Protecting your computer from viruses and malware is the most challenging jobs for all and specially for novice users. We present here basic 10 tips or ways to protect your computer.

1. Install and Use Antivirus Software

Installing and using antivirus software is the most important way to protect your computer. There are many antivirus available to download and some are free to use while some are on trial. You can download and check for antivirus. Antivirus software also protect from incoming viruses.

2. Keep your software up to date

Either antivirus software or any other software we should always update it because update comes with fixing bugs that could potentially be exploited by hackers. Updating software also helps to keep viruses and malwares away from your computers.

3. Beware while clicking on links within emails

Virus and malware makers use the email as their spreading gateway to the users computers. It is very common that we receive spamming emails from them in large amount. So we should be very careful while clicking link in the emails.

4. Beware while using flash drives

We should always be careful while using flash drives or memory cards because they are the major platform that viruses and malwares get spread. Proper antivirus scan needs to be done before accessing files from the storage devices.

5. Do not visit websites like key generator, torrents and porn

Its illegal to get the software key that is used for pirated software. Downloading files from torrents includes huge amount of pirated files. Porn is also not a good website to be visited by a good person. Virus makers and malware makers put their viruses and malwares in those sites in huge amount and people are being infected with them. To prevent never trust any software from those sites.

6. Download software only from trusted developers or companies

Duplicate software are the medium used by virus and malware makers to spread the viruses and malwares. Before downloading any software always use official sites or trusted website. Always see the ratings and comments in authentic sites before using them

7. Back up your data

Backing up your computer data is very important because virus and malwares can modify or delete them. Backing up the data also helps if hardware crash happened at any time.

8. Minimize Downloads

Minimizing downloads is a good habit to control viruses and malwares because the more you download the more chance of getting malware and viruses. So only download the software you need.

9. Use a firewall

Both Mac and Windows comes with firewall and it is recommended that it is turned on. This is because installing antivirus might not always make your computer safe.

10. Use a pop-up and pop-under blocker

Web browsers have the ability to pop up and pop under the window. Many virus makers and malware makers use these features to spread the virus. So it is better that you disable the pop-up and pop-under. Disabling them can be done with browser features or options.