Taking time off to spend with family and friends is such a treat, but alas for many it is hard to stay away from the computer. If you are going to do some online shopping, play a new game or check your work email, be sure to practice safe computing. Your home computer may not have the same protection as work, so before you download that file or visit a new site make sure you are protected.
Protecting your computer
1) Make sure your operating system is updated and all security patches are installed. If you are using Windows, go to Control Panel Home, then Windows Update. This page will show you if you are up to date or if you need an update. If you are out of date, follow the instructions and consider turning on automatic updates. If you have a Mac, the update is similar to Windows so just follow the instructions. If you have Unix or Linux, you are probably an expert and know how to patch your system.
2) Browse safely. Be sure your browser is current and that you are protecting against malware. Malware are those nasty intruders that we often call viruses, trojans, worms or spyware. For Windows, you can use Microsoft Security Essentials. It is a free Microsoft tool that runs in the background and will alert you when a threat is identified. Remember no protection is 100%, so you have to think before you click and be prepared to remove infections.
3) Use a firewall. Firewalls can be hardware or software and screen Internet traffic as a first line of defense.
4) Use spam filters. Most email programs include a spam and junk filter. Not only can you trash unwanted junk mail, but you can disable email links (recommended) and be warned of malicious content. There are many malicious emails that look legitimate so be careful when opening emails and never click on attachments or links unless you are certain of the source.
5) Download safely. Only download from sites that you know are legitimate and reputable. When you download, save the file and be sure that your antivirus software is set up to scan when you open files. A good rule to follow when opening anything is when in doubt – don’t!
6) Have a computer expert you can count on. If you are unfamiliar with computer protection, be sure to have someone who you can consult for advice and help. It seems complicated, but there are many tools that are easy to configure that run automatically to keep you safe. Be sure you are protected so that you can enjoy the holiday season with your family and friends rather than fixing your computer.
Online information and help is abundant, but be cautious that you don’t get fooled by malware that pretends to offer help. If you get a pop-up that claims it will remove an infection from your computer for a price, stop and call your expert!
If you need help or have comments/suggestions, please feel free to contact me at: mary@lansystems.com.
Wishing you a safe and joyous holiday season.
My journey has taken me many places I never imagined - from a family driving school business, to a dairy farm, to an engineering degree, to parenting two teenage girls. My first position after completing my electrical engineering degree was at Commonwealth Edison in transmission line design. After returning to Atlanta, I accepted a temporary position as a support engineer at Advanced Control Systems. It was a 3-month contract that lasted 10 years and I was promoted to department manager at ACS.. Now at LAN Systems, I still devote myself to providing support without compromise. My goal is to make LAN Systems known to all as the best IT Solutions and Service provider in the metro Atlanta area. Still committed to providing exceptional support that serves the needs of the people that use technology, I work with our engineers to improve their problem solving and interpersonal skills. In addition to my responsibilities with LAN Systems, I volunteer with several non-profits that serve the electric utility industry and introduce engineering as a career to young people.Technology is almost as awesome as people and look forward to exploring many “technology for the people” topics at AtlantaSmall.biz.
