Security basics for beginners:

Everyone of us wants a virus/malware free computer that works fast, therefore we install a good anti-virus or purchase a new software for malware removal and pay handsome amount of money for it too. But we forget that only an anti virus is not enough for complete PC security!
Security against hacker also included in this post-

1. Check Windows Update and Office Update regularly; have your windows/ Office CD ready. Windows users can configure automatic updates. Click on the Automatic Updates tab in the System control panel and choose the appropriate options.

2. Install a personal firewall. Both SyGat and ZoneAlarm offer free versions. If you have windows 7 then the windows firewall is also good enough. 

3. Install a free spyware blocker.

4. Block pop-up spam messages in Windows XP, vista, 7 by disabling the Windows Messenger service. Open Control Panel | Administrative Tools | Services and you'll see Messenger. Right-click and go to Properties. Set Start-up Type to Disabled and press the Stop button. Bye-bye, spam pop-ups! Any good firewall will also stop them.

5. Use strong passwords and change them periodically. Passwords should have at least seven characters; use letters and numbers and have at least one symbol. A decent example would be k7irtro#2. This will make it much harder for anyone to gain access to your accounts.

6. If you're using Outlook or Outlook Express, use the current version or one with the Outlook Security Update installed. The update and current versions patch numerous vulnerabilities.

7. Buy antivirus software and keep it up to date. Or download a free version of any of the Windows recommended anti-virus, i prefer AVG, AVAST, NORTON but you can download any.

8. If you have a wireless network, turn on the security features: Use MAC filtering, turn off SSID broadcast, and even use WEP with the biggest key you can get.

9. Be skeptical of things on the Internet. Don't assume that e-mail "From:" a particular person is actually from that person until you have further reason to believe it's that person. Don't assume that an attachment is what it says it is. Don't give out your password to anyone, even if that person claims to be from "support." 

Posted in: cool TIPS,Random