Computer Tip 1-14-Browsers-Backup-Cache-Maintenance-Enrgy21.com

Computer Tip 1-14

14
Browsers cannot replace the need for firewall, anti-virus and anti spyware protection.
Also, none have a built-in firewall.

A browser's primary role is to provide access to the World Wide Web, though all offer
tools and support to help protect your system and private information.

Computer security involving online real-time, up to date monitoring protection should
include one firewall (two acceptable if hardware and software), one anti-virus, and
one or more anti spyware applications.

Regarding systems, Mac, Linux, Windows and others do all they can to provide as
much security as possible against viruses and malicious code, but their primary
function is to provide a stable computing environment in order to access computer
technology.

13
CNET www.News.com: Security Bites (RSS Feed)

12
The need to strengthen, whenever possible, a computer's ability to successfully
withstand attacks against it while browsing, is part of today's Internet world.

Just as there are great risks, there are also great add-ons that come bundled with
applications that help to harden a system's security and/or enhance a system's
stability and performance.

Pop-up blockers, anti-spyware scanners, toolbars, temporary file and registry cleaners
are just a few that are offered.

However, sometimes these extras can adversely affect one's ability to access desired
web sites, media players, links and ads.

Furthermore, bothersome (or serious) instabilities can occur when there is a
redundancy of certain tasks the add-ons perform.

Of course, when downloading and installing any application or add-on, one should
pay careful attention to each installation step.

But, one should also remember to seek out and carefully review information about
add-ons being offered, and understand as much as possible about them, before
installing with the application.

Doing this will result in less time-consuming diagnostic steps, if a problem arises.

11
When something goes wrong on a personal computer, it could be some form of
spyware or a virus. It could also be the system adjusting to various user commands.

If an application shows obvious signs of instability, don't panic. If you're not sure of
what to do next, you can always utilize the task manager on Windows systems to
stop the application. Click links for more information about your system and ending a
process or application.

10
Each time a personal computer user visits the world wide web, conducting at least
one step that helps keep the system stable and secure, should be considered.

In the long term, this will lead to fewer time-consuming comprehensive
maintenance procedures.

For some, the best procedure involves a manual check for spyware, viruses and temp
file removal; for some it's automatic.

Regardless, because of the abundance of spy-ware and viruses plus general
computer activity unrelated to the Internet, pro-active is better than reactive when
it comes to computers.

System security maintenance and system stability maintenance, two different sets of
procedures, both necessary.

9
Save files in a safe place after removing temporary files, cookies, the cache and
other related unnecessary files.

The relationship between properly maintaining one's system, backing up important
files and folders and maintaining a high level of security is very close; without system
stability, what's the point in trying to keep a system secure?

8
You can backup your files using the full, mirror, differential, file archiving or the
incremental method or a combination of these methods.

You can do it yourself using storage methods like an off-site FTP server or media
devices such as CD's, floppy disks, USB thumb drives, flash cards, network storage, an
external hard disk drive, DVD's, tape drives, or any combination of the above.

Then there's automated backup software and on-line services and the media
devices they support.

The fact is, the subject can get very complicated quickly and lead one to put aside
backing up anything to a later date, sometimes after all is lost and one is forced to
start over or seek a data recovery method that may or may not work.

The important thing is keeping the subject as simple as possible; what works for others,
may not work for you. If you know little to nothing about backing up files, start with a
search in your system's Help section.

Also, access the world wide web for the abundance of information it provides, but
begin with basic information you can understand and backup something. Every
method and device has its pros and cons; whatever you start with, it's a good start
that can be modified as your knowledge about the subject grows.

7
When performing maintenance procedures, a good first step (not including virus,
adware and spyware scans) is backing up your important data and subdirectories,
then reboot (restart). There are many back up methods and applications.

6
Defragmenting the volume (Windows) doesn't necessarily improve system stability
and performance without conducting other important maintenance steps.

5
The registry is a part of Windows' systems that stores user profiles, vital documents,
software programs and hardware, configurations and other information. Normal
system use creates unnecessary and invalid information that can cause system
shutdowns, slowdowns and error messages.

Very few users are able to or should attempt to clean or remove this information
manually, but the registry should be cleaned by a reputable registry cleaning
application periodically, to maintain system stability and optimum performance.

4
A personal computer connected to the Internet
without a firewall can be hijacked.

3
When posting on a discussion board on the Internet, adhering to board rules is highly
favored by administrators, moderators and members and will likely result in a more
rewarding experience.

2
The cache saves a web page for offline history viewing and quicker access when
returning to it.

Clearing the cache can free up disk space, increase a browser's speed and provide
access to a web page's newest version.

1
Try to devote at least one hour to system and application maintenance procedures
involving (but not limited to) updating, cleaning temporary files, checking for
spyware, viruses...once or twice a month if possible, regardless of computer use
experience level.