With computers being such as a huge part of out every day lives, PC security is as important as ever.
Failing to ensure that your computer is safe can be disastrous for a number of things, including your bank account. That's why we've put together a list of videos that teach you just how to keep your computer safe and sound.
1. Security Software
Installing antivirus software is one of the easiest yet most important things you can do to ensure that your computer is safe. However, there are so many options for antivirus software out there that it may not always be obvious which one to choose. The video below shows a tech teacher's opinion on what the best antivirus software out there is.
2. Learn About Firewalls
Firewalls are a way of controlling incoming and outgoing traffic by establishing a "wall" between a secure network and another network. Basically, firewalls can weed out the good traffic from the bad, such as viruses and hackers. Firewalls are very easy to use on Windows computers. Here is a video describing how firewalls work in Windows Vista, 7 and 8.
3. Use a Password Manager
It's a good idea to use different passwords for different websites and logins, but all those passwords can be a little hard to keep track of. That's why it's a good idea to use a password manager, which can store different passwords for different websites that you use. The video below shows a great password manager and explains how to use it.
4. Back Up Your Files
While it's a great idea to take all measures possible to ensure that you don't get a virus in the first place, sometimes something happens and you get a virus anyway. This is why it's a good idea to back up your files. Apple offers one option to users to back up all their files, called Time Machine, The video below shows how Apple users can use Time Machine.
5. Everything Else
The above tips are great to follow, but there are many other things that users can do to ensure that their computers and digital lives are safe. The video below shows exactly what else you can do to keep your files safe.
Conclusion
If you follow the steps outlined above, the risk of getting a computer virus will be greatly reduced. While there are a number of things to take care of, just doing a few of these tasks will help ensure your data is safe. And don't forget physical security. When you're out in public, at the coffee shop or wandering the stacks in the library, make sure you don't step away from your computer or you might come back only to find it's gone missing.
