, i cringe every time I see a fellow
Windows user struggling with complicated security setups involving
several programs and manual scans. Computers exist to serve us and make
our lives easier securing a typical home or work PC doesn’t have to be
a hassle.
Install a Basic, Free Antivirus
Antivirus companies want to sell you a paid product with all the
bells and whistles, but you likely don’t need all of those features: All
you need is basic antivirus protection that automatically scans your
PC.
Free antivirus products provide the same powerful antivirus engines found in their paid counterparts. These include AVG, Avast, Avira and BitDefender. Microsoft also offers its own Microsoft Security Essentials,
which is the same as the built-in Windows Defender on Windows 8. It’s
nice and lightweight, but its test results are a bit less impressive.
Microsoft’s antivirus works well if you know what you’re doing and need
some extra protection, but other products detect more malware.
Install the antivirus, ensure it’s set up for automatic scanning and
automatic updates those are the default settings and forget it. It
will do its job in the background. If you encounter malware, the
antivirus pops up a message to warn you.
Use Automatic Updates
Keep your computer up-to-date with the latest updates. Open Windows
Update in the Control Panel and ensure it’s set to automatically update.
Your computer then installs these updates without you having to think
about them. If you’d like more control, set Windows Update to notify you
instead and install the updates when you receive the notifications.
Ensure your browser is set to automatically update, too. Internet
Explorer updates through Windows Update, Google Chrome always
automatically updates and Firefox’s automatic update setting can be
controlled. Click Firefox’s menu button, click “Options,” and navigate
to Advanced, then Update to verify that Firefox is set to automatically
install updates.
Browser plug-ins are a significant source of security problems, so having the latest versions is essential. First, visit the Mozilla Plugin Check
page in your browser to scan your installed add-on versions — yes, this
site is made by Mozilla, but it will work in any browser.
If you see an out-of-date plugin, update it or remove it, if you
don’t need it. If you have an old version of Flash or Adobe Reader
installed, install the latest version of Flash or Reader from Adobe and
it will set itself to update automatically, saving you time.
Most people have the Java plug-in installed even if they don’t need
it. Uninstall Java from the Control Panel to improve your security. If
you’re not sure whether you need it, uninstall it anyway if you do
actually need it, you’ll be prompted to reinstall it later.
Stay Safe Online
Practice good computer hygiene skills. For example, don’t visit
illicit file-download websites and download pirated software. Don’t
download and run any programs attached to emails. Your antivirus isn’t
perfect and won’t catch everything, so you still want to avoid dangerous
files as much as possible.
Leave the Windows Firewall and User Account Control (UAC) enabled in
Windows, too. These security features help keep your computer secure.
No security software can protect you from other types of attacks,
like phishing. If you receive a suspicious email, don’t fall for it.
Don’t click links in suspicious emails or give away sensitive personal information. Even smartphone and tablet users can fall for these types
of attacks.
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