Desktop security and stability
Ok, looking back I’m wondering why I posted security tips for servers. It would have been more reader-appropriate to give advice for PCs, so I’m going to go ahead and do that now:
1. Keep it patched. Turn on automatic updates or visit windowsupdate.com every once in awhile to make sure all of your security holes are patched.
2. Use Firefox. Or Opera. Anything is better than IE. You’ll have fewer problems with spyware, viruses, and all of that nasty adware that you can’t remember installing.
3. Run antispyware and antivirus software weekly. I use Spybot S&D, Adaware, and McAfee Antivirus, although I only use the last one because I get it free from school.
4. Defragment monthly, at least. Doing this will result in a noticeably faster computer.
(Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter)
5. Password protect your account. Windows doesn’t do this by default, and it really should.
(Start > Settings > Control Panel > User Accounts. Click on your account and select ‘Add a password’.)
There you go. 5 easy steps to a faster, healthier computer. All of this stuff is common sense to people who know anything about computers, but you’d be surprised at how many people never think to do any of these.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!