MS Windows security advice can help you to make the most of your computer issues.
Despite the fact that Windows operating systems are developed with protection in mind and have a myriad of tools to assure such protection, malware can still affect the computers of users who are not careful. Ways of verifying that no malicious software enters a computer include the following.
Avoiding Malicious Software
- Avoidance of open source and torrent programs: one of the most common sources of viruses and worms are programs that allow a user to download files and programs from anonymous sources. While it is imperative to virus check every single file and program that enters a computer, it is highly recommended that one knows the origin of such software as well – which only makes sense. Furthermore, many, if not most, of open source programs currently available include malware as part of the installation package.
- Perform frequent virus scans: mistakes happen and usually, if the presence of a virus or worm is evident in the functionality of a computer, it is already too late. Frequent scans ensure that even in the event that malware is introduced into a computer’s hard drive, it is quickly eradicated before it has the opportunity to spread or corrupt the system registry.
- Accept Windows Updates: Windows updates happen for a reason; one should never be so wrapped up in an activity that he or she begins rejecting updates. They will protect a computer with the most up-to-date information from worldwide sources.
- Limit access to resources: with the file encryption tools released with latter versions of Windows, it is now easier than ever to limit access to certain resources on the computer. If not the entire registry, access to the most important keys, such as the startup folders and auto-run keys, should be completely closed down. This way, software cannot infiltrate these folders and run on their own without the user’s knowledge.
- Turn off unneeded services: There are many services that come with Windows operating systems, many of with the lay user generally does not need. These include database access and remote access tools that can give hackers the capacity to do exactly as these services imply; access a computer remotely and hence, access that computer’s databases. All services that are not used regularly should be turned off. They can always be turned on later in the event that they are needed.