Five Simple Steps to a Healthy Computer and a Stress-free You

I have just gotten my computer back from being repaired because my security system was not adequate, and I was not performing scans on a regular basis. I am fortunate because I caught the breach early, and no permanent damage was done. I didn’t lose any files or other pertinent information. Although I had a security system installed, the viruses disabled the program, and actually made the program disappear. This might be your worst nightmare, as it was mine. I depend on my computer for everything. She is my trusty side-kick, faithful companion and third hand.

So that you don’t have to experience what I did, here are four simple steps to take to keep your computer “healthy” and you, stress-free:

1. Speak to your computer support person, and ask what program they recommend. Even if you already have a security program installed and operational on your computer, it may not be the most effective program. As our technology develops rapidly, so do the abilities of  hackers to break into your computer, or introduce viruses, etc. through e-mails. It may be time for an up-grade.
2. Run your scanning program on a regular basis. This is one time when more is better. Also, make sure that you download and install any updates to the system.
3. Change your password information on a regular basis. Make sure that you do it from a “clean” computer, not the one that you are currently using.This safeguards your information. The most important passwords to change are your financial accounts, and Facebook and other social networking sites.  There are key-loggers that invade your computer and count strokes to co-opt your passwords.
4. Don’t share your passwords with other people, even if you share a computer. It’s not about trust, it’s common sense.
5. Don’t open up e-mails from people you don’t know. Viruses can be linked to something as simple as opening an e-mail or attachment.

I appreciate that my computer support person took the time to go over these basics with me. They are all common sense, and we all know them. In our busy lives, sometimes we forget. This is my invitation to you to take time to spend some quality time with your computer.

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