11 Basic Steps You Should Take To Keep Your Computer Safe

It's easy to forget about computer security. Unfortunately, by the time you realize there's a problem with your computer, you could be in deep trouble.

Most users recycle the same passwords, never update their computer's software, and, worst of all, don't back up.

Take a few minutes out of your day and educate yourself on how a firewall works, what Java is and how to disable it, and a few other measures you can take to increase your computer's security.

We've put together a few basic tips you can use to make sure you're protected.

And if you're a sophisticated user, you may already have done most of our list. If you have, good for you—now send this to your friends and relatives who ask you for computer help!

Turn off Java now.

Java is software which runs interactive functions on some Web pages. It's mostly been replaced by newer technologies like Flash and HTML5. Unless you're running some really arcane Web software, you probably don't need it.

Earlier this year more than 700,000 Apple computers were infected with malware called the Flashback Trojan. All of these Macs had one thing in common: They were all running out-of-date versions of an add-on which let their Web browsers run Java.

To disable Java in Safari, the default Mac Web browser:

• First, head to Preferences
• Next, click on the security tab
• Finally, uncheck, "Disable Java"

Google Chrome:

Type "about:plugins" into Google Chrome's address bar and disable the Java plugin.

Firefox: 

In Firefox, visit Add-ons under Tools and click the Plugins tab. Disable the Java Applet Plug-in. 

And if you have a PC, follow these directions from Oracle, the software company behind Java.

Source: Cult of Mac

Always keep your computer up to date with software updates.

If you haven't checked for updates in the past two weeks, check now.

Automatic updates ensure that your computer will always have the latest bug fixes and patches. Often computer makers will issue these updates after they identify problems. Have the latest software will ensure that your computer is safe.

Macs have a system called Software Update and PCs have Windows Update.

Set your computer to lock when it wakes from sleep.

This may seem like a pain, but entering a password each time your computer wakes from sleep only takes a few seconds.

Making sure your computer locks when it sleeps can help protect it from unwanted eyes.

Imagine what could happen if you misplaced your computer. If it's not password-protected, then someone could access all your personal files and information.

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