Computer Hardware:
• Tools, Static & Cleaning
• Form Factor
• PC Case & Fans
• Motherboard
• Processor (CPU)
• Power Supply Unit
• RAM
• Hard Drive
• Solid State Drive
• Optical Drive
• Floppy Disk Drive
• Graphics Card
• Sound Card
• Network Card
• Computer Monitor
• Keyboard & Mouse
• Laptop / Netbook
• Building a Computer
• Overclocking
Operating System & Backup:
• Operating System
• Drivers
• Windows Tools
• User Accounts
• Backup
• Windows 10
Internet & Network:
• Internet
• Wi-fi or Cable
• Improve Broadband Speed
• Network Computers
Computer Peripherals:
• Printer
• Scanner
• External Hard Drive
• USB Flash Drive
Computer Security:
• Anti-virus
• Anti-Spyware
• Phishing
• Firewall
Common PC Problems:
• Slow Computer
• Hardware Failure
• Software Failure
• Printing Problems
Miscellaneous:
• Windows Shortcuts
• Glossary of Terms
• HTML Colour Picker
• Number Base Converter
• Tools, Static & Cleaning
• Form Factor
• PC Case & Fans
• Motherboard
• Processor (CPU)
• Power Supply Unit
• RAM
• Hard Drive
• Solid State Drive
• Optical Drive
• Floppy Disk Drive
• Graphics Card
• Sound Card
• Network Card
• Computer Monitor
• Keyboard & Mouse
• Laptop / Netbook
• Building a Computer
• Overclocking
Operating System & Backup:
• Operating System
• Drivers
• Windows Tools
• User Accounts
• Backup
• Windows 10
Internet & Network:
• Internet
• Wi-fi or Cable
• Improve Broadband Speed
• Network Computers
Computer Peripherals:
• Printer
• Scanner
• External Hard Drive
• USB Flash Drive
Computer Security:
• Anti-virus
• Anti-Spyware
• Phishing
• Firewall
Common PC Problems:
• Slow Computer
• Hardware Failure
• Software Failure
• Printing Problems
Miscellaneous:
• Windows Shortcuts
• Glossary of Terms
• HTML Colour Picker
• Number Base Converter
Anti-Virus Software is used to detect, prevent, and remove a virus or malware (Malicious-Software) from your computer.
A computer virus is a self-replicating program that typically has a detrimental effect, such as corrupting your computer or destroying data. It may slow your computer, display unwanted messages, or destroy important system files so that your computer will not be able to boot correctly.
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How does my computer get infected with a virus?
Your computer can get infected by a virus from various sources including the following:
• Opening an e-mail attachment from an unknown source.
• Visiting an infected website.
• Downloading programs such as free games and utilities.
• Sharing infected files with others.
How can i protect against computer viruses?
• You can install Anti-Virus software and keep it updated.
• Do not open e-mail attachments if you do not know who sent it.
• Do not visit dodgy websites.
• Only download software from reputable websites.
• Right-click a downloaded/shared file and let your Anti-Virus Software scan it.
Which Anti-Virus Software should i use?
There are plenty of different Anti-Virus programs that you can use. Some are free to download with an option to purchase the software with more features. Free Anti-Virus Software can be downloaded from 'Avast' or 'AVG' websites. Payed for Anti-Virus programs such as 'Norton' will offer a lot of features but will be quite expensive as you have to renew your subscription every year.
• Avast - https://www.avast.com/en-gb/index
• AVG - http://www.avg.com/ww-en/homepage
• Norton - http://uk.norton.com/
• McAfee - http://www.mcafee.com/uk/
• Bitdefender - http://www.bitdefender.co.uk/
You should only run one Anti-Virus program at a time because they may conflict with each other and cause problems as well as slowing down your computer.
Different types of Malware:
There are different types of Malware including the following:
• Virus - A virus is a self replicating program that typically has a detrimental effect on the infected computer.
• Worm - A worm is a virus that replicates over a network or the Internet and slows it down by consuming bandwidth.
• Trojan Horse - A Trojan Horse is Malware that pretends to be a legitimate program.
• Spyware - Spyware monitors your movements on the Internet, sending information back to a central computer that then targets you with advertising.
• Phishing - Phishing is a scam that fools you into giving out your personal or financial information, usernames, and passwords.
As well as Anti-Virus Software, you should also have an Anti-Spyware program and a Firewall. More information can be found on this website about Anti-Spyware, Phishing, and Firewalls.
Windows Updates and latest Browser
You should download all the important 'Windows Updates' as they fix problems and make your computer more secure by downloading bug fixes, and security patches.
'Windows Update' can be found in the Control Panel. You can change the settings to the following:
• Install updates automatically (recommended).
• Download updates but let me choose whether to install them.
• Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them.
• Never check for updates (not recommended).
There are three types of updates including:
• 'Important updates' - Offers significant benefits for security and reliability and should be installed immediately.
• 'Recommended updates' - These are updates for non-critical problems but can offer meaningful improvements.
• 'Optional updates' - These are usually improved Microsoft Drivers and software to enhance your computer experience.
It is important to keep your Browser up to date. An out of date Browser can contain security vulnerabilities which can be exploited and you risk your personal information being stolen or destroyed. There are several Browsers to choose from including the following:
• Microsoft Internet Explorer:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/internet-explorer/download-ie
• Google Chrome:
http://www.google.com/chrome/
• Mozilla Firefox:
https://www.mozilla.org/en-GB/firefox/new/