» Computer Problem Tips - 5 More Mistakes You May be Doing to Mess Up Your Computer

By Chancer Reese

As a computer tech, I often see the same mistakes being repeated over and again by unsuspecting users. These common mistakes can easily mess up your computer and cost you hours in wasted time and hundreds of dollars in repair costs.

Stop surfing the web without using a good firewall

Okay, most everyone loves to go online to browse their favorite stores, check out the news or a popular blog. All nice and safe, right? But hackers are now starting to infect innocent websites with booby trapped links that download all kinds of nastiness. Quit putting it off download a good quality personal firewall. Then put it on your laptop or your desktop because "they" are coming to get you.

Stop "forgetting" to use an antivirus program

Let me ask you a question...you do have an antivirus program right? Okay, you do? Whew, you scared me there for a minute. Because there are free programs available online so you don't have any excuse for not routinely using a good one. Run it in auto-scan when you are at work or asleep.

Stop letting spyware ruin your machine

Now days, spyware invaders are more common than some viruses. Porn-pops, nagging ads and hijacked home pages are the least of your worries when you let malicious software run wild inside your computer. Hackers can use spyware to peek into your passwords and online information like your banking accounts, retirement funds and other sensitive data. Download and run a good anti-spyware program at least once a week.

Stop clicking on unknown or suspicious email attachments

A good rule of thumb for email attachments is if you are not expecting one, don't open it. "When in doubt, delete it." Bogus email attachments are the number one carrier of viruses and Trojans. When you click on everything that comes to your inbox, you are just inviting trouble. Very quickly your computer will become infected.

Stop using file-sharing networks carelessly

Everyone likes freebies. And the allure of "Peer-to-Peer" (P2P) file sharing systems can be pretty awesome. But without meaning to you can easily download viruses, porn, and copyrighted material that can leave you open for embarrassment and potential lawsuits. Install file-sharing carefully and make sure you understand how to lock it down to prevent hackers from invading your machine and for you to control what is being downloaded.

What you need to do...

- Install a good personal firewall program

- Keep your anti-virus program updated and set to scan automatically

- Download and run a good anti-spyware program at least once a week

- Don't open suspicious email attachments

- Use file-sharing systems wisely

Got computer problems? Want to reduce your technology headaches?

To find more helpful computer tips, visit http://www.fixcomputerproblemsguide.com

From Chancer Reese, "The Small Office Tech Diva".