5 Tips for making your technology secure

1. Anti-Virus Software - Install anti-virus software on your computer. You should have two anti-virus programs. One should be on-line and the other should be on your desktop. This will help your computer detect incoming viruses and alert you of these. To also help from receiving viruses, via email. You can't be too careful of opening attachments. You should only open attachments from people you know. You should also be careful when installing programs. Sometimes when installing programs, other unnecessary programs will be installed at the same time. It is a good idea to scan the instillation file for viruses before installing the program. And remember that extra programs (especially not needed ones) will, or at least could, cause your computer to slow down. Another thing to be aware of is spam mail. Spam mail is very dangerous and could contain viruses. Your email provider will sometimes recognize spam mail and automatically send it to a spam folder. Do not open spam mail! Also be aware of chain letters. Do not pass those on.
2. Anti-Spyware Software - It is a good idea to install anti-spyware on your computer. Spyware monitors which websites you go to and will send a list back to central data collection points. You could, without knowing, leak important information such as passwords and credit card details. There are many anti-spyware programs out there. There are even some you can download online for free. It is important to remember that not all spyware is bad, but anti-spyware software will detect the spyware that is harmful to your computer.

3. Firewalls - Install firewalls on your computer. Firewalls prevent other machines that are connected to the Internet that are on the same network as you from accessing your computer. There are both hardware and software firewalls available. Both are a good idea to have on your computer. It is not a good idea to use two software firewalls. Make sure one is a hardware firewall and the other is software. There are many firewalls you can get on-line for no cost. Personal firewalls can also be beneficial and help you protect your personal information.
4. Passwords - Have passwords and a user ID (when possible) to everything. Your password needs to be something that others would not easily guess. Passwords that are a combination of letters, numbers, and/or symbols are the best. That way, it will be very hard for someone to figure out what your password is. It is also a good idea to regularly change your password. It is recommended that you change your password every couple months. Just make sure when you change it, it's something that you will remember!
5. Update - Keep your programs up to date. Whenever possible, use the newest version of software. The newer the software is, the safer it is. For example, it is much safer to use Windows XP or 2000 than an older version of Windows. It is also important to keep anti-virus software, firewalls, and anti-virus software up to date also. Just because you have all of the above programs on your computer, doesn't mean your computer is 100% secure. There are always new viruses and worms being developed to get through these programs. It is important that you are also updating the software that protects your computer.

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