Computer Help Blog

Computer viruses are malicious programs that infect computers, cause system slowdown and delete files. It is very simple to keep your computer safe from these. All you have to do is follow some simple computer security guidelines. Here are 10 simple tips to keep your computer safe from viruses:

–> Install an Antivirus Scanner:
Antivirus software are applications that are designed to detect viruses and other malware. Installing a good quality antivirus software is the first step to protect your computer from viruses. There are several virus scanners in the market. You have to purchase a subscription to install and use many of these. However, there are also several free antivirus software that provide good protection. Some of the leading software in the field include Avira, Kaspersky, BitDefender, Norton, Avast and AVG.

–> Install a Firewall Software:
A firewall is a computer software that prevents hacking attempts from the Internet. Many viruses and spyware infect your computer from the Internet. Installing a firewall blocks such malicious programs and prevents them from infecting your computer. If you can afford it, a hardware firewall is a better choice.

–> Switch to a Secure Browser:
Many virus programs make use of vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer. If you are using an older version of Internet Explorer, upgrade to the latest version. For more security consider switching to browsers like Firefox, Opera and Safari. These browsers are not only more secure, they also offer better features that Internet Explorer.

–> Keep your OS updated:
Malware spread and infect computers by exploiting the bugs and software vulnerabilities in the operating system. Keeping your computer updated with the latest patches and bug fixes not only makes your computer stable and faster, it also gives you protection from viruses and other malicious programs. You have update Windows by enabling Automatic Updates in the Control Panel.

–> Never Download Files from P2P Networks:
Many viruses and spyware spread through peer-to-peer networks. For this reason, avoid downloading files from torrents and other file sharing networks. Always download software from legitimate sites like Download.com. Always scan the files downloaded from the Internet before executing or installing them.

–> Be Careful with e-mail attachments:
Many viruses spread through e-mail as attachments. If you receive attachments in e-mail from someone whom you don’t know, exercise caution before opening it. Scan it throughly using a virus scanner and open it only if it is clean.

A scanner is a type of computer hardware that is used to scan documents and photos to feed into a computer in the form of an image format like JPEG, GIF, PNG, etc. After scanning the document or photo, it can then be printed or sent via email or faxed to someone. Documents can also be converted to other formats like text or doc format after performing optical character recognition. Scanners are usually used by many to make copies of photos and documents. They are also used by professional photographers and printers.

Over the years, the technology involved in scanners have seen many new developments and advances. However, the size of scanners has remained the same to accommodate the standard sized document. However, their thickness (i.e. height) has reduced gradually. Nowadays, most mid-size scanners available in the market measure approximately 10 by 15 by 3 inches in dimensions and weight about 4 lbs. Scanners used by professional printers are much bigger and have other features for automating the scanning process.

Most scanners available in the market have the same features. However, depending on the price, the quality of the scans is different. High end scanners tend to produce crystal-clear scans while the scanning quality of lower end scanners may be a bit low. The quality and speed of scanning can be adjusted using the software that comes with the scanners. It is also possible to adjust the colors and do image processing after scanning the photos or documents.

Most scanners ship with a software CD that has drivers to run the scanner and other accessory software like image editing tools, photo album software and optical character recognition software. These software can also be purchased separately.

If you are thinking of buying a scanner, it is advisable to consider investing in an all-in-one. An all-in-one incorporates a scanner with either an ink-jet printer or a laser printer. All-in-ones are cheaper and are more advantageous than standalone scanners or printers. In fact, an all-in-one can also be used as a photocopy machine without even connecting to a computer.

When you are buying a scanner, choose wisely. Ensure that it meets all your requirements. The best scanners brands in the market include Canon, Epson, HP and Dell. You can find scanners at online stores at much cheaper prices. However, you have to wait for a few days to receive your scanner in mail. When buying online, always buy from reputed sites like TigerDirect or NewEgg. Also read user reviews for getting a better idea about the scanner before buying.