Tips for a Healthy Computer

Use anti-virus software and update virus definitions regularly

Most new computers come equipped with anti-virus software already installed, but that software requires regular updates that tell the program how to identify the latest threats. Make sure you have anti-virus software, and always keep your software up to date!

There are many paid options and many free options as well.  If you have questions of which to choose you can email us and we’ll let you know what, in our opinion is the forerunner of the time.

Keep Your Operating System Up to Date

Keeping Windows up-to-date ensures your PC is protected from the latest known security holes and fixes bugs or errors of the operating system, which will help increase PC performance. You can easily check for and perform needed updates for Windows by visiting the following website: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.

The same holds true with an Apple product.  Make sure that you stay up to date on your system by checking often and letting your system complete the update process.

Use a Firewall/Router

A firewall is a protective software program that shields a computer on the internet from external attacks. Two-way firewalls also prevent unwanted sending of secretly collected data to external third-parties along networks. If you have an broad band internet connection you must use a firewall at all times to prevent your personal data from being stolen.

A router provides some of the same protection that a software firewall will provide but through hardware.  Routers are essential to a safe online session.  Most wireless routers are installed in homes today and if you are surfing the Internet on a wireless unit, likely your router is working.  Make sure to set the correct security though or there is no point to the router at all!

Use Spyware and Malware detection software

Spyware is designed to intercept or take control of a computer’s operation without the consent of the user. Malware is designed to infiltrate or cause damage to a computer system. If you want to know more about them click for a detailed analysis on “What is Malware“.  You must protect your computer system against this type of software and this is done by Spyware / Malware scanning software. Always keep your software up to date!  It’s much easier to make sure nothing gets on your computer by using all these tips for a healthy computer, but if you ever do get infected remember, Rudtek is here to help!

Back Up your Data Often

You never know what have until it is gone. Don’t wait until disaster strikes to think about backing up all those photos, documents, e-mails and other valuable personal data.  Cloud storage services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft One Drive, Box and Sugarsync are all great options for storing both working files and backups, but one of the best tips for a healthy computer back up, is having your own backup harddrive that you copy important files to on a regular schedule.

Clean out your computer case

The inside of your PCs case gathers dust and dirt over time. At least once a year, you should remove the access panel and blow the dust and dirt out of the case with a can of compressed air. You will want to blow away the dust off of the optical drives, hard drives, processor, behind the motherboard and all of the other parts in the case.

Remove unwanted programs and files

Programs and files that are no longer utilized can take up lots of hard drive space. This creates longer access times when your computer has to search through thousands of files to find the one you need. When you have a program that you no longer use, uninstall the program using either the programs and features section of your control panel or a third party software removal tool. Don’t forget to empty your recycle bin.

Turn off your monitor

Monitors aren’t computers, but we felt they fit in our tips for a healthy computer system because you need one to use your computer!  Monitors have a life expectancy so when you are not at your computer, turn off the monitor.  Many modern monitors have an auto sleep mode if they can’t detect  a computer but if yours doesn’t turn it off when it’s not in use.

Use a surge protector

Power surges happen all the time. A small power surge can fry your computer. It is extremely important to protect the sensitive components of your computer by using a surge protector and NOT just a regular power strip.

Safeguard your PINs and passwords

Never share your passwords and use ones that are difficult to guess, preferably ones that include a mix of letters and numbers and have at least 8 characters. Change your passwords frequently. Even better, use a program that will store all your passwords encrypted for you so you can make them extremely difficult to crack. Try Lastpass, KeePass, or RoboForm

Use basic e-mail and downloading “street smarts”

Most viruses are transmitted as e-mail attachments. Some may come from people you know; others will enter your inbox bearing enticing subject lines. Either way, users should be wary of opening all attachments, and scan each one with antivirus software before opening them.

People who use “peer-to-peer” file-sharing networks such as Kazaa, eDonkey, and Bittorrent place themselves at a particularly high risk, especially when downloading “executable” programs. Run a virus scan on every file you download from these networks if you are brave enough to do so.

Tips for a Healthy Computer

Feel free to share these tips for a healthy computer with your friends and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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