Useful Tips

Be careful out there

Don't be click happy and open everything that looks interesting.
There is more Malware on the Internet than ever before, and hackers are getting better and better at fooling you into installing some dangerous code.

Backup your data!!

I have so many customers that come to me after their hard drive has gotten infected with one of the new really nasty trojan horses, or worse yet, their drive has completely crashed, and they NEVER MADE A BACKUP. Usually I can recover data from most failures, but occasionally I hate breaking the news to a customer that all their pictures, documents, and the last several year's tax returns are gone. It's always sad...

So here's the take away: Don't wait to learn this lesson the hard way. Buy a cheap USB drive, and backup your data at least once a week!

There's a great free program out there called "Syncback" that is perfect for backing up your data. Once you make the first big backup, it only backs up the files that have changed or been added since your last backup.

Don't install anything you don't really need

So many times, when I get a computer to work on with the complaint that it's as slow as a snail, I see that the customer has installed tons of useless and never used programs and toolbars.

A lot of times, when you are installing something necessary, like Adobe Reader, which you need to read PDFs, or Java, or Flash Player, they always want you to install some toolbar or add-on that only does them good, not you. So whenever possible, don't install any program unless you have to have it, and you know you can trust it. Always uncheck the little boxes for additional toolbars, especially the ones that have anything to do with shopping.

Beware of Fake Computer Infection Warning Messages

You are browsing the Internet when, a message warns that “Your Computer Is infected with Malware” or you see an offer for a free virus/malware scan. What do you do?

If you click on the link, you will most likely download malware to your computer. The result may damage your files, or it may even lock you out of your own machine until you pay a “ransom” to unlock it. The programs may also prompt you to pay for an annual subscription to the service. Don’t fall for it.

Here are some tips to protect your computer at home:

• Never click on pop-up ads. Instead, search for the vendor’s page to ensure you are getting a legitimate offer
•Only download software from known, legitimate sources
•Always use firewalls for your personal computer or network, and update the software frequently
•Always use and update antivirus and anti-spyware programs
•Set your antivirus and anti-spyware to actively scan, and consider scheduling a periodic full scan
•Patch your operating system and applications regularly
•Back up your critical files regularly

NOTE: If you are interested in a security product, get the product from a retail outlet or other legitimate method.