How do you ensure computer safety?

1 Use a surge protector

One of the simplest ways to ensure computer safety is to use a surge protector, which is a device that protects your computer from sudden spikes or drops in the power supply. A surge protector can prevent your computer from getting fried by a lightning strike, a power outage, or a faulty wiring. You should plug your computer and any peripherals, such as monitors, printers, and speakers, into a surge protector, and avoid using extension cords or multiple adapters. You should also replace your surge protector every few years, or when it shows signs of wear and tear.

3 Install antivirus and firewall software

A third way to ensure computer safety is to install antivirus and firewall software, which can protect your computer from malicious software and unauthorized access. Antivirus software can scan your computer for viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, and ransomware, and remove or quarantine them. Firewall software can monitor your network traffic and block any suspicious or unwanted connections. You should update your antivirus and firewall software regularly, and run periodic scans to check for any infections or breaches. You should also avoid opening unknown attachments, clicking on suspicious links, or downloading pirated software.

4 Create backups and use encryption

A fourth way to ensure computer safety is to create backups and use encryption, which can safeguard your data and privacy in case of loss, theft, or damage. Backups are copies of your data that you store in a separate location, such as an external hard drive, a cloud service, or a flash drive. Encryption is a process that scrambles your data with a password or a key, making it unreadable to anyone who does not have the password or the key. You should backup your data regularly, and encrypt your sensitive or personal data, such as passwords, financial records, or photos. You should also use strong passwords and avoid sharing them with anyone.

5 Follow ergonomic guidelines

A fifth way to ensure computer safety is to follow ergonomic guidelines, which can prevent injuries and discomfort from prolonged or improper use of your computer. Ergonomics is the science of designing and arranging your work environment to fit your physical needs and abilities. You should adjust your computer, chair, desk, keyboard, mouse, and monitor to suit your posture, height, and vision. You should also take frequent breaks, stretch your muscles, and rest your eyes. You should also avoid using your computer in extreme temperatures, humidity, or brightness.

6 Learn basic troubleshooting skills

A sixth way to ensure computer safety is to learn basic troubleshooting skills, which can help you fix common problems and avoid costly repairs. Troubleshooting is the process of identifying and solving the cause of a computer issue, such as a slow performance, a blue screen, a frozen cursor, or a noisy fan. You should familiarize yourself with your computer's manual, settings, and diagnostic tools, and learn how to perform basic tasks, such as restarting, updating, defragmenting, and restoring your computer. You should also know when to seek professional help, and where to find reliable and reputable computer repair services.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?