Purchasing a new computer is always exciting, and as soon as you get your hands on it there are a number of things that you would plan on installing. However, before you install anything the first thing that you need to do is get your Windows operating system up and running. There are a number of different versions of Windows that you can install, but it always recommended to either choosing Windows 7 or Windows 10 because these are the most user friendly and compatible operating systems that you can install.
Once you install Windows on your system, you need to make sure that your Windows is secure so that your computer has no problems and you are able to operate it smoothly. There are certain things that you can do in order to keep your system secure as soon as you have installed Windows. If you are wondering what you need to do in order to secure your system then here are some things that you should always keep in mind.
Keep Your Windows Operating System Up To Date
Whether you are using Windows 7 or whether you are installing Windows 10 make sure that you update your system on a regular basis. While Windows 10 usually gives you a popup telling you that you need an update, you may need to go into your control panel to check whether Windows 7 is an update. Make sure to check your update at least once in a week so that you keep your operating system up to date and ensure that there are no problems with the system. This also helps your system to run smoothly which makes it more convenient for you to work faster.
Update Your Software
Apart from Windows operating system, there will also be a number of other software that you will install on your computer. It is important to you to ensure that all the software that you install is updated and works smoothly. When you have software that is not updated for a long time it could create problems in your system and it also makes it easier for people to hack into your system or introduce a virus. It does not take long for software to get updated and as long as you check this on a regular basis you will ensure that your system is secure and has no problems.
Install A Reliable Antivirus
There are a number of people who skimp on an anti-virus and choose to install an antivirus that is available for free of costs less money. Remember, it is the antivirus that protects your system from the various Malware and Virus attacks, and the stronger the anti-virus the more reliable it is. Do not depend on a free antivirus to keep your system secure. Always look for something that has been tried, tested and proved to be effective in the market. An antivirus does not cost a lot of money, but choosing not to use one will definitely cost you.
When you get a new computer it is very tempting to go online and click on just about everything. You need to make sure that you are checking each and every link properly before you click on it. Sometimes it is just a matter of one alphabet missing and the suspicious link could look exactly like the link for your actual website. In such a scenario you may not even realize it but your brand new computer will be infected with a lot of virus and all your sensitive data will be gone.
You need to make sure that you stay careful whenever you are browsing. Not everything that you check or download can be trustworthy. You need to always be sure that you are clicking on a link that you know is the right link.
Secure Your Hard Drive
This is one of the first things that you need to do once you get a new computer. Your hard drive consists of just about all the information that you require on a daily basis. Some people even save their banking information on their computer and this is something that is very sensitive. If you have put in a password for your computer and you have forgotten it then you can reset it very easily. All you need to do is read the full info here and you will be able to reset your password within a matter of minutes.
You also need to make sure that you encrypt your hard drive. This is next level security that comes after your initial password on your computer. While a hacker may be able to get past the initial password, decrypting the hard drive is not that easy. This level of security needs to be done if you have very sensitive information on your computer or laptop.
Securing The Web Browser
Your browser is one of the most important tools that you will use when you are accessing the internet. While you may not consider securing the web browser, this is one of the biggest mistakes that you would make especially when you are accessing the internet for the first time from your new computer or laptop. You need to make sure that you check all the settings on a web browser and you secure it before you access the internet. You should always use the latest version of the web browser and keep it updated each and every time. If you are browsing your bank account then you need to make sure that you make your browsing session private.
Also ensure that you never enter any information in a popup window that comes up. This is how Malware gets their information from you. Irrespective of which browser you use you need to make sure that you consistently use the same browser. Changing the browser time and again is not going to help you and you will not even be sure of which browser works in what way. Once you select one particular browser and you change the settings on it you need to make sure that you continue using that browser for all your internet sessions.