Good computing habits for Windows users

As more and more people use the Internet to communicate and share information, their computers become more and more susceptible to viruses, security vulnerabilities, and spyware.

There are several steps you can take to maintain your computer's functionality. The best way to prevent your computer from being crippled by malicious viruses or programs is not to download or install anything of questionable origin. If you don't know what an attachment, program, or link is, do not click on it.

Virus Protection

Viruses are being transferred in more devious ways. They may come in as e-mail attachment that looks like it is from someone you know; in an MP3 on a peer-to-peer file sharing network; or as a link an instant messenger profile. Every computer should have an antivirus software (such as MalwareBytes, AVG Antivirus Free, or Microsoft Security Essentials with up-to-date virus definitions.

Windows Update

Microsoft regularly releases updates to the Windows operating system and other Microsoft products. Applying these updates is an important step to protecting your computer from security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers, viruses, and spyware.

Spyware Removal

Spyware, or software used to gather personal information without the user's knowledge, is increasingly becoming a problem for computer users. It can cause computers to run slowly, produce large amounts of network traffic, and cause programs to crash.

Windows Firewall

Firewalls protect your computer from unauthorized network access. They can be useful in protecting against viruses.

File Sharing

At Gustavus we offer Google Drive and Secure Share for file sharing purposes.