Top Tips To Secure Your Online PC

by Agnivo Roy

Most of us use a PC these days, but how many of us are really serious about securing it? Well, not most of us! They just need to get their job done sitting on the PC and hence look no further. But they do find themselves in great trouble when the PC crashes, files are corrupted, login information are stolen or attacked by viruses and malwares.

Now, we know that "prevention is better than cure" and "self help is the best help". So according to the lines of these famous proverbs, I will try to highlight some tips through which a newbie user would be able to secure his PC. This article even applies to advanced and experienced users alike. So read on and help yourself to ward off your PC security woes.

1. Use an Antivirus

In the era of high-speed internet and portable media, you just cannot afford to compromise your PC and valuable data. So, Antivirus software is a must for each and every PC user. The Antivirus stays active in the system memory and monitors your file transfers, network/internet connections, and programs for suspicious activities and keeps away harmful computer viruses, worms and trojans from playing devil on your PC. It can even clean, heal or quarantine affected files already on your PC and keeps your data safe.

There are many AntiVirus Packages available, out of which many are free to use. Some of the free packages are:

1. AVG Free Edition
2. Avast! Home Edition
3. Antivir Personal Edition

2. Use a Firewall

To protect your PC with network/internet connection from the prying eyes of hackers and abusers, it's a necessity to install a Firewall software. A firewall is simply a piece of software that sits between your PC and the outside world (network/www) and allows certain programs/data to pass through it, thus filtering the traffic based on configured rules.

Like Antivirus software, the list of firewall software is also long... and there are a number of free options available. Some of the free packages are:

1. ZoneAlarm Free
2. Kerio Personal
3. Sygate Personal

3. Use an AntiSpyware/Adware

Every passing day gives birth to a score of new malware, which is any sort of program written solely to get itself installed on the victim's PC without his knowledge, monitor his activities/logins and send them to a hacker for identity theft.