6 simple ways to protect the data on your PC

Posted by THE GANDHIS at 5:44 PM

Maybe you’re not storing state secrets, but you’ve probably got at least a few files and photos on your PC that are near and dear to you just the same. So suddenly losing them – or having the wrong people peek at them – is grief you’d rather avoid.

There are numerous ways to protect the files and folders on your PC, and in this instance, more really is better. So let’s get started!

1. Protect against viruses and spyware. Computer viruses and spyware are transmitted via e-mail or your Web browser. They can cause all sorts of grief, from changing or deleting files to allowing outsiders to access what’s on your PC. Antivirus and anti-spyware programs are widely available and essential to install; learn more here.

2. Set up a firewall. If you have an always-on broadband connection, a firewall can help prevent intruders from gaining access to your computer. A software firewall is included and turned on by default in most Windows operating systems, but there are other firewall choices to consider.

3. Keep your software up to date. When security problems are discovered after a software product has shipped, companies typically issue updates that users can download to fix the problem. It’s always a good idea to install recommended security updates as soon as possible. If you run Windows or Microsoft Office, you can have them automatically sent to your PC through Microsoft Update.

4. Back up your computer. Bad things happen no matter how hard you try to prevent them, so getting in the habit of copying important files to another location is just plain smart. There are various ways to do it, from copying files to a CD or USB flash drive, using an online storage service or buying an external hard drive. Browse the pros and cons of each here.

5. Use passwords. If you have files and folders that you don’t want prying eyes to see, then make sure you’ve got your PC protected with a strong password and get in the habit of logging off your computer when you’re not sitting in front of it.

6. Protect individual files or folders. With Microsoft Office, you can limit access to files on your PC in a few simple clicks. For instance, with Microsoft Office 2007, you can encrypt files so people have to know the password to view them. You can also encrypt e-mail messages. Here’s how. Or, with a Word 2003 document open, click Tools and then Protect Document. You can choose what you want to allow others to do with the file, from restricting formatting changes to making the file read-only. You can also encrypt files and folders using the Encrypting File System in Windows. Learn more here.

Are your files feeling safer now?

 

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