We've all heard the horror stories of computer technicians who made the situation worse. The all-too-common computer tech support scam is just one of the many reasons why consumers must be careful about who they allow to work on their computers. Make sure you read company reviews before allowing any company or technician to work on your PC or laptop.
Frequently back up your data. After backup, disconnect the storage device from your computer. Another option is to pay an online-based company to conduct off-site backups.
Exercise caution before clicking on links from emails. Be especially wary when you haven’t initiated a request. Be careful about sites offering free applications, games and tools. Many are good, but some contain malware. Before downloading, search online to see what others have to say about whatever you’re considering downloading.
Pay attention when you download and install anything. Don’t mindlessly check “agree,” “next” and “continue.” Look carefully for boxes that are pre-checked; be sure you know what you’re getting into. Some freeware applications you download then install will also install bloatware. Bloatware are applications that come bundled with another application. Bloatware can also be injected into your system through malicious sites.
Notice web addresses. The first few online search results may not be what you think they are. Before clicking a link, look at the website address to which it will send you. If the address seems odd, carefully consider before clicking. When you access a website make sure it has a lock before the URL which is the address of the website. If it does not this is an unsecure site.
Know what software your computer uses and keep it updated. An outdated program or hardware driver may have trouble interfacing with complementary programs or hardware. Also, many updates are security-related such as Microsoft Windows.
Frequently back up your data. After backup, disconnect the storage device from your computer. Another option is to pay an online-based company to conduct off-site backups.
Exercise caution before clicking on links from emails. Be especially wary when you haven’t initiated a request. Be careful about sites offering free applications, games and tools. Many are good, but some contain malware. Before downloading, search online to see what others have to say about whatever you’re considering downloading.
Pay attention when you download and install anything. Don’t mindlessly check “agree,” “next” and “continue.” Look carefully for boxes that are pre-checked; be sure you know what you’re getting into. Some freeware applications you download then install will also install bloatware. Bloatware are applications that come bundled with another application. Bloatware can also be injected into your system through malicious sites.
Notice web addresses. The first few online search results may not be what you think they are. Before clicking a link, look at the website address to which it will send you. If the address seems odd, carefully consider before clicking. When you access a website make sure it has a lock before the URL which is the address of the website. If it does not this is an unsecure site.
Know what software your computer uses and keep it updated. An outdated program or hardware driver may have trouble interfacing with complementary programs or hardware. Also, many updates are security-related such as Microsoft Windows.