Computer security is a highly important issue in the modern world. Since our dependence on computers have grown by leaps and bounds, the need for security has equally increased with the times.
Softwares are good, they help us in a number of ways, but there are kinds of software which do not really come into any help, but can make your life completely miserable.
Take for example, spywares, adwares, viruses and worms. They are a big threat to your network, your personal computer, your laptop, maybe your PDA and a lot of other equipment that runs on software.
That is the reason why you should always be prepared, and more importantly, you should always be on your guard. You must prevent the harmful softwares from making an entry into your computer.
And, to a certain extent, it is upon your own hands. If you are serious about security, which you should be, you can prevent worms burrowing into your computer.
It is, you should know, always better to prevent than to remove later. Because removing a worm might prove to be a problem. The problem with a worm is, in a network, it propagates itself by self replication.
Therefore, a network system which has become infested with worm programs is very difficult to remedy. It is always better to use proper firewalls and prevent the worms from entering your system in the first place.
The first thing that you should do is, switch to an operating system which is relatively low on risk. Do not choose an OS that has a lot of bugs reported. Linux or Unix are systems that support your endeavor in this count.
Keep a keen eye for new patches for your operating system. For, remember, whenever a weakness in the security of an OS is discovered, it is very likely that such weaknesses will be used by people with ulterior motives.
The second thing, a must in case you have sensitive or important information, is backing up of files. A back up is a secondary storage for important data. You make two copies of the same data, so that, if a worm destroys your hard disk, you do not have to worry about retrieving the data.
Another thing that you must have is a firewall for your system. The system must not allow access to websites that are dubious and known to distribute harmful programs. This also depends on personal judgment.
If you are using a system without a firewall or a web proxy system installed, you must carefully avoid sites that you do not know much about in way of reputation.
Browsers like Opera, Firefox, etc. should be used since they block a lot of unsolicited programs and cookies and pop-one from your computer.
