Secure Computing

You don't have to be a techie to play an important role in maintaining the health and well-being of your computer. This page provides you with a game plan for personal computer maintenance. Our suggested methods of secure computing include:

Microsoft Windows Updates

Windows Update is a Microsoft service that provides updates for the Microsoft Windows operating system and its installed components. An optional feature provides updates for other Microsoft Windows software, such as Microsoft Office. Windows Update provides your PC with security updates, drivers, service packs, and feature updates. You can turn on Automatic Updates to continuously check for downloads and automatically install updates.

Anti-virus protection

An anti-virus application is designed to defend your computer against malicious software, or malware. Malware can include viruses, worms, Trojans, hijackers, dialers, and other code-based intrusions that vandalize or steal your computer's contents. To be effective your antivirus software needs to run in the background at all times, and should be kept updated to recognize new versions of malicious software. Most personal computers are sold with an anti-virus application pre-installed. Take a moment to investigate your anti-virus software and discover how to perform manual or automatic updates.

Anti-Spyware Protection

Spyware is a type of unwanted software that is installed on a computer without an owner's knowledge. Spyware tracks personal or sensitive information, such as internet surfing habits and frequently visited web sites. Spyware interferes with your ability to control your computer by adding unwanted components to your browser, redirecting web browser activity, changing your internet homepage and changing computer settings, often resulting in slow connection speeds and a loss of Internet or program functionality.

Most computers do not have anti-spyware software installed on them when they are purchased. It is advisable to install an anti-spyware program and update it regularly. Reputable and free anti-spyware programs include MalwareBytes, Ad-Aware and Spybot.