What type of computer do I need? | How do I safeguard my personal files? | How do I keep my computer updated?

KEEPING  YOUR COMPUTER  UPDATED, Q & A

What do I need to keep updated on my personal computer?
There are four main areas to keep updated on all business or personal pcs running windows and any computer running the Mac Operating Systems.  These areas are the operating system, antivirus software, virus definitions, and your Internet Browser. Hackers and other unscrupulous individuals can try and gain access to your computer and important files unless you have these four areas covered.

 
Is my operating system up to date?
Having your Operating System up-to-date is the most important. Make sure that your operating system is set to automatically update itself as soon as updates are available.  Holes in operating system code are constantly being found. They allow hackers access to your operating system on your computer. When these holes are found, the hackers can exploit these holes to gain access to your computer and or your personal files.  These bits of program are called “computer exploits” and can be sold on the internet to the highest bidder.  When the manufacturer of your operating system learns of these exploits, they quickly attempt to produce a patch in the form of an update.  As soon as your operating system updates, it will be patched for that specific exploit as well as those that where patched up before it. It is much like a whack-a-mole situation. Just like the arcade game that we all enjoyed as kids,  as one exploit pops up, you must hit it down and wait for another to pop up again.  If your operating system does not update itself, you will be left vulnerable, so make sure your operating system is still supported by the manufacturer and is set to automatically update itself.

 
What about my AntiVirus Software?
AntiVirus Software such as AVG AntiVirus  or Avast AntiVirus is extremely important when running a computer with an internet connection in this day and age.  You shouldn’t overlook the importance of having a good system protection program to thwart off any infections you might encounter while surfing the internet.  The Antivirus utility that you choose should be set to automatically update its own program as those same hackers who try to compromise your computer’s operating system and file system will also try and attack your antivirus software as well.  When the manufacturer of your utility finds out that situation occurred, they will also patch their software and offer your computer an update so that it will be protected from similar attacks. Make sure that your antivirus software is always set to update automatically as soon as updates are available to protect itself and protect you in the process.

 
What are virus definitions and how will they help me?
Virus Definitions are part of your antivirus utility and need to be kept up to date as well as the antivirus software itself.  Virus definitions are how your antivirus software knows what to look for. They are basically a dictionary of file names and program actions that the software is looking for.  As soon as it spots files or activity that is understood as suspicious behavior, it will point them out to your antivirus program to take the necessary action. Usually that action is to immediately send the file to a quarantined folder where it cannot run, and/or to send you a pop up message to alert you that something was found.  If your antivirus program ever puts up a dialogue box and asks you what to do, even if you are unsure what to do, most of the time it is a good idea to select protect me.

 
Do I need an antivirus software if I’m running Windows?
You need antivirus software in addition to what comes with your operating system.  To rely solely on the Windows security notification program that comes with every one of its operating systems, you are terribly unprotected.  Windows will not protect itself, solely by itself. Everyone running a Windows operating system today needs a good antivirus utility. Especially if you spend any time on the internet. People are always trying to get to your computer, your files, and your money.  They succeed in a lot of cases. If there was no money to be made attacking computers, the attacks would cease but unfortunately for many, this is not the case. You need to protect yourself and your computer proactively to avoid becoming a victim.

 
I’m running the most up to date Mac OS, do I need an antivirus utility?
It is a common misconception that viruses or bugs cannot affect users on a Mac, but that is actually false.  In fact, many of the attacks that we see most commonly today come from internet browser use which can also affect Apple users.  Most antivirus utilities can be found for free for Apple and Windows operating systems alike. A good antivirus utility for mac is AVG for Mac Operating Systems.   You should take advantage of that to avoid being the next victim.  If you own a Mac computer, do not be lulled into a false sense of security. Do not listen to others that think that they cannot be attacked on a mac.

Which antivirus software should I be running?
See what people have to say about the product they are using.  Keep in mind that, with a large amount of users of any product, at least a few of them are likely to have had a bad experience. You must rely on what the majority of users are saying as well as the opinion of a well-informed technician.  A good antivirus utility should have a large enough user base so they can catch more bugs in the “wild,” and thus incorporate a larger amount of infections into their constant virus definition update. The utility should also be expected to not run with such a large computer resource footprint as to slow down a computer with a lower amount of ram. Lastly, the utility needs to be able to remove a large amount of these infections into a quarantined section of your hard drive by itself with little involvement from the user. .

 
Should I use the free version of my antivirus utility?
While they might be good to use in a pinch or in conjunction with another utility, most of the time, the free version of an antivirus utility will provide less security than the paid version.  Sometimes, the free version will not be as much use removing whatever infections that it may find lurking on your computer. They might not even scan as much of your computer as the paid version. If you are using a free version, update to the paid version so that you are adequately protected.  This also funds the makers of good products, which allows their product to get better. It also allows their user base to grow which will ultimately benefit you. Most of the time, the cost is between $20- $40 per year depending on the utility and how many computers you need covered. The coverage will usually work as a subscription which will charge your account every year automatically, so that you don’t have a lapse in security.

 
Should I be updating my internet browser?
You should run a good internet browser or one that is to your liking.  These days, most users use Google Chrome as their internet browser of choice.  Others may prefer Firefox browser by Mozilla, but either is a good choice.  Just make sure your browser of choice is set to always update itself.  As with the other aspects of your computer that need updating, your browser can also be attacked.  When the software author finds out about attacks on his/her browser, they will offer updates to your computer.  If your browser is not set to automatically update, it can be compromised by a hacker. That’s why you should always make sure your browser is always up to date.  It stands to be repeated that if your browser will not update itself you may be vulnerable to infections and attacks by hackers.

 
What if my operating system and browser won’t update?
If your operating system and browser won’t update, you may need to change the settings. Always check that first.  If changing the settings doesn’t help, you could check the system time on the computer. Sometimes, you will not have access to the internet because the computer time is not set properly. Check to make sure that updates are occurring as normally.  Sometimes your operating system or your browser will not update because your operating system is no longer supported. Check with your operating system manufacturer to see if your operating system is still supported.

 
Can I ever be 100% protected from infections or hacking?
If you desire to be 100% covered, there is an option.  You can install a fresh version of your operating system on a new or wiped hard drive, and never have that computer connected to the internet.  You can download operating system updates on another internet capable machine and install them on that machine. That is what is referred to as an “air-gapped” computer.   This is one that has never been on the internet so that it has not been given the chance to be hacked or infected.  However, many of us live on the internet and social media, so this is rarely an option for the average user.

 
Is there anything else that I need to be concerned with?
Phishing scams and instantaneous attacks fool us into believing our computers were compromised even if they weren’t.  These scams can trick us into calling a phone number and giving them our personal, and/or credit card information.  Often, they persuade their victims to allow access to their systems remotely. In many instances they charge their victims to gain access to their own computers.  These people can find problems with your operating system because there are always problems lurking on an operating system to be fixed. They will indeed fix these problems which will insure that you think you spent your money wisely.  But be aware that they may also do something underhanded on your computer. They may have inserted a back door to this machine on the internet so that they can gain access later. Or they may have can set up a key-logger that will tell them remotely which keystrokes you have typed.  This can give them access to your passwords, account information, and even your browsing history.  At any rate, you must above all else be careful of the sites you visit. Only visit sites that have a lock icon to the left of the url, indicating a secure designated site.  This icon assures that the site only links to other, secure sites. You should also be aware that buttons on any web page may not do exactly what they say they will do.  An unscrupulous web designer can make a button that says something benign such as “close”. That button can release a virus onto your computer. Beware of what you click on. Young people and older people seem to be more susceptible to scams, so watch out for them.

 
What do I do if I already gave access to my computer or my credit card?
If you have already given access to your computer, files, credit card, or any account information to an unscrupulous third party, the first thing to do is shut the power down to the computer.  Then, consult a reputable computer repair facility on the internet.  They can start up your computer to determine if the infection was just instantaneous or if it goes deeper than that.  Either way, they should be able to help you with your infection, or let you know if it was not an issue. If you gave your credit card or bank account number, and it was used to fraudulently charge your account, immediately call your account representative.  In most cases, you are protected from fraudulent charges and you can get your money returned to you, but you must act right away.

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Last edited 10-13-19 rl