7 Critical Things to do Immediately With a New PC.

New Personal Computer is special in many ways for every user. There are number purposes that it will assist you with, from your office tasks to entertainment to communication. You interest, job, and schedule will decide what will be the most dedicated purpose you use your new PC for. However, here are 7 critical things to do immediately with a new PC, before getting on with your business.

Here is a quick checklist of 7 critical things to do immediately with a new PC:

Antivirus:

Antivirus software is to keep your PC malware-free. No matters if you buy it from computer seller or online, but make sure that you always install a genuine, reliable and updated antivirus for the best security of your new PC.

Though most of the latest operating system now offer inbuilt antivirus protection, (such as: Windows Defender with Windows 8), they are not as polished and feature-rich as dedicated antivirus products. After the installation of the antivirus software, do not forget to optimize the settings as per your requirement for best PC security.

Web Browser

Now when new PC is secure and safe with antivirus plan, user would love surf freely over the world of the web using a web browser. But different users have different choices on web browsers for their different features. So, the web default browser with the operating system may not be your default choice. There are plenty of them available in the market, like: Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Opera, etc. (also there is a strong fan-following building up for Microsoft’s soon-to-release Spartan browser). Whatever fits your choice, go for it.

Office Suite

There is a myth in the market that office suite software are only for presentation-tackling suit-wearers. There is a very rare possibility that you can always get on with a PC without needing any tool from office suite.

Presentations, documentation, spreadsheets, and a lot more things that make up productivity software suite that you might not have to create on your own, but you might need to run some already existing file. For example, there are several software, games, etc. that provide their product keys, manuals, installation read me file, etc. as document files. To run those files, you would need one. So, you better get one for new PC before proceeding with other software.

Cleaner

You may not need it instantly with the new PC. But when your favorite web browser, office suite and many other software come into action, your PC will start getting junks in the storage disk. And then there are endless reasons for a cleaner to be a must-add thing for the new PC. Well reputed cleaner, like EazePro, can keep your PC free from unused files and settings which usually take up loads of drive space and degrade PC’s performance and speed with the time. Using them, you can clean up these unnecessary files, which will eventually boost up your PC’s speed in just no time. Moreover, a quality cleaner offers you a secure browsing environment, decreases chances of sudden crashes, and just much more.

Media Player

Not just to listen songs or watch movies on your new PC, but there are several other situations when the need for media player is inevitable. The default media player in the Windows has its own advantages, but some special utility of other dedicated media players can never be ignored. Plus, if you want to stream an video online, you might still have to reach out for a media player plugin for web browser.

Windows, Software and Driver Update

With new PC, it is quite obvious for users to think that they are getting everything updated to the latest. Unluckily, that may not be true for all the cases. Also, Microsoft is too quick to release regular and multiple updates to Windows to keep up the security, stability and usability level up to the best. For Windows Update, you can dig into Control Panel to enable the auto-updates or to install the updates manually.

Though, software and driver updates are a little different from Windows Update, the overall aim is more or less the same- to make PC operate better. Most of the software offers intimation on availability of the new version and you can follow some mentioned links to get them. However, subscribing to a legitimate technical support services is one of the most reliable options. Most of the legitimate tech support subscriptions provide a regular and timely update for Windows, drivers, and other software.

Data Backup

We don’t know what we’ve got until we lose it. It goes right with PC data as well. Data backup is a pretty simple and easy thing to do, but most of the users ignore it. However, when a sudden system crash, electricity failure, accidentally file deletion, etc. takes away the precious data, user would get to know that data recovery is not only expensive but also close to impossible in some cases. So, do not wait for the mishap and instead get a data backup software installed or connect with a data backup technical support subscription for your new PC.

Final Words:

Password Manager, Parental Control Software (Normally with Good Antivirus it comes), Clipboard Tools, etc. might not sound very important for many as for the other. But experts emphasize on their use for being more productive, safe and secure with your new PC.

Ramnit Botnet Disabled Windows Update on Approx 3 Million Computers Worldwide

Europol along with Microsoft and other security firms has successfully taken down a malicious program, Ramnit botnet, that disabled Windows update on approximately 3 million computers worldwide within five years of attack. The disabling of Windows update by Ramnit makes infected PCs expose to malware attacks. 

According to security firm Symantec, the virus, capable of stealing passwords and confidential data of internet banking, first surfaced in 2010. The virus was designed to infect EXE, DLL and HTML files that are stored on the hard disk or other connected storage devices. Once the virus is active, it alters several security settings of Windows, including the virus-scanner installed by default. The botnet was under stoplight in 2012 for infecting Facebook and other social media sites. 

On the take down of disastrous virus, Europol’s deputy director of operations, Wil van Gemert, quoted as saying, “This successful operation shows the importance of international law enforcement working together with private industry in the fight against the global threat of cybercrime. 

”We will continue our efforts in taking down botnets and disrupting the core infrastructures used by criminals to conduct a variety of cybercrimes. Together with the EU Member States and partners around the globe, our aim is to protect people around the world against these criminal activities.

”Microsoft and Symantec have released remedy to clean and restore infected computers’ defense. Microsoft advises users to regularly scan their computer with antivirus scanners and warns to be careful with e-mails and social media messages of unknown users.

”During the past six months, Microsoft detected approximately 500,000 instances of computers infected with Ramnit,” Microsoft said in a blog post. “If you’re using Windows 8 or later versions, Windows Defender comes built-in. If you’re running an older operating system, you can install Microsoft Security Essentials,” it added. 

Although, the minds behind the botnet are not able to communicate with the infected computers, but the infected devices still contain the virus and the modified settings are still active. So, it would require the activeness of PC user to take the requisite steps for PC security.

Courtesy by Live PC Expert

Safe Web browsing

Today, February 10, is Safer Internet Day. Therefore, we want to share with you some tips for safer browsing.

Most of the time, when you browse the Internet, shop online or simply check your bank accounts, all you need is a little common sense and these guidelines to keep all of your devices free from viruses and threats. 

Tips for Safe Web browsing

1. SHOP ONLINE WITH CAUTION

When shopping online make sure that the site’s URL is the same as the website you think you are browsing and that the address starts with HTTPS. Do not forget to check the privacy policy.

2. KEEP YOUR ANTIVIRUS UPDATED

Android, Windows, Mac… When browsing the Internet it is essential that your device is secure and updated. There is specialized malware for each of them and therefore, it is vital to have an antivirus software to protect your identity online and that of your family.

3. USE A KNOWN WI-FI NETWORK

It is very convenient to connect to networks in bars, shopping malls or stores but bear in mind that they are not usually very secure. The data packets transmitted over public connections can easily be intercepted by hackers or cyber-criminals.

4. KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR INBOX

When you receive an email from an unknown sender, do not click on the links or attachments. Similarly, do not respond to these emails providing personal data or login details for different accounts.

5. TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN

Children use smartphones and tablets just as easily as adults and this is good, provided that they know what they should not do. Above all, it is very important for adults to supervise their online activity.

6. LOOK AFTER THE ‘INTERNET OF THINGS’

There are many Internet-connected home appliances: televisions, microwaves, security systems… The best thing you can do is keep the operating system updated.

And remember that you should put these tips into practice every day of the year, not just today.