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We all make ‘em. (Or at least the most optimistic of us do). Resolutions for the New Year. Let’s face, it they’re hard to keep. Here’s some that are not so hard to keep and that will make your computing lives a bit better.
1. Always back up the data on your hard drive and learn how to restore it, in case of an emergency. Please read my “Back it up, Buddy” blog for more detail.
2. Change your passwords in any banking or financial site at least once a month and never keep them written down next to your computer, or worse yet, stored on your computer. Please listen to the Computer Corner Pod Cast from October 23rd, 2019 about safe passwords (it's an oldie, but a goodie) . http://compcorner.com/radio-shows/.
3. Keep your anti-virus, spyware and malware software up-to-date and set it to perform updates automatically. Please read my blog on the Tremendous Trio of software products (Kaspersky, Hit-Man Pro and Malwarebytes) that I we recommend. These are great products to have, but unlike your anti-virus, you will need to initiate and run Hit-Man Pro and Malwarebytes or set them to run periodically. Use them frequently to scan your hard drive(s). I scan daily and if my computer starts acting strangely after I've been browsing, I scan then, too.
4. No matter how enticing the supposed “news article” about what stars looked like “then and now” is, or how this one little trick will fix all your wrinkles, don’t click on the links. This is where a great deal of your malware will come from.
5. Don’t click on any links or “pop-ups” from the supposed “Windows Corporation” (or Microsoft or ANY company) that tells you your computer has been infected. Even the links from trusted news sites may be full of tracking cookies and malware. We no longer support the belief of President Ronald Reagan that you should, “Trust, but verify”. We prefer this quote from Fox Mulder of the X-Files, “Trust No One”. FYI, there is no computer company called the Windows Corporation…. Unless they are selling the double-paned type.
6. Be sure your computer, monitor and printer are plugged in to a GOOD surge protector. The kind that costs $9 is probably not going to do the trick. Over time damage can occur from fluctuating power, as well as from full power outages and lightning strikes. Don’t take the risk. APC and Tripp Lite are good brands to purchase.
Happy Computing!
Carole