There are many security risks while we use our computers. Since the internet becomes a common and most usable interface, as we use the internet on a daily basis, we are open to risks that are just out there on the web. We continuously either receive e-mails, browse the web visit different websites, download files, play movies, press publicity banners, etc… We might connect a USB device that might contain an infected file.

All of those subjects I have reviewed in that last paragraph are risks to our computers, there are different type of risks on the internet, some are while just browsing a risky virus-infected website that might try to install a spy type of application onto your computer, or install plug-in into your browser. You might receive e-mails that if opened might install a damaging application into your computer and you might just want to copy a file from someone’s USB memory stick, and that memory stick might have some infected files on it, that might infect your computer.

So to avoid, or at least minimize the risk to your computer there are some basic rules to maintain. The basic one is a Firewall, which yo

u might use a router that you might know how to configure to enable its a firewall and by that build the Firewall WALL that will guard your computer against outside threats. You can also use a software firewall, that will be as a default in the operating system (like the Windows OS offers a built-in firewall), or just install an external firewall software, which there are many types out there, you just need to make sure you choose a well known one, that, of course, gets daily updates, so it will be always updated with the newest threats and update its guarding mechanism against those threats.

The idea behind the firewall is a separation between the WAN (wide area network) and the LAN (local area network), so external sources can’t access your local network.

The other risk prevention way is to install Anti-Virus software on your computer, that will guard any changes or harmful software that might try to install itself onto your computer. The anti-virus software needs to get daily updates and be most updated against the newest risks that might appear, and there are many viruses that are being built on

a daily basis, and the updated system will be able to guard your computer for those viruses. The anti-virus system can either prevent the virus from installing itself automatically, or you might just choose to get a warning and enable you to choose the steps you want to take with the anti-virus warning (if you trust the software you’re trying to install which might get a warning from the anti-virus system you will be able to enable it to install).

Basically, if you have those two basic features, the Firewall and the Anti-Virus on your computer, you will be protected against dangerous occurrences that might occur on your computer, and prevent them from spreading and damaging your computer, and your important information that you would like to keep safe :-).

Be aware of the warning I have specified above, and keep your computer safe.