If there is one thing we’re all wondering, it’s how to keep ourselves safe when we’re on our computers. We hear daily about attacks by viruses, and we want to be sure that it doesn’t happen to us. It can be a big concern for many people, and they’d feel much more at ease if they could just keep their computer activity safe.

For that reason we asked our writers/experts, “How can I protect myself on my computer?”

The Solution

Jeffry jokes that to be totally safe you need to “isolate your computer from any contact to the outside. Don’t connect to the Net, don’t transfer files using a thumb drive,” and instead of using the computer get back to a typewriter instead. Of course this is just silly advice, but his point is why use a computer if it’s isolated. Besides, it’s nearly impossible to completely protect yourself on a connected computer.

That’s why Mahesh suggests that you follow four simple rules to keep yourself as protected as possible:

  • Don’t install unknown apps
  • Don’t click on links that look malicious
  • Install a good anti-virus program and be sure to keep it updated
  • Keep your OS updated with the latest version as well

Putting his humor to the side, Jeffry agrees with Mahesh, noting that even Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, is known to put tape over his computer camera. Barring that you can’t be completely safe, he suggests following Mahesh’s simple rules and possibly changing to an OS with a lesser-known security risk.

Mostly he believes you shouldn’t spend your time being too paranoid about staying protected and should just “enjoy your time in front of the computer.”

What do you think about this advice? Do you agree? Or do you believe it’s not as simple as this and that there is much more you can do to stay safe? How do you protect yourself on your computer? Join in on the conversation and let us know your ideas!

Laura has spent nearly 20 years writing news, reviews, and op-eds, with more than 10 of those years as an editor as well. She has exclusively used Apple products for the past three decades. In addition to writing and editing at MTE, she also runs the site’s sponsored review program.

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