Protecting Your Computer

In my experience, managing the protection of your computer is the key to long lasting, uninterrupted service.  Many people think "well if I run this antivirus software, I am good."  You are protected to a certain point, but there is more you can do to really keep from having headaches later.

First off, you should really consider three factors when protecting your computer.

1. Antivirus Software - You should have a program installed on your computer that serves as an antivirus program.  If you have Suddenlink internet services, they offer Mcafee for free.  (You get a free email account, so when you sign in to manage your account, you can search to find the free McAfee download.  If you do not have Suddenlink internet, you may want to consider Microsoft Security Center.  However, I have not checked thoroughly, but this protection may be limited to private home use and must be purchased if you use it on a work computer.
2. Firewall - If you have cable internet or DSL internet, your computer is constantly susceptible to viruses and trojans.  I run Threatfire on my personal machine to basically act as a barrier between my computer and the internet.  You can use Threatfire for free in a personal, individual situation and not pay for the service.  However, a business would be required to purchase a license to utilize Threatfire in a business environment.
3.  Spyware/Malware - As my safety net, I use Malwarebytes on my machine as well.  I run an update once a week and then let Malwarebytes scan my machine for viruses and trojans that may be hidden on my machine. (Your temporary internet file folders are a hotbed for activity.)

Your browser is another place where you can protect yourself from attacks.  Open Internet Explorer (even if you run Firefox) and change the settings below in order to safeguard against viruses occupying your cache.

1. Open Internet Explorer
2. Click on TOOLS and then INTERNET OPTIONS.  (If you cannot find the TOOLS menu option, right mouse click in the gray area at the top of the browser and check the MENU BAR option to show the File, Tools, Etc. selections.)
3. Check the box for DELETE BROWSING HISTORY ON EXIT. (It is on the GENERAL TAB.)
4. Check DELETE under Browsing History. On the next pop up box, make sure every box is checked and then click DELETE.
5. Click on SETTINGS beside of DELETE under browsing history.
6. Check AUTOMATICALLY under "Temporary Internet Files"
7. Change DISK SPACE to 100.
8. Change HISTORY to 0.
9. Click APPLY.

Hopefully, this will help protect your computer against unwanted attacks.