I have no idea why this information isn't better known. Free
anti-virus programs are some of the best bargains I know of for Windows
users, and yet many people have never heard of them.
First of all, every Windows computer needs an anti-virus program
running at all times. If you are running a Windows computer right now
without up-to-date anti-virus software, your system will become
infected with a virus sooner or later. In fact, your PC may be infected
right now without your knowledge. Yet there is a free and easy method
of avoiding viruses.
If you already have an anti-virus program installed, there are several things you should know:
Online backup services are popping up everywhere – and for good
reason. I would suggest that every computer user needs a good backup plan that includes storing of data
off-site. Anyone who has data worth keeping needs to have at least two
fresh backups at all times: one stored locally near the computer and
another stored some distance away. The distant backup provides
insurance against theft, fire, floods, hurricanes, and other local
disasters that will destroy local backups, along with the computer(s).
Online
backup services have been around for years, serving commercial
customers at rather high prices. Commercial services, such as Iron
Mountain Digital, typically charge $100 a month or more to back up data
off-site. Mozy
was the first company to successfully go after the consumer marketplace
and then has been followed by many others. I currently use Backblaze to back up the Macintosh and Windows systems in my home and am pleased with that company's $5 a month service.
Now
still another company is advertising its services to consumers, and at
attractive prices. Best of all, some of its services are FREE for personal use.
