PC Security guides

Spyware programs are a rapidly growing threat in computer security. These programs are essentially worm type viruses that copy themselves onto your computer without your consent, and the copied programs are designed to allow a hacker to access to your computer from a remote terminal.

The threats to your security are many, ranging from small, relatively harmless things like allowing a program to bypass your firewall security protocols and flooding your computer with useless and unsolicited advertisements, to more dangerous things like allowing a hacker to access your personal information, or even to gain actual control your PC from a remote terminal.

There are dozens of anti spyware programs available over the internet. When looking for one to buy, here are the factors you should definitely consider when making your choice:

Buy Anti Spyware Software - it is a truism that there are no free lunches. While there are fairly good free, downloadable anti spyware programs available, studies and consumer feedback show that the most comprehensive packages are the ones being marketed by major companies for consumer purchase. Try to obtain ones from a company that you have heard of and trust. Also, some of the more devious types of spyware actually disguise themselves as free anti spyware programs. These WILL block out the attempts of OTHER spyware programs, but will themselves be accessing your terminal…

Compatibility Issues - when buying an anti spyware program, check consumer reviews for it first; make sure that the program is completely compatible with all of the other major programs that you’re using on your computer. A compatibility issue is more than just a matter of convenience, since some spyware programs can use the incompatible programs as a back door to avoid the anti spyware’s detection and access your computer.

Periodic Updates - find a provider for your anti spyware program that periodically updates it’s services to keep up with the latest technology, and offers you the ability to download these updates. Hackers are continually working to modify their programs and finding new measures to bypass known countermeasures. Therefore, what works today may not defend against next week’s spyware programs, unless you keep your security program up to date.

Added Security Programs - aside from spyware, packages are available that feature anti virus systems, firewalls, and anti adware programs. Even if you already have similar existing security programs installed on your computer, two security systems work better than one. As stated earlier, just make sure that the two programs are compatible with each other.

Computer viruses are aptly named programs. Like biological viruses, they are harmful in nature, doing anything from bogging down the internet with excess data to deleting data in an infected computer. Also, just like biological viruses, they are self replicating and contagious in the sense that they can be transmitted from computer to computer.

Before anything else, you should buy or download an anti virus security program. A good security program should be able to do 2 things: One, it should be able to detect and block incoming viruses. Two, the program should be able to detect viruses that actually manage to infect your system, and should be able to clean these viruses out.

There are three major types of viruses known. It is best to be aware of these types, and know what steps can be taken to protect your computer against them.

One is the standard computer virus. These ride hidden in a normal program, and activate only when the program is accessed. The virus then spreads through the system by copying itself and infecting other programs it detects. Any good security system is primarily geared towards protection against generic viruses. However, new viruses are constantly being created by hackers, so the best defense against this is to find a security system provider that also remains up to date with the latest known types of viruses.

The second type of virus is the Email virus. These are viruses that reach your computer by hiding in an email. Once you access the email it activates the virus and proceeds to replicate by sending copies of itself to everyone in your address book. Email service providers have built in virus detectors to monitor incoming email, but the best defense is awareness. DON’T open emails from unknown sources, and in case you get an email from a trusted source with a title that looks suspicious, try confirming with the source if he or she did send the email before opening it.

Worms are the third type of security threat. These are computer programs that have the ability to copy themselves from terminal to terminal across the internet or even within a closed system like a local area network. Unlike regular viruses, worms copy themselves directly onto a computer without needing to ride hidden inside a file. Also, worms are dangerous because they are programmed to seek out specified loopholes in computer security programs, and use those weaknesses as an entry point to get into a system. Firewalls are the best means to deal with worms. Firewalls are programs that block out attempts by unknown computer sources to access your terminal.

We’ve all heard of computer viruses. Even people who are neophytes to computers have heard tales of computer viruses spreading like wildfire through a network and wreaking havoc. Unfortunately those tales, while mildly exaggerated, are fairly accurate portrayals of how potentially damaging viruses can be.

Aside from regular computer viruses, however, another irritating and potentially destructive type of computer program that can infect your pc through the internet is spyware, and its little cousin, adware.

Adware by itself is generally harmless, albeit irritating. It is a program that basically inserts itself into your system and spams you with tons of unasked for and unsolicited advertising.

Spyware is a much more threatening program. Some types of spyware seem like simple adware on the surface, but aside from flooding you with ads, spyware, as its name suggests, also allows its controller to monitor and access information you have on your computer. Other types of spyware also change your pc’s system configuration, leaving you open to further intrusions.

There are several methods available that can help you avoid the hazards of getting invaded by spyware. Among the most effective of these are:

Adjust your computer’s security settings - the procedure for adjusting your security settings differs depending on your operating system. By and large, it can be found by looking for the option for controlling system settings or internet options. Look for the heading that refers to system security, and adjust it according to your personal tastes. For home users, setting security levels to Medium is recommended, as High security settings will actually block out some sites you may want to access.

Firewalls - these are security programs that automatically block unidentified programs that try to remotely access your terminal. You can set the parameters of the firewall so that only certain types of programs get filtered, or even limit your accessibility so that only specified sources can send you data. The only disadvantage to a firewall is that sometimes it will tend to block information you try to receive from even harmless sources if they are not specified on your firewall settings.

Anti Spyware Programs - online programs can be downloaded that are actually geared towards spyware security. When looking for such a program, find one that not only detects and intercepts spyware attempts on your system, but one that also has options to actively scan your system periodically for existing spyware that may have already gotten in. Find a provider for your anti spyware program that keeps itself updated with the latest spyware technology so that you can download patches for the program that can deal with the latest types of spyware that hackers are using.

You can say that the internet is short cut for “international networking.” By just logging on, you can connect to people all over the world. They may be people you personally know or people you just know online. Whatever the case, there is always somebody on the other end of your internet connection.

As accessible and easy daily life is now thanks to the internet, there are disadvantages from this convenience. Criminal activities such as illiciting sexual activities on the web is an example of online problems society has to deal with.

Another online criminal activity is phishing. Phishing is acquiring personal information like passwords and credit card details by pretending to be a representative of a company. Phishing is done through email or instant messaging.

It is called ‘phishing’ because it similar to the recretional activity fishing. It ‘fishes’ for users’ personal information such as passwords and financial data.

Phishers create accounts on AOL by using fake algorithmically generated credit card numbers. These accounts are maintained for a number of months. Due to the reports of phishing incidences, AOL has brought in measures preventing this from happening by securing the data of their users and confiming the information of those signing up for AOL accounts.

On AOL, a phisher pretends that he is an AOL employee and sends out instant messages to random customers which asks for passwords of their account. Luring the victim further, the phisher includes in the message “verify your account” or “confirm billing information.”

Thus, a number of clients get lured in and give off their password. Once the phisher gains access of this sensitive information, he can use the victim’s account for spamming. Check your inbox and take a look at the spam messages you’ve received. Yes, those are real names of people. These people’s accounts have been hacked and is now being used to relay spam messages.

Because of this, AOL assures their clients that no one from the staff of AOL ask for their personal or billing information. Also, AOL has created a system which deactivates accounts as soon as there are signs that it is used for phishing.

Other recent phishing incidences involve that of the Internal Revenue Service. There is a way for phishers to know the bank of their potential victim. Then they pose as an employee of that bank and send an email to their victim.

Also, social networking sites can be a home-base for phishers because personal details that have been printed online are used for identity theft. Statistics show that over 70% phishing attempts are done in social networks.

Another technique used by phishers is coming up with a link in an email that belongs to a fake organization. They often use misspelled URLs or subdomains to trick potential victims.

Note the web address and check the @ symbol. For example, http://www.google.com@members.tripod.com may be a link that can easily deceive anyone casually observing the page. However, whoever clicks on this will be merely directed to a page that simply does not exist.

To tend to this problem, Internet Explorer and Mozzilla give users the option of either continuing or canceling their surfing. With a warning message, the user can just go to that questionable page or not.

There are some phishing scam which utilizes JavaScript commands. These alter the address bar and is done by imposing a picture of a credible entity URL over it. These visually deceives a casual internet user.

Another phishing technique is the cross-site scripting. Here, the culprit uses a legitimate companies own scripts on a potential victim. In doing so, the user is directed to sign in for the services of the imposed company. The security certificates and web address appearing on the page may seem correct for the non-professional eye. In truth though, this link the potential victim has clicked on is a way for a phisher to know his personal and financial information.

Damages from phishing are:
1. Loss of access to email which can also lead to financial loss.
2. Identity theft making the victim vulnerable to online criminal activities.
3. Access of public records

Once sensitive information such as credit card numbers, social security numbers and mother’s maiden name are acquired, it will be so easy for the phisher to manipulate the account of his victim.

For every problem, there is a solution and anti-phishing techniqes been created to prevent this online criminal activity from taking place. Users are taught to not believe every email sent to their inbox. When you get a message asking for your personal information, contact your bank or the company which supposedly sent you the email and verify it with them.

Then there is the Anti-Phishing Working Group which serves as the law enforcement association dealing with phishing incidences. From them, anti-phishing software can be downloaded by websites and uploaded as their homepage web content. Eventually, the toolbar displays the real domain name and serves also the guard dog against suspected phishers.

Installing Firefox and spam filters also protect the users from phishers. These programs reduce the email received by their clients.

In the end, it is all carefully reading the messages you receive in your email. As soon as it sounds suspicious, report it to the Anti-Phishing Working Group.

Securing the computer in your home is a task that requires your full and serious attention.

They take a lot of your time and there are steps that need to be done. The following are some of the tips and advice you could do to be able to secure your very own personal computer.

Anti-virus programs is a must

Imagine it this way, would you allow someone to knock at your door and enter your own living space in order to make you buy something or use your own telephone?

If they were neat and presentable enough you could probably let them inside your own home, but just like anyone else, you definitely would be watching their every move.

Observe just what it is you have done. You have already profiled that person and based on the profile you have come up with, have also decided what you will do.

This is because you are very much cautious and concerned on just who enters your own space.
Basically, this is how anti-virus programs work.
These programs scan all contents of every file, looking for patterns that are specific and one that would match a particular profile. This is basically termed as virus signature – or something that is notoriously harmful to your computer.

Every file that has a signature match, the program provides options on just how it is it should respond. One such response is by removing the patterns that are offensive or one that destroys the file.

A virus basically works this way. They are like salesmen who knock in your own living space and they would get you to buy or listen to their sales pitch. However, they could try to pilfer your money or valuables.

One way to know if a particular scammer is prowling in your neighborhood is probably by reading about them in the news or seeing them in a tv news report. These reports could give you an idea of what these scammers look like or what are the things to be wary and watch out for.

Anti-virus software programs basically work similarly. When the vendors know of a new potentially threatening virus, they have a set of updated signature viruses that could include the new virus threat.

Scan and check, check and scan

Other ways and means for viruses to enter your personal computer is via floppy disks, web sites, email, CD-ROM as well as downloaded files.

As much as possible, all these avenues must be checked if they contain viruses or not.

For instance, prior to using a particular floppy disk, it must first be checked for any viruses.

Also, when downloading a specific file from the net, these must be checked for any viruses. Your own anti-virus software program usually allows you to specify and check these places for any viruses. They may also do this scan automatically.

Patch it now, patch it good

The instance your computer’s system breaks down, do you have an idea on how you should restore its functions?

Many vendors have patches whose purpose is to fix any types of bugs. Usually, vendors offer patches that are free in their own web sites. When purchasing programs, it is a great idea if you ask the vendor how they supply patches.

Software vendor programs also have a service that allows you to a recall. Notices for patches could be received via e-mail through mailing list subscription. Through this service, one can easily learn computer problems even if you have yet to discover them and before any intruders could have the opportunity to exploit your computer’s system.

Be cautious when reading attachments via e-mail
Always be careful when opening received e-mails that carry attachments. Sometimes, the potentially threatening messages could come from unsolicited e-mails.

To be able to determine if an email is safe or not, it would be best to conduct the following test and ask these questions: Was the email sent by someone you know? Did you receive this e-mail before? Is the subject of the email described in a clear manner?

A suspicious e-mail usually read as BradPitt.jpg.vbs. Worms could travel this way and reading / opening it could bring damage to your computer system.

All in all, caution and care is needed to be able to protect your computer from unnecessary attacks by malicious viruses and worms.

Children, like adults, are just as susceptible from computer and internet security risks. Thus, it is important to keep children safe and have your data protected.

The following are simple yet effective steps so that security threats could be reduced dramatically.

Implement parental pc control

It is always best to implement a kind of parental control when kids are using the computer. Fortunately, there are ISPs available that could be purchased as software that is separate.

However, keep in mind that a software program is really a poor substitute for authentic supervision provided by a parent.

Through using the Internet Explorer, it allows anyone to conveniently restrict or simply do not allow particular web sites to be seen. Settings for these could be set through passwords.

In order to see these options, click on Tools on the menu bar, then choose Internet Options, select the tab named Content, click the button named Enable under the Content Advisor.

It is also best if you purchase software that enables you to watch and monitor any and all sites your kids go to.

Partition it now, partition it good

It is advisable to partition your personal computer into accounts that are separate. Many operating systems (these include the Mac, Windows XP, Linux) provide users the option to create different and various user accounts.

This works well especially if you have that fear of your kid accessing, modifying or deleting your own files. Giving your child an account that is separate decreases the access amount and the privileges your child has.

Use anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall

Software that provides anti-virus activities protects computers from any viruses that could destroy data, help prevent slow performance of your computer, helps prevent crashes and does not allow any spammers to infiltrate your e-mail.

Basically, this works through scanning the computer and any e-mails that are incoming. If there are any that contains viruses, these are automatically deleted.

An effective anti-virus program should have constant and routine updates as well as antidotes for any latest bugs that are currently in the internet.

Meanwhile, firewalls have the ability to keep any hackers away from your own computer thereby preventing them from accessing any of your personal info without your express permission.

Basically, a firewall is a guard that watches any attempts from the outside to access your personal computer system. It also blocks communications to and from sources that does not have your permission. As much as possible, always turn on your firewall and regularly update it.

Anti-spyware programs meanwhile protect your personal computers from any malicious forms of spyware. What spyware does is monitor all activities you do online. It also collects your personal info while you innocently do your surfing on the web.

Through anti-spyware, it scans in a periodic manner your computer to check if it has any spyware software and programs available. After which, it offers you the opportunity to immediately remove harmful software.

Password protect your pc

Using passwords that are strong or utilizing authentication technology that is strong helps you protect your personal info.

As much as possible, keep all your passwords in a secure and safe place. Do not share your passwords over the internet, phone or e-mail.
Remember that your ISP should not ask your password.

Hackers have the ability to acquire your password, unless of course you make it difficult for them to guess it through the following efforts: use passwords that contain eight characters including with it symbols and numerals; avoiding words that are common; avoiding using personal info; changing regularly your passwords (at least every three months).

A good way of creating a password is to come up with a phrase that is memorable and using first letters of every word as the password of your choice. Convert these letters into particular numbers that look like letters.

Do not forget to back up files that are important
The fact of the matter is that there is no such system that is one hundred percent secure. If there are any files that are important and is currently stored in your own computer, always copy them in discs that are removable.

After which, store them in a place that is secure.

You could also consider software encryption. It is also best if the start-up disks in the original software you bought is readily available just in case your computer system crashes.

All in all, helping your children safe from online security threats is an effort that is well worth it.

As the worlds becomes more advanced each day, it also seems to grow less and less secure. The creation of new virtual venues has also paved the way to the emergence of places where people can be victims of criminal activity such as fraud and identity theft. In the real world, people of high stature get the service of body guards and security forces. Would such protective measures also be beneficial for the world of data?

Most people think that data security is something that only large business entities would have to be concerned about. However, the internet is an open channel can be accessed by anyone. And now that people are doing more personal matters through the internet, such banking shopping, sending confidential male and personal letters, it is probably just right for people to take more steps to keep their privacy and security.

The answer to this situation is file encryption, which is basically a more sophisticated and powerful manifestation of the age-old art of ciphering that has been used by humans throughout history. Do you actually need to take advantage of such programs that make your files secure through complicated encryption? Perhaps knowing more about file encryption would help you decide the right answer to this question.

What exactly is a File Encryption Program?

A file encryption program basically uses complex algorithms to create codes for file contents so that they cannot easily be read by people other than their intended recipients. File encryption programs write messages, files, and other content into codes that can only be deciphered by persons who would have a decoder. It is somewhat similar to the way students write secret messages in class, they use different ways to manipulate messages in such a way that other people would not be able to understand them.

The big difference between the codes that people make and file encryption programs write is the complexity of the encryption being made. While the codes people normally make could take just a few analytical hours or minutes to decipher, the ones made by computers are so complex that they cannot be able to be unraveled by practically anyone even for a lifetime. In fact, even other computers who would not be able to decipher the codes without the right decoder.

The function of file encryption go beyond the field of information technology – computer files and electronic messages, it is also used by other industries such as in the entertainment business. For instance, DVD movies are encrypted so that digital video could not easily be converted into VHS format by consumers. Encryption is also used in to scramble videos of pay-per-view channels and only those who would pay would be given the codes to unscramble the reception.

Perhaps the most important application for file encryption programs is for privacy protection of people and organizations. The most commonly known example is this would be the message encryption being done for confidential electronic messages and projects being sent via the internet. Another example would be the decryption used for telephone conversations and satellite transmissions that help protect the security of concerned parties.

Do you actually need to get a file encryption program?

As mentioned, file encryption has many functions and the need for such security measures depends on the way you use your data and the way you go about your activities in open channels such as the internet. You have to carefully check what exactly you do when you are online.

Do you do banking transactions through the internet, or do you just view websites of your favorite stars? Do you send business messages and projects to your clients and colleagues through email, or do you just send jokes and funny quotes to your friends? Do you shop online and give out your credit card information, or do you just window shop and check out what you can buy in real stores?

When deciding whether you would need file encryption or not, you have to ask yourself if the things you do online actually require you to be secure. If you normally give vital personal information such as your credit card, social security number, addresses, and the like, then you might benefit from buying a file encryption program. But if you do not really do things that could compromise your security then, perhaps getting file encryption would just be a waste of your money.

But still, it never hurts to be safe. If you have extra cash and would like to be sure that you do not fall prey to the many dangers that lurk in technology, then by all means go and get a file encryption program. In these days where the world is becoming more and more complex, one can never be certain of what could happen.

A patch is generally the term used to refer to pieces of software that are created to give updates or fixes to existing programs that need to be rehashed or repaired. Patches fixes bugs, replaces graphics and improves a program’s performance or functionality. Patches are very useful and are usually needed if there are certain imperfections in the programs you are using, however, patches that are not made perfectly can also lead to other problems.

What are the Type of Patches?

Programmers create different forms of patches, each having its own function and characteristics. Software that have proprietary policies are delivered as executable files instead of sources. Such types of patches alters the executable program run by the user by either completely replacing the entire executable program or just making changes to the binary file.

Other patches may also be circulated as actual source code themselves. In such cases, there would be certain textual differentiation between the original source code and the one included in the patch. Such kinds of patches are made for projects that have open sources. For these types of patches, the programmers assume that the users would be able to do the update themselves without the help of executable files.

Patches may also come in larger forms. And since the term patch is usually associated with small or short fixes, bigger patches are sometimes called service packs or software updates. Microsoft Windows are known to use such terms to refer to their updates. However, even in the guise of another name, they are still patches nonetheless.

Other operating systems such, as Linux, among other systems that are similar to Unix, have patches that are distributed as full software packages. Such patches have their own installers that work so that they can serve as an upgrade to current existing versions or as stand-alone installers that can be set up by themselves.

How are patches used?

Patch sizes vary and may be as small as some kilobytes or go as high as a hundred megabytes and higher – the larger the size, the larger the change the patch is bound to do. Typically, when media, such as pictures and sounds, are changed or added instead of program, files become rather large. This is usually seen in patches designed to update or modify computer games.

Unlike software designed for initial installation process, patches generally are faster to apply. Some patches may be acquired from the manufacturers and sent to users in diskettes or discs, while others may be downloaded through the internet. Patches that are downloadable could take longer to acquire depending on the connection speed.

Most patches that are designed for operating systems and software for computer servers are created to fix important holes in the security system. Some operating systems allow automatic update or semi-automatic updating that allow the continual feed of patches whenever there are changes done by their authors.

A lot of people, especially those in the corporate world, decline getting totally automatic updates because there were many experiences of patches causing glitches. Some software experts also believe that allowing totally automatic updates may let software companies acquire limitless control over people’s computers. Thus, varying degrees of automation has been offered in relation to getting patches.

The use of totally automatic updates is rather more popular for the consumers because most operating systems, Microsoft Windows in particular, have added them as a support tool. The automatic updates for Windows has also been set as default by its creators.

Some users, especially network system managers, are very wary about installing patches. They put off applying them until they have clear proof that the fixes are stable. Most large patches or those that promote sudden significant alterations are distributed first with limited availability as beta tests for qualified developers who would know what to do in case something wrong happens.

Patches that are made to modify the programming of hardware are called firmware and are rather challenging because they entail complicated steps such as re-embedding sets of code on devices that involves that total modification and installation new codes for programs instead of just simple alterations to the existing version. Usually such patches perform delicate modification processes that could compromise the device if not installed properly, rendering it useless.

Do you really need patches?

There is no quick answer to this question. Patches are intended to improve the performance of your programs, however, they have to be very stable so that they would not do more harm than good. Before installing a patch, check for its stability by asking around about reported problems with installation.

You can check internet forums regarding users’ experiences with the particular patch you are about to apply. It is usually wise to put off the patch installation for some time before going with it to see how people react to its effects.

Prevention is always better than a pound of cure.
Believe it or not, it is now utterly impossible to survive without a computer. Almost anything and everything could be done on-line nowadays.

From purchasing to selling to paying bills, one really need not go out as any transaction could actually be made thru the computer thanks to the internet. Unless of course fresh air is also available online.

However, the computer’s flexibility has also allowed it to be vulnerable to attack from one of the most potentially harmful entities around: the computer virus.

The instance you detect that the computer you own is infected with a virus, the following are helpful tasks that you could do to protect it further and to also avoid other personal computers to be affected as well.

Use disks from trusted sources

You do not allow your shoes to tread on any mud puddle or any dirty floor, or your shirts to be easily vulnerable to stains or dirt. Therefore, it is always best to treat your computer the same way.

As much as possible, always be careful with what kind of disks as well as files enter your computer. Either the files were downloaded from the internet or the disks borrowed from friends, it is always best to make sure where they come from or to scan them in order to avoid any potentially harmful viruses.

It is also not a good idea to download any files from internet sites that are unsafe or insecure. Also, do not immediately open attachments received via e-mail.

Take a good look on the subject of the email as well as where the email came from. Be wary even if the email was from your contacts.

Fortunately, there are now facilities in email services that immediately scan attachments prior to opening them. Email subjects that are vague and from senders that have gibberish email addresses must arouse your suspicion.

Included in this group are those emails that aggressively claim that you should “Check out this message!” or that you should “See the following pics!”

Acquire a program that fights viruses

Fortunately, there are a lot of anti-virus software programs that scan and eliminate viruses once they are detected. This allows anyone to safely and confidently share data and disks, the freedom to download any files from the internet as well as open any attachments received via e-mail.

When the virus hits

Fear not. As much as possible, relax. There is a way out of this predicament. All you have to do is to visit the web site of the manufacturer of your anti-virus software. They may have the latest software which, if it will not delete the harmful virus, could identify and detect it.

Search for a vaccine

The world wide web is available at your beck and call so you could search for any information you may need with regards to the particular virus that you want deleted.

By entering the virus name on the search engine, all information as well as vaccine may present itself.

Download, download, download

Be free to install as well as download any patches of software or programs that could help in eliminating the computer virus.

You could also try to religiously follow any of the instructions that you will find in order to manually delete the virus.

Do not rest on your laurels

Do not be easily convinced that once the computer virus has been deleted, the virus is now totally eliminated.

The best way to determine if the virus is completely destroyed is via running a virus scan. If the scan reports that no virus components have been detected, you can now relax.

Un-attach yourself from attachments

Caution must always be practiced once attachments have been received. The file extensions that one should be careful in opening are those that end in *.exe, *.doc, *.ppt or *.xls.

However, those that end in the following extensions such as: *.js, *.vbs should – as much as possible – never be opened.

All in all, every computer is vulnerable to be attacked. What one needs to protect your own PC is caution and preparedness to look towards the future and anticipate any potential attack prior to it happening. This ensures your computer to run as smoothly as it possibly could.

You’ve heard horror stories about it, or perhaps you’ve experienced it yourself. Many a working man and woman have nearly gone insane after the disaster that all computer-dependent individuals shiver at the thought of: the great computer crash.

A person can literally lose everything he has saved on his computer in a blink of an eye. The reasons are varied. At times it occurs after an ample amount of warning signs, other times it comes as a complete surprise (making it more disconcerting). When these moments happen – and they do happen, and quite often actually – one can only hope that he has saved his files elsewhere, otherwise, there is little hope that they will be recovered.

Are you scared yet? If you don’t want this to happen to you and your precious files (which I’m almost sure you don’t), read on and find out how to create backups for your many important files.

But first off, if you’re still not convinced of the importance of backing up, here are a few reasons that might convince you.

Top Reasons Why You Should Back Up Your Files
1. One of the few universal truths in life is, no matter how in control you are of your universe, something, someday will inevitably go completely wrong, and usually it is something that will happen beyond your control. The same is true for the files on your computer. No matter how updated and top-of-the-line your hard drive is, it will someday inevitably give up on you and your files.

2. Numerous viruses abound in the computers of individuals around the world – computers that send and receive files through the internet. There are also the numerous floppy disks, CDs and flash drives that connect to your computer. Any one of these can be carriers of a harmful virus that can wipe out the data stored on your computer. If you don’t have a backup for this data, you’re most likely never going to see them again.

3. Power failures are one of the computer’s worst nightmares (which also include running water and becoming obsolete). They happen without notice, especially when the whether is bad. And power failures can just as easily ruin your computer and all the files on it. It is another good reason why you should back up your files.

The bottom line is, it’s better to be safe than to be sorry. There are many ways to bring about a data disaster, and there’s only one way to be prepared for any of them, and that is through backing up your files.

Ways to Back Up Your Files

There are various ways to back up the files on your computer. You can use internet programs and services that allow you to back up your files on a separate server that can be accessed through the internet. You can also use the conventional writable CD-ROM disc, where you can copy, paste, and burn the files on your computer through a no-brainer process. Zip disks are also effective for backing up files, as well as external hard drives.

How to Choose the Data You Should Back Up

When backing up files, you don’t have to copy the entire contents of your computer. Computer programs that you have a CD-ROM installer for often need not have a back up. Here are some of the files that you should definitely have back ups for:

- Bank records and other files that have financial information
- Digital images and pictures
- Software and music files that you downloaded from the Internet
- The contacts of your email address book
- Any other personal projects (essays, research and term papers for students; presentations, documents, and reports for the working folk)
- Important emails

Some Final Reminders on Backing Up Files

Do label your storage materials. If you are using CDs, for instance, be sure to label and file them properly. Back up files are of no use if you can’t find what you are looking for among them – and they’re sure to pile up.

Don’t use floppy disks as permanent storage for your backup files. The data inside them easily get damaged and won’t last long enough to be useful as a back up.