Windows security is a critical part of your computer’s protection, but there are times when you don’t need to spend as much money on it. Here are four tips to help you save money on Windows security:
- Use a password manager. A password manager stores all of your passwords in one place, so you can easily remember them and avoid having to remember multiple passwords. There are many different password managers available, and they all have different features and prices. If you’re not sure which one to choose, try using a free trial before making a purchase.
- Use caution when downloading software from the internet. Make sure that the software that you’re downloading is from a reputable source, and make sure that the software is from a company that you know has been in business for long enough to be trusted. Many times, software that is downloaded from the internet is not safe or virus-free, and it can damage your computer if installed without proper precautions.
- Keep your computer up-to-date with security patches. Security patches are important updates released by Microsoft and other companies designed to protect your computer against potential threats. Updating your computer regularly with these patches helps ensure that your computer is protected against current threats as well as future ones.
- Use strong passwords . A strong password is one that is difficult for someone else to guess or crack using brute force methods (a method involving trying every possible combination of characters). Make sure that your passwords are at least eight characters long and include at least two different types of characters (uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, symbols). ..
If you’ve got any geek skills at all, you probably don’t need to bother paying for an expensive security suite and a subscription. Instead, you can use the completely free Microsoft Security Essentials antivirus application, which we’ve already given our official blessing as a great solution.
I also explained the basics of how to keep your computer updated using Windows Update and third-party tools like Secunia PSI (which we’ve previously covered here).
For more, check out the article over at Lifehacker: Stop Paying for Windows Security; Microsoft’s Security Tools Are Good Enough