Windows computers have a bad reputation for attracting all types of risks both online and offline. However, this is not the case when you take precautions to protect your computer. In fact, many organizations in the world already rely on these computers for a myriad of functions, and they remain safe. Therefore, you should not be too afraid to rely on your Windows computer for important functions. Here are ways to keep your Windows computer safe.
Install antivirus software
You must have an updated antivirus working for your on your computer so that it stays safe. Antivirus programs will examine all software and files on your computer to identify the risky ones and flag them for subsequent quarantine or deletion. This dangerous software will not have a chance of infecting your computer. Antivirus also comes in handy when you are already infected and need to clean the computer without resolving to delete everything including your precious data.
Install antimalware program
Anti-malware programs capture a new type of risk different from common viruses. Another use of the antimalware software is to ensure that you are browsing safely from your windows computer. They will scan websites and files for any malicious code set to execute itself when your computer engages in a given activity.
Some malware sits idle on your computer waiting to steal your data when you are filling forms online. The antimalware program acts as a security guard on your computer screening all files to make sure they are safe. Always do file scanning for new devices when you plug them into your windows computer before carrying out any other activities.
Use a firewall
A firewall is a specific software in the computer that manages the connections to the internet and other networks. The nifty tool works in the background and rarely interferes with the normal computing processes for different software. You can also introduce firewall rules affecting the allowed software to connect to networks. The firewall lets you see what this software is doing with the network. Thus, you could find out whether they are connecting unnecessarily to the internet. You should only allow the trusted software to have internet or network access from your computer.
Download software from secure sites
The biggest risk for your computer comes when you visit risky sites that want to steal your data and do other malicious things by installing trojans and other malicious programs on your PC. You should be careful to seek services from trusted sources since they take care of the risks on your behalf. Such websites should have sufficient background checks on the software they offer. The servers also have firewalls and other tools used to prevent malicious software and connections from taking hostage of these sites to harm users.
You should download software from the authorized sites only and avoid the temptation of using pirated software. Such compromised software usually comes with a hidden code that allows the software to act as a conduit for attackers to manipulate your computer and use it as part of a criminal ring.