7 Things a Computer User Needs to Know !

1. If you are using a PC, you should install a good anti-virus program and make sure that it is running and updating properly.

2. You should use only one anti-virus program at a time. Anti-virus programs can interfere with each other, so if you decide to install a new one, you need to uninstall the old one first.

3. You should perform operating system updates as soon as they become available. The easiest way for hackers to gain control of your computer is through an operating system flaw. These flaws are found all the time, so Microsoft (or Apple) will issue an update to correct the flaw. You should install these updates as soon as you can. If you are using Windows, when an update is available, you will see a yellow shield in the lower right corner of the screen. Just click on this shield to install the new updates.

4. You can have more than one web page open at a time. Most of the new browsers including Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Opera, and Safari support tabbed browsing. Just click on CTRL and press the T key at the same time. You will then be able to open a new web page without closing the one you were previously viewing. You will see both of the pages in the tabs above the web page. Click on either one to switch between them. Open as many web pages as you like and switch between them quickly and easily.

5. In Vista and Windows 7, you can find any program easily by using the "Start Search" area. Just click on the Start button and type the program you want to find into the search bar that appears immediately above the Search button. The result will appear at the top of the choices.

6. There are two types of firewalls, hardware and software. Both of these help to keep your computer secure. A router is a hardware firewall. If you have a network, you probably have a router, which will help keep your computer protected. A router works without any user intervention. A software firewall will also help keep your computer safe, but a software firewall will constantly nag you with questions about whether you want to allow or disallow a program from accessing the Internet. Making the wrong decision can cause problems. 

7. Back up important files. Develop a backup strategy, and copy all of your important files to a CD, an external USB Drive, or to the Internet on a regular basis. USB Drives have become very affordable. You can get free space on the Internet for your backup.