Long ago, way back in the 1980s and 1990s, if you wanted something on your computer, you had to buy a program and download it yourself onto the computer. These days, we can simply download most of what we need straight from the internet. While this is amazing, in some cases when we download a song or a game or software, we also are downloading malware. You can protect yourself from malicious downloads by following a few of these security questions.
Generally, it is safe to download from large companies such as Apple, Google and Microsoft. Downloading music into your iTunes account or downloading a game for your Xbox Live account is probably going to be a safe bet. On the other hand, there are plenty of other websites that allow you to download software, games, music and other items but they aren't necessarily secure. In general, if you have never heard of the website, do a bit of research before you download from it.
Every file that you download has a file extension at the end, such as .jpeg or .gif. Looking at the file extension before you download can be a good idea because many extensions tend to be used specifically for malware. Be wary of extensions like pif, doc, exe, scr and bat, but truly any file can be corrupted with a virus or other malicious programs, so scan it first before you download.
You might not realize it, but when you receive links in emails from friends or associates, these could potentially contain a virus or other malware. Often they are disguised as links to a funny video or an outrageous news story. It might appear to come from a trustworthy source, such as major news organization. However, if you hover over the link (without clicking on it) and look at the bottom of your browser screen, you will see its true location. What looks like it came from CNN or YouTube might come from a malicious site that is trying to hack into your PC.
Another common problem occurs when people attempt to download copyrighted items such as music or movies from sites illegally. If you cannot find a song, movie or book from a legitimate source such as iTunes or Amazon, other sites often sell them illegally. However, not only is the buyer violating copyright law, the seller might be including a virus along with your download.
If your PC does become infected, removing the malware can be tricky and time-consuming, so it's often easier to simply call in a Portland computer repair expert to handle the job for you. GeeksAKnockin', for instance, offers computer support in Portland, computer support in Hillsboro, computer support in Gresham, computer repair in Beaverton and throughout the Portland area.
Generally, it is safe to download from large companies such as Apple, Google and Microsoft. Downloading music into your iTunes account or downloading a game for your Xbox Live account is probably going to be a safe bet. On the other hand, there are plenty of other websites that allow you to download software, games, music and other items but they aren't necessarily secure. In general, if you have never heard of the website, do a bit of research before you download from it.
Every file that you download has a file extension at the end, such as .jpeg or .gif. Looking at the file extension before you download can be a good idea because many extensions tend to be used specifically for malware. Be wary of extensions like pif, doc, exe, scr and bat, but truly any file can be corrupted with a virus or other malicious programs, so scan it first before you download.
You might not realize it, but when you receive links in emails from friends or associates, these could potentially contain a virus or other malware. Often they are disguised as links to a funny video or an outrageous news story. It might appear to come from a trustworthy source, such as major news organization. However, if you hover over the link (without clicking on it) and look at the bottom of your browser screen, you will see its true location. What looks like it came from CNN or YouTube might come from a malicious site that is trying to hack into your PC.
Another common problem occurs when people attempt to download copyrighted items such as music or movies from sites illegally. If you cannot find a song, movie or book from a legitimate source such as iTunes or Amazon, other sites often sell them illegally. However, not only is the buyer violating copyright law, the seller might be including a virus along with your download.
If your PC does become infected, removing the malware can be tricky and time-consuming, so it's often easier to simply call in a Portland computer repair expert to handle the job for you. GeeksAKnockin', for instance, offers computer support in Portland, computer support in Hillsboro, computer support in Gresham, computer repair in Beaverton and throughout the Portland area.
About the Author:
Frankline Bell loves writing reviews on computer repairs and support companies. For further details about the best computer repair Hillsboro Oregon professionals or to find out more about Portland computer repair services, please check out the GeeksAKnockin.com website now.
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