Many people ask me what I do to protect my home computer and keep it running properly. I tell them that many if not most of the precautions I take with my Pc are the same precautions I take with my home. In both cases I have technological barrirs to intrusion and procedural barriers. Both are necessary, but it is important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each to form an effective security protocol.
In terms of my home technological security measures include having proper door locks and an alarm system. My alarm system includes a heat detector in case a fire breaks out and motion sensors in case an intruder gets in while I am out. It is important to have such technology in place as it does discourage many would be intruders. It is important to know, on the other hand, that an alarm system will not prevent your home from being robbed or burned down. It will merely give you some protection.
The same is true of my PC. For my PC I use a basic antivirus which is free and I use the Firefox browser to surf the internet. These two programs give me adequate protection while surfing the web. They don't, much like my home's alarm system, give me total protection or anything close to that. For total protection the implementation of proper procedures is of key importance.
Without proper procedures in place no technology can help keep your home safe. Locks are useless unless you actually lock them. Alarms need to be set in order to be effective, but procedures don't stop there. Your exterior of your home needs to be well lit. People who come to your door need to be challenged before the door is open. Lights need to be left on at night if no one is going to be home. These are just a few procedures that combined with technological solutions will keep your home as safe as it can be.
Your computer requires you do the same in order to stay healthy. Don't click on things unless you know what they are. Don't install programs unless you know what they are and that they are legitimate. Don't download free movies and music. In short if you are as careful with your home as you are with your home computer it will have a much greater chance of running longer.
If you would like a tutorial on how to keep your PC secure or if you need help cleaning a PC up after it has been attacked I can help you. Feel free to call me at 901-830-4362