When you own or use a computer, there are several important things to keep in mind. Some of these are basic common sense that we sometimes forget. They all are very important to know.
1. Use a surge protector to protect your computer and peripherals from voltage spikes that may occur due to lightning or another cause. While during a lightning storm it is best to unplug, most of us do not. In the event of a surge your equipment can get destroyed.
2. Do not turn off your computer with the power switch. Shut your computer down by going into the start Menu and select the "Shut Down" option. The only exceptions are if you computer freezes and does not recover after 10-15mins tops and after selecting the "Shut Down" option and the computer is still on 10 minutes later. Using the power switch can result in lost data or windows files. The computer needs to go through a sequence of things in order to properly shut down.
3. Backing up your data is a very inexpensive insurance policy in the event of a hard drive or other computer failure to minimize any data loss. A study by Symantec indicated that 80% of computer users do not have backup software installed on their computer. I will post how to create a back up file or disk in the future.
4. Less and less computers these days come with a recovery disk. Perform a Recovery Disk Creation as soon as you can. I will post on how to perform this as well later on.
5. Anti virus software and anti spyware are a must. Microsoft Security Essentials is a good free program. If you are purchasing an internet security program, Norton Security Suite is a good one. I use this one on all my pc's. There is also freeware programs that are just as good.
6. If you have a wireless internet connection, it MUST be password protected. An open connection enables outsiders to access your internet service. Personal information of yours is compromised.You never know who is in your neighborhood that is pretty high tech savvy with computers, In addition, any illegal activity done on your internet connection is traced to you.
7. DO NOT give out information on the internet or otherwise when you are solicited for it. You may get an email along the lines of "there is an issue with your account. Please supply (your password, social security number, date of birth, etc)." Most sites have a policy where they will NEVER ask you for personal information online. When in doubt, call the bank or other financial institution in question. Also avoid scams where you have to pay money to get money.
8 .I am guilty of this one but keep food and drink away from computer, mouse, keyboard and any other electronic device. Crumbs, soda and juice spills can cause sticky keys. Liquids on or in electronic devices can ruin them.
9. And last,when using a public computer make sure you log off your email accounts and any other site you have been to that required you to log in using a user name and/or password. On more than one occasion I have accessed a public computer and noticed that the previous user did not log out of their email account. Your email account is open to that person and at that point belongs totally to them. They can if they wish send nasty messages to a friend, significant other, etc. I've thought about doing this each time I saw it just to teach them a lesson but needless to say I have self control.
10. By following the above tips, you will make your computer safer to use and less likely to breakdown. You also will be using the internet in a safer manner.
1. Use a surge protector to protect your computer and peripherals from voltage spikes that may occur due to lightning or another cause. While during a lightning storm it is best to unplug, most of us do not. In the event of a surge your equipment can get destroyed.
2. Do not turn off your computer with the power switch. Shut your computer down by going into the start Menu and select the "Shut Down" option. The only exceptions are if you computer freezes and does not recover after 10-15mins tops and after selecting the "Shut Down" option and the computer is still on 10 minutes later. Using the power switch can result in lost data or windows files. The computer needs to go through a sequence of things in order to properly shut down.
3. Backing up your data is a very inexpensive insurance policy in the event of a hard drive or other computer failure to minimize any data loss. A study by Symantec indicated that 80% of computer users do not have backup software installed on their computer. I will post how to create a back up file or disk in the future.
4. Less and less computers these days come with a recovery disk. Perform a Recovery Disk Creation as soon as you can. I will post on how to perform this as well later on.
5. Anti virus software and anti spyware are a must. Microsoft Security Essentials is a good free program. If you are purchasing an internet security program, Norton Security Suite is a good one. I use this one on all my pc's. There is also freeware programs that are just as good.
6. If you have a wireless internet connection, it MUST be password protected. An open connection enables outsiders to access your internet service. Personal information of yours is compromised.You never know who is in your neighborhood that is pretty high tech savvy with computers, In addition, any illegal activity done on your internet connection is traced to you.
7. DO NOT give out information on the internet or otherwise when you are solicited for it. You may get an email along the lines of "there is an issue with your account. Please supply (your password, social security number, date of birth, etc)." Most sites have a policy where they will NEVER ask you for personal information online. When in doubt, call the bank or other financial institution in question. Also avoid scams where you have to pay money to get money.
8 .I am guilty of this one but keep food and drink away from computer, mouse, keyboard and any other electronic device. Crumbs, soda and juice spills can cause sticky keys. Liquids on or in electronic devices can ruin them.
9. And last,when using a public computer make sure you log off your email accounts and any other site you have been to that required you to log in using a user name and/or password. On more than one occasion I have accessed a public computer and noticed that the previous user did not log out of their email account. Your email account is open to that person and at that point belongs totally to them. They can if they wish send nasty messages to a friend, significant other, etc. I've thought about doing this each time I saw it just to teach them a lesson but needless to say I have self control.
10. By following the above tips, you will make your computer safer to use and less likely to breakdown. You also will be using the internet in a safer manner.
Any questions you may have you can send me a quick message by clicking on my profile or send me an E-Mail - tweakmycomputer@yahoo.com
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