Securing your Windows PC

In the lights of recent ransomeware attack, we have understood why it is important to keep our systems (especially if it is running in Windows OS) updated & why it is essential to keep an anti-virus & some anti-malware in our systems. They say 'Prevention is better than cure', so in this article we are going to reflect on how to keep our system safe, that too without pinching the pocket.

Anti-virus

While we enter in the realm of internet, we never know what kind of threat may lark in apparently harmless looking site. It may host number of Trojans, adware, malware....(God knows what). Therefore it is essential to have an active antivirus installed in your pc. There are hosts of antiviruses available for free & they offer a good basic protection against various threats. It is always important to register, even for the free versions (they do not charge anything for the registration) & to keep your antivirus updated. They usually release updates on monthly basis. There are loads of free antiviruses. You can consider followings:

Avast

AVG

BitDefender

Avira

Anti-Malware

Sometimes even antivirus is not sufficient, in the world of increasing online threats, it is wise to have an Anti-Malware installed in pc (though sometimes, some paid antivirus comes bundled with the Anti-Malware definition). If you are using free antivirus, you should consider installing some Anti-Malware. Like free Antivirus, lots of Anti-Malwares available in internet. You may consider the followings:

Spybot Search & Destroy

ADW Cleaner

AntiLogger

Malware Byte

Root-kit detector/ removal tool

Though sometimes some shady program makes its way inside our system without our knowledge & causes various issues, like unexplained loss of storage space, high cpu/RAM load, corruption of files (even system files) & many more. You can scan your system with these freeware & find out if there’s some infection. These freewares will point out what's wrong with your system (though not always provide the option to remove them).

BitDefender AntiRootKit

The bottom line is, if you are not willing to shell out some extra for the security of your pc that is fully fine, only you have to be extra cautious. The methods & softwares described above may provide you the basic security but you need to be careful about which site you are visiting, what are you downloading or what link you are clicking. Be careful, be safe.