With our world revolving around the internet more every day, you probably spend a great deal of time on the web (like now!). Unfortunately for you and your computer, the internet can be a dangerous place. In this article I plan to tell you three very simple ways to keep your computer out of harm’s way.

Update your browser

The easiest way is to use an updated web browser. Many people still use the browser that came with their PC. While this really isn’t a big deal if you know what you’re doing, it can be very dangerous for someone who isn’t aware of the capabilities of the websites they are visiting.

A lot of people are afraid the games they play (such as FarmVille) won’t work if they upgrade their browser. A way to avoid a week’s worth of crops withering is to just wait a week or so to upgrade. This gives developers time to work out the kinks, and allows you to avoid any time missed in your entertainment.

I’ve also heard a few people be concerned that upgrading will cause their computer to be slower. This shouldn’t be a concern. If you allow your computer time to download and install, you should see little to no affect on your overall speed. In some cases, you will see a small increase in speed if the upgraded version has slimmed itself down (most of them are following in Google Chrome’s footsteps and are diminishing a lot of the unnecessary, which results in slightly faster browsing speeds).

As of 3/25/12, the most up-to-date browser versions are:

Google Chrome – 17.0.963.83
Mozilla Firefox – 11.0
Internet Explorer – 9 (XP Users can only run up to version 8 )
These are all free programs and will not harm your computer in any way. LPH recommends Google Chrome.

Antivirus

A good antivirus is like having a deadbolt on your front door: it wont stop all intruders but it really does help to keep you safe. While some antivirus programs cost money (like Kaspersky, Norton, and BitDefender), most of the time the free options (such as Avast!, Avira, and Microsoft Security Essentials) can do a more than adequate job of protecting you while you freely browse the internet.

I have been installing Avast! for close to two years on my customers’ and family’s computers and I can count on one hand the number of people that have come back to me with an infected computer. All of these programs are completely free (or at least have a free version) and provide great defense against the constant onslaught of viruses.

Personally, I recommend the use of Avast! because it is effective, it automatically updates itself, it notifies you of any potential threats and, best of all, WebRep. WebRep is a browser plug-in that actually checks links on web pages (such as Google) for their safety and constantly provides instant assurance that the site you are about to visit is, indeed, safe for your computer.

AV Comparatives provides independent reviews and testing of most of the major AV distributors out there. Go check them out if you are curious as to how they stack up.

Common Sense

Have you ever heard the saying, “There’s no such thing as free”? Well, this popular saying is ESPECIALLY true on the web! If you can’t walk into Walmart and just stick an iPad in your pocket, you can guarantee that no one on the internet has one that they’re actually willing to give to you for free.

Think before you click! Services like Frostwire, iMesh, Bearshare, etc. may claim to give you free music and movies but they don’t tell you that the large majority of content available through those programs is illegal. Not only are you more than likely committing a felony, you are also opening yourself up to being hacked or getting a virus.

A common way people get viruses is when a website tells the user they have to download a particular program to view their content. If Adobe Flash Player cant play the video then you probably have stumbled across a website your computer should be afraid of. While it is true that these “players” typically aren’t viruses, they do tend to be some form of adware which is bad news itself.

While the things mentioned above are not the only steps you can take to protect your computer from falling prey to the dangerous areas of the internet, they are the easiest and most often over looked ways to stay virus free. Remember to browse the internet consciously, and with up-to-date browsing software and adequate protection from the things you stumble upon!