Top 5 Ways to Secure Windows

Though there are many tools to help you get rid of virus, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here are our top 5 ways to keep your computer free of viruses.

1. Use a Firewall

Comodo Firewall is a great firewall and is completely free. Firewalls prevent unauthorized network access from malicious users trying to gain access to your computer.

2. Install Windows Updates

A good portion of the viruses we have cleaned off of computers would have been completely preventable, had the user updated Windows. When hackers find a way to exploit a problem with the operating system, Microsoft sends out updates to keep your computer safe and should be installed as soon as possible. An alarming number of users ignore the messages that their computers need to be updated and leave their computers vulnerable to hackers.

3. Secure your Wireless Network

Don’t leave your network open to access, no matter how safe you think you may be. Enabling encryption on your wireless router is painfully simple and should always be done when you are initially setting up the network (though it can be done at anytime). If your router supports it, use WPA2, as this is the most secure protocol. With an open wireless network, users can easily watch what you are doing online, use your network to access illegal content (which will be tied to your network), and change your wireless settings, effectively locking you out of your own network. Recently, we visited a client whose neighbor had taken over their unsecured wireless network and fixed the issue. Don’t let this happen to you!

4. Use a Limited Privilege Account

If you aren’t installing software everyday, there is really no reason to always use an administrator account. Create a new account on your machine that has limited access (non-administrator) and primarily use this account. If you do somehow download a virus, you will be unable to install it. It is also recommended that you use a guest or non-administrator account for friends and family to use your computer with. Our teenage niece downloaded a nice virus while playing online games that infected every computer on our network and required each one of them to be completely rebuilt.

5. Okay, use a Good Antivirus Program

Microsoft Security Essentials is currently the highest rated antivirus program, and it’s free. There is no reason to pay a lot of money for something that is not the best (especially when the best is free). Not only is it good at removing viruses, it’s really good at finding malware that other programs miss.

Do you use other tools that you think are better? Let us know what you use!