HOW DO I PREVENT VIRUSES?
Make sure you have anti-virus/anti-spyware software installed on your computer and that the software icon is running in the system tray without any error indicators. Also, keep your anti-virus definitions up to date. Do not install any Freeware or Shareware unless you are 100% positive it is legitimate. Read the EULA (End Use License Agreement) before agreeing to the installation. You will be surprised to find what you are agreeing to “give” in exchange for the use of the Freeware/Shareware.
WHAT ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE DO I USE?
Viruses are a fact of life in the computer world. If you are connected to the Internet, you should be running some form of anti-virus/anti-spyware software. Not all anti-virus software is 100% effective. The reliability varies between different manufacturers and editions. Many affect your computer performance by constantly monitoring your email and web access. Branson Computer evaluates different anti-virus/anti-spyware software and currently recommends AVG and Malwarebytes Premium. Both can run “real-time”, simultaneously, without interfering with each other.
SHOULD I PERFORM THE FREE WINDOWS 10 UPGRADE AS PROMPTED BY MICROSOFT?
A “free” upgrade to the latest Windows operating system is tempting. Microsoft won’t end security update support for Windows 7 until January 14, 2020; Windows 8.1 security update support, January 10, 2023. Program and hardware compatibility is still an issue. You should extensively research your computer hardware for compatibility with Windows 10. If you are running proprietary programs, contact your software vendor for information regarding support for Windows 10. If you’ve done the upgrade and want to revert to your original operating system, you have 30 days to do so. After 30 days you will either have to live with it or perform a data backup, reformat and restore. Windows 10 appears to run more efficiently than Windows 8 or 8.1. Windows 10 vs. Windows 7 is 50/50.