In today’s world it is very important to have good computer practices. Below are what I consider to be the best computer practices.
- Install Available Updates: Always install software updates as soon as they become available. This ensures you have the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches. This includes every piece of software you use from your Operating system to your web browser.
- Backup Important Data: Implement a reliable backup system to protect your data from loss due to human error, malware, hardware damage, natural disasters, or theft. Consider using the 3-2-1 backup rule and cloud backup services. Checkout Backup – Wikipedia, and Back It Up 2020 Edition – ScottSekinger.com for more information.
- Save Often: Saving often will help to prevent data loss if something goes wrong where a program crashes, or computer crashes.
- Keep Your Computer Clean and Organized: Regularly clean your computer’s hardware and organize your files to maintain optimal performance.
- Use Strong Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and change them regularly. Consider using a password manager to keep track of them. Check out Password Managers Why You Need One – ScottSekinger.com for more detailed information.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication: Enhance your online security by enabling multi-factor authentication on your accounts. Check out 5 Types of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Explained for more information.
- Be Cautious with Links and Attachments: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources to prevent malware infections.
- Regularly Scan for Malware: Use reputable antivirus software to regularly scan your computer for malware and remove any threats. Check out What is Malware? – ScottSekinger.com and Get Rid Of And Protecting Your PC from Malware. – ScottSekinger.com for more information.
- Hardware Scans: Ruin your computer manufacturer’s hardware diagnostics software to check for faulty hardware.
- Restart your computer: Restarting your PC daily. A restart will help to clear out any data in memory that you do not need. Check out Rebooting Your PC Is Important – ScottSekinger.com for more information.
- Avoid Overloading Your System: Close unnecessary programs and browser tabs to prevent your computer from slowing down.
- Secure Your Network: Use a strong password for your Wi-Fi network and consider setting up a guest network for visitors. Check out How to Secure a Network: 9 Key Actions to Secure Your Data for more information on securing your network.
- Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices to protect your computer and data.
- Sharing Your Information: Make sure you watch what you post online because it can come back and bite you. It could damage any carrier or personal plans down the road. Social Networks change their policies all of the time, so make sure you keep them properly set. Facebook for example has been known in the past to do this a lot. Do not post anything that you really want to keep secret. Current or future Employers or stalkers can check your post frequently. Consult your company’s policy on social media before posting anything. If possible, delete any information you do not want online. Talk to your family and friends about what you want and do not want to be posted online. Avoid posting phone numbers, or address or Social Security Number. Use a hard to guess username that only you, family, and friends know.
- Power Surges: Consider using surge protectors/a UPS to help protect your computer from power problems that could hurt your computer.
By following these best practices, you can ensure your computer remains secure, efficient, reliable, and you have the best computer experience with your computer.