Top tips for a tip top time
Posted on 14. Sep, 2008 by Mike Halsey in pc support
Over the coming weeks I’ll bring the best of my PC support articles over here from my previous website. I thought I’d start with this one for you. 
• Keep your Anti-Virus Software up-to-date
First things first. Make sure you are protected from external attacks. Having anti-virus software is an essential part of this. You can find my recommendations on the downloads link (HERE).
• Make sure you have a good, up-to-date firewall
Just as important as anti-virus software is a firewall. Your first line of defence against attack from outside. Again you need to make sure it’s kept up to date as well. If you’re running Windows XP don’t rely solely on the in-built firewall… it’s not enough.
• Get anti-spyware software
Anti-Spyware software isn’t like a firewall or anti-virus software. There’s no reason why you couldn’t install ALL of the packages I’ve recommended, for example. The more protection you get the better. But make sure you keep them up-to-date and most of the free packages will require you to run regular scans manually.
• Keep Windows up-to-date
It’s essential that you turn on Windows Update and leave it on. Patches are released by Microsoft on a monthly basis and, although some might require you to reboot your PC, it’s well worth it for the added security and peace of mind.
• Keep your software up-to-date
Make sure you regularly check for updates and security patches for the software you use the most. You can find these on the manufacturer’s websites.
• Always check email attachments before opening them
It’s always a good idea to check all email attachments for viruses. Save them to your hard disk first then, in explorer, right click on the file and select “Scan…” with your anti-virus software before you open it.
If you receive a suspicious-looking email attachment from someone who is known to you, you could email them to ask if they did intend to send it to you. It could be that a virus on their computer has forwarded itself to people in their address book, in which case they would probably like to know.
• Use a secure internet browser
A browser like the latest versions of Firefox or Internet Explorer will provide you with much of the protection you need. If you use Windows Vista, the protected mode in IE that denies it access to the rest of the operating system is an extra bonus.
• Get spam and Phising filtering on your email software
Everyone knows what spam is, Phishing emails however are the ones that purport to be from a real bank or credit card company asking for you to type your personal details into a website. I’ve seen some of the most net-savvy people caught out like this.
• Never click on anything you don’t explicity mean to
If you haven’t gone to a website with the express intention of clicking of stuff, maybe to install a browser plug-in or get a specific dowload for instance, NEVER click on anything unless you know exactly what it is.
Beware of reputable websites such as YouTube where viruses are occasionally posted disguised as a codec that is required to play the video. If you are ever in doubt simply DON’T click on it!
• Look for the padlock or the green bar
When shopping on-line, or on any website that requires you to enter personal information, look for the padlock. What browser you use will determine where this is located. The latest security system in browsers is to turn the address bar green if the site is okay and orange or red if you should be warned about it.
• Never give private details online unless you have to
Shopping for a credit card or car insurance is one thing, but many websites will ask for personal details that too many people are all too willing to give away. At best this is used to send you spam, at worst it can be used to steal your identity.
• Keep Backups
Make sure you keep regular backups of your data somewhere away from your Windows installation, maybe an external USB hard drive. Windows has an in-built backup utility (which is much improved in Windows Vista), but third party packages like Microsoft Live OneCare and Nero Burning Rom offer backup solutions too.
• Keep the Driver CDs and Manuals for your PC
Always keep all the discs and manuals that came with your PC safe. These will prove invaluable if/when Windows ever needs to be reinstalled. Make sure you keep them somewhere safe and together in a box.
• Keep Windows maintained
You will have much more fun on your PC if you keep it tidy and maintained. Make sure you uninstall programs you don’t need any more, use the in-built tools or third-party tools to remove unecessary files and keep the registry clean. Remember to defragment your hard drive once a quarter (see my “Keeping your PC Clean and Healthy” article).
• Be careful when you throw your PC away
When your PC comes to the end of it’s useful life, make sure you download a utility that will securely erase the hard disk (by over-writing the data several times) and even, if you can do it, remove the hard disk afterwards and dispose of it seperately. Discarded PCs can contain a wealth of sensitive information that make them a bargain find for identity fraudsters.
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