How do I make my computer secure?
Every user, and especially new users, must perform the following steps:
- If using any version of Microsoft Windows, obtain the latest windows updates and keep updated on a regular basis.
- You should not use "End of Life"d version of Windows. Yes they still work, but they no loger get updates.
- Currently "End of Life"d Windows versions are anything older than Windows 7. Windows 7 will be "end of Life"d in Janurary 2020, Windows 8 in 2023.
- Download and install the latest version of Avast! (or another brand) Anti-Virus software for your windows version
- Mac users should have an anti-virus program as well. More and more viruses are being designed for Non-Windows systems.
- Download and install the latest version of Microsoft Windows Defender Anti-spyware (for Windows Vista/XP/2000) or LavaSoft Ad-Aware (for Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP/Vista/7,8,10)
- Set your default web browser home page to http://support.netonecom.net. We try to post important information users need to know as well as offering portals to your favorite websites and search engines.
Other things you should do:
- Keep your Anti-virus program up to date (at least weekly, but daily is better)
- Do a full system scan Monthly of all files on your computer. Most Anti-Virus programs only check the files that are being written, opened, or otherwise are in use by default.
- Know what you have on your system, by keeping track of your programs/apps. If you have something that shows up unexpected, contact us.
- Know what (major) version of windows/Mac/iOS/etc you are using.
- For Windows, this would be similar to "Windows 7", "Windows 8", or "Windows 10".
- For Mac, this would be like "OS X 10.12.x" where the "x" part isn't needed often, and changed each time you get updates.
- Do not open junk email. Just delete it.
- Do not open email attachments from people you do not know.
- Be cadful of attachments from those you do know, and only open them if you know they are coming. (invoices, pictures, etc)
Keep up to date on the major threats. This last one can be tricky. The major media outlets often over react to some isses, and under react to others. Just knowing that a new threat is out there is helpful, you don't need to know how it works or how you can get it. Most go unreported by the mainstream media, and get corrected quietly when you get your updates for your system. Those that the media tend to report about are those that the updates aren't coming out quickly enough and you need to know about so you can be extra cautious when going to websites and reading your email.
