Sovereign Computers ltd.

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BACKING UP

•back up any documents you create on an external drive, flash drive, CD/DVD-ROM

•disk, zip, jazz, are all acceptable

•keep back-up copies of all computer programs in case you have to re-install

•backing up your entire system at one time takes care of both concerns

•back up as often as you regularly make changes to your documents

FIREWALLS ARE KEY

•programs that keep others from accessing your computer from the outside

•acts as a "locked gate" for your computer hard drive

•can be installed on your computer via software (AVG, Black Ice, etc.)

•may also come with your operating system, router, or other networking hardware

KEEPING YOUR COMPUTER HEALTHY

•install a good anti-virus software program (AVG, Avast, etc.)

•this program will scan your files, drives, and email for viruses

•set up to scan external disks automatically when inserted into your machine

•set up to scan your hard drive automatically when you start your machine

•set up to scan email automatically when you send and receive

•be sure to update your software regularly for virus updates

•most programs give automatic prompt when new updates are available

POWER ISSUES

•surges in electrical power can harm your computer

•get a good surge protector with multiple plugs and on / off switch

•avoid cheap ones with a metal oxide varistor (MOV) suppressor that can fail

•buy a surge protector with included insurance to cover damage to equipment

•protects your computer even when turned off

•if you don't have a surge protector, unplug your equipment when not using it

•be particularly careful during storms or when lightning is present

PUTTING A STOP TO SPYING

•install a good spyware program (Malwarebytes, SuperAntiSpyware, Spybot, AdAware, etc.)

•tracks down programs secretly monitoring your computer activities

•these programs may have been installed through internet downloads

•can also be installed surreptitiously when installing other programs

•know where programs are coming from before downloading from internet

•research the software provider and make sure they are legitimate

•run spyware program weekly to clean out rogue programs from hard drive

STAYING AWAY FROM TROUBLE

•don't accept software or downloads from unconfirmed sources

•many viruses embedded in email attachments and activated when opened

•set your email program so it doesn't open "preview" window

•delete any suspicious email without opening it

•don't open attachments unless you know who and where they came from

•.exe, .com, .vbs, .bat, .mdb, .reg, and .js file extensions can be dangerous

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