Protecting Your Important Computer Files

Your computer holds much of your important work. You might store secure and confidential information on the laptop that you simply put in your checked baggage or leave it open on the desk at work. Or you might stay signed in to secure sites or fail to save your documents regularly. There are lots of ways you can profit from a little bit of computer precaution.

Internet Security Programs

The first thing that you should do to ensure the security of your machine is to invest in a good security program, especially if you have a PC. Macs are known to be better at security because, for one, fewer people have used them in the past and so there are fewer people to write viruses for them. And secondly, they may be better at blocking such notorious creeps. However, no matter what brand you carry, you should protect yourself with a good program. Read some user reviews to get one that people find reliable and easy to work with. If you are going the free route, you will definitely need to do some research. There are programs that block you out of your own device.

Along with this goes the basic caution to never click on pop up ads. Pop ups and emails with attachments that you were not expecting are common ways to get a virus. And once you have one there may be nothing you can do to retrieve your data or get rid of it. It may corrupt or even steal your files. So be smart and buy security, and never click on anything questionable.

Remove Cookies

Remove any old cookies from your device to keep it clean and safe. Many websites will place cookies on your computer when you open their site. It helps them remember you, in case you ever buy anything. It allows them to know if their returning patrons purchase or browse certain items. While this might be good for their analytic, it can clutter up your disk and be a cause for worry. Get rid of all the old cookies from sites you don’t intend on visiting again, especially the questionable ones. Go through your settings and do it from there. It is pretty quick and it wipes the slate clean.

Back It Up Always

The number one way to keep your files safe is to save them. Set it up so that Word and other programs save things automatically every few minutes and every time you turn it off. If they auto save constantly, like the Internet does, you might have too much information on your computer. But normal automatic saves are good. And get in the habit of saving manually every couple of sentences or paragraph. It’s worth it to hit a couple of keys if you don’t ever have to rewrite a whole well worded paper.

Sign Out

This is another simple safety tip. Sign out of your social media and important sites if you are going to leave your computer of phone lying around. Although it may be easier to save your information on the machine, it is also easier for someone who might swipe it to log into your account and doubly do you harm. Never leave you laptop or phone unattended wen you are not at home or work. And at work, you should close all non-encrypted sites. These preventative measures can save you a world of pain that comes with stolen information, hacking your friends, and other such problems.

Keep your desktop cleaned up so that you can find your documents, and invest in a good program to keep them secure. Save often, sign out, and use your head, to protect your important computer files.