The online world is full of amazing downloads to consider, from music to games to software that makes our lives easier. On the other hand, the internet is also full of malicious software or malware and when you download a new free game, you might also be downloading a virus or other nasty bit of malware. To keep safe, consider taking the following precautions.
It is important, first of all, to never download anything unless you trust the source. For some items, such as music from iTunes or downloads from companies such as Microsoft, you are probably very secure. However, other websites are less well known and possibly less secure. If the site is unknown to you, do some research and see if other people have downloaded items safely from this source.
File extensions also can be troublesome, and these are located at the end of every file and might look like .gif or perhaps .jpeg. There are many different extensions and often those that look like .exe, .doc, .scr and .bat can be malicious. However, anytime you download from a source you aren't 100% sure about, it is wise to scan the file first with your anti-virus program.
It seems like every day we receive hundreds of emails. Some of the worst emails head straight for your spam folder, but occasionally an odd email from one of your contacts makes it into your inbox. If it comes from a friend or a co-worker, you probably don't think too much about opening it and clicking on the links inside. However, sometimes these links are fraudulent and you can end up allowing malware to access your entire contact list or perhaps you will be downloading a Trojan or virus. To ensure that the link is OK, hover on top of the link, but don't click. Then look at the bottom of your browser screen, it should show the true source of the link. If it truly is a funny video from Buzz Feed or an interesting article from CNN, this will show as the website. If it's not, then just don't click on the link and delete the email.
Another common problem occurs when people attempt to download copyrighted items such as music or movies from sites illegally. If you cannot find a song, movie or book from a legitimate source such as iTunes or Amazon, other sites often sell them illegally. However, not only is the buyer violating copyright law, the seller might be including a virus along with your download.
Of course, even if you are careful, malware can happen and removing it is definitely time-consuming. It's typically much easier to just call a company such as GeeksAKnockin' and have them scan your computer and remove any malware or viruses. If you need Portland computer repair, Gresham computer repair or Hillsboro computer repair, give them a call and they can remove the malware, improve your overall security and even speed up your PC.
It is important, first of all, to never download anything unless you trust the source. For some items, such as music from iTunes or downloads from companies such as Microsoft, you are probably very secure. However, other websites are less well known and possibly less secure. If the site is unknown to you, do some research and see if other people have downloaded items safely from this source.
File extensions also can be troublesome, and these are located at the end of every file and might look like .gif or perhaps .jpeg. There are many different extensions and often those that look like .exe, .doc, .scr and .bat can be malicious. However, anytime you download from a source you aren't 100% sure about, it is wise to scan the file first with your anti-virus program.
It seems like every day we receive hundreds of emails. Some of the worst emails head straight for your spam folder, but occasionally an odd email from one of your contacts makes it into your inbox. If it comes from a friend or a co-worker, you probably don't think too much about opening it and clicking on the links inside. However, sometimes these links are fraudulent and you can end up allowing malware to access your entire contact list or perhaps you will be downloading a Trojan or virus. To ensure that the link is OK, hover on top of the link, but don't click. Then look at the bottom of your browser screen, it should show the true source of the link. If it truly is a funny video from Buzz Feed or an interesting article from CNN, this will show as the website. If it's not, then just don't click on the link and delete the email.
Another common problem occurs when people attempt to download copyrighted items such as music or movies from sites illegally. If you cannot find a song, movie or book from a legitimate source such as iTunes or Amazon, other sites often sell them illegally. However, not only is the buyer violating copyright law, the seller might be including a virus along with your download.
Of course, even if you are careful, malware can happen and removing it is definitely time-consuming. It's typically much easier to just call a company such as GeeksAKnockin' and have them scan your computer and remove any malware or viruses. If you need Portland computer repair, Gresham computer repair or Hillsboro computer repair, give them a call and they can remove the malware, improve your overall security and even speed up your PC.
About the Author:
Frankline Bell enjoys blogging reviews on computer repairs and support companies. To get further details about the best computer repair Hillsboro Oregon professionals or to find out more about Portland computer repair services, please go to the GeeksAKnockin.com website now.
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