Modern age living can be quite challenging, especially for those who are unfamiliar with computers. Today, we live in the information age, where everything is digitalized. Our computer systems are used for virtually every area of our lives, whether it’s online shopping, work, schooling, remote learning, and general day to day tasks, watching movies or listening to music.
It’s those individuals that are most familiar with computers that tend to excel over all others. However, the good news is that, learning the basics isn’t as difficult as you may think. If you just spend a little bit of time every day, familiarizing yourself with all the different tools and programs on your system, you should start to notice your proficiency improve.
Below you will find 9 top tips for the PC beginner.
1. Use Complex Passwords
The most common way cyber criminals are able to hack into your account(s) is by taking advantage of weak passwords, which tend to be used across multiple accounts. Having the same username and password for all your different accounts (gaming, social media, forums, emails) is very dangerous by itself, using a very weak password across all of them, is just asking for trouble.
2. Keep Your System Free of Junk
Have you ever wondering why you have a toolbar on your web browser that you didn’t install, or why you have so much stuff installed on your system that you have no interest in ever using? Crapware (as it’s also known by) is a fairly common problem for Windows users nowadays, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything you can do about it. If you have the right tools installed and the required knowledge, you can set your system up to avoid crapware, forever. The first thing you’ll want to do is uninstall any tools or programs that came with the system that you do not use. You also need to learn about the various ways companies trick users into installing stuff they don’t want or need. Just these two things alone should be enough to keep most crapware off your system.
3. Keep Your PC Up-To-Date
The smartest and most important thing that you can do for your system, if you want it to run smoothly and optimally, is to keep it up-to-date with the latest software. This means, installing updates as and when they are made available (whether its macOS or Windows). You also want to update all your applications. These updates usually come with performance improvements and vital security fixes, so it’s certainly worth taking the time to do these things.
4. Keep Your Data Backed Up
One of the most common, yet biggest mistakes any end user can make is to not backup their most important data. There are tons of methods and tools that you can use to back up your data, which is why there is no excuse why you shouldn’t. The best method to use to back up your data is through the use of a USB data stick. Copying confidential data to an external source is seen as the safest way of securing your data.
5. Protect Your System from Viruses
If you’ve been using Windows PCs for any real length of time, then you should already be familiar with the pains of malware, but the reality is, if you take the necessary steps, it is possible to avoid them.
The first thing you’ll want to do is take the time to learn the differences between the various malicious file types. Such as viruses, worms, Trojans etc. You also want to learn about the attack methods, as well as any myths that may surround them.
Once you’re familiar with all that, the next thing to do should be to install an antivirus scanner (such as AVG Free, Bitdefender or Avast; depending on what meets your fancy). If you have a mobile phone, you can also download antivirus software for that.
However, with all of that said and done, the most effective way of avoiding ever falling prey to malicious files is to apply common sense. This means, being able to discern between a legitimate and illegitimate link, not installing software from dodgy sources, and if you see any strange or weird pop-up windows, not immediately thinking that they are legitimate. Many of them will direct you to a fake web page.
6. Learn At Your Own Speed
When learning about computers, it’s always best to do it at your own individual pace. This may mean, not allowing others to distract you. Anyone first venturing into computers, already comes with their own knowledge and sometimes expertise; this means, everyone has their own unique learning curve.
7. Learn Technical Terms
When learning about computers, it’s always best to get a grasp of the various technical terms. Data is information, such as your documents and work. A program is basically a set of instructions utilized on a computer.
8. Learn to Back up Your Data
Of all the important things you can and should do on your computer, backing up your data sits proudly at the top. However, the sad reality is that so many people don’t do this. Whether its sensitive documents, family photos or some other important data, regularly backing up your data will ensure that this data is never lost, regardless of what may happen. There are many methods that you can use to back up your data, from your cloud storage service, such as Dropbox, to an external hard drive. You may want to go with what works best for you.
9. Learn the Various Keyboard Shortcuts
If you spend any real length of time on your computer, then it’s in your best interest to learn at least some keyboard shortcuts, as it can save a lot of your time. For example, instead of using your mouse all the time, if you would like to copy and paste something, then you could simply use the shortcuts Ctrl + C (copy) and Ctrl + V (paste). This is at least valid on Microsoft Windows, for Mac users, you may find slight differences. That said, both operating systems allow you to create your own button combinations. You can find a shortcut for virtually any and every Windows task. Whether it’s taking a screenshot or opening a new tab – so you may want to take as much time as you need to learn those that are most applicable to you, given the daily activities you carry out on your system. You’ll be surprised at just how much time you will save, every day.
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