Five More Tips to Keep Your Computer Protected

Five More Tips to Keep Your Computer
Protected
Upgrade Your Computer
If you have an older computer, invest in an upgrade to the
latest operating system, such as upgrading from Windows
2000 to Windows XP. The latest operating systems always
have better security features. You’ll find operating system
software at your local computer retailer.
Don’t Trust Every Website
Only download files from websites you trust.
Question Every E-mail
Never open an e-mail or instant messaging attachment
from someone you don’t know or if you don’t recognise
the attached file.
Look Out for Scams
Be aware of Internet scams (also known as ‘phishing’)
that try and trick you into handing over your personal
or financial details. For up-to-date information on scams
and software to help you block them, visit microsoft.
com/athome/security/email.
Change to a Limited Account
You are probably set up with an ‘Administrator’ account on
your computer. This means that you own the computer so
you can change any settings you want. But if a hacker gets
access to your system they also become an administrator
and can cause maximum damage. If you’re just doing
normal day-to-day things on your computer such as surfing
the web (rather than installing software), then change to a
‘Limited’ account. A Limited account is more secure as it
will not let you install software or change your computer’s
system settings.
Action 1
To do this, click on the Start button, then Control Panel,
User Accounts and Create a new account. Create a new
user name and select the option for a Limited account.
When you switch on your PC, login with this new user
name to activate the limited settings. You can always login
with your original user name if you need to install software
that requires an Administrator account.