You’ve most likely heard people tell you should back up your computer, or you should to have more secure passwords. Great tech habits aren’t only for nerds—they can spare you cash, protect your own data, and help you maintain a strategic distance from dissatisfaction down the road.
Here are ten tech habits everyone should have.
1. Search Google Like a Pro
I know everything because I pretty much just Google everything.
2. Backup Your Computer
You always think data loss won’t happen to you, but it happens to everyone one day.
3. Use Secure Passwords
You should get a good password manager like LastPass and update those passwords for the modern age.
4. Know What Maintenance Your Computer Needs
Computers take a little maintenance to run in their top shape, but there’s no need to hand it over to some quack to get it done—most of it is easy enough to do right at home.
5. Be Smart About Hoaxes, Scams, and Internet Myths
The internet is full with scams, hoaxes, and other misinformation that you probably run into all the time without realizing it. Just remember: if something seems a little dubious, it probably is.
6. Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi
When you’re desperate for Wi-Fi, it can be tempting to connect to that open “linksys” network or the password-free network of a nearby some cafe. However, doing so opens you up to all sorts of attacks. Stay safe when you’re on public Wi-Fi by turning off sharing and using SSL whenever possible.
7. Avoid Getting Malware and Spreading It to Others
Viruses are terrible, yet many of us don’t know precisely how they function—which is vital to keeping away from them. Do a bit of reading on what an virus is and look at the most widely recognized virus myths, then install a decent, free antivirus program on your computer.
8. Keep Your Desktop and Hard Drive Free of Clutter
If your desktop looks messy, then it’s time to clean things up a bit. Cluttered desktop make things harder to find and it slows down your computer.
9. Know When You’re Paying Too Much for a Product
Technology isn’t cheap, but it doesn’t have to be a complete drain on your wallet, either.
10. Regularly Audit Your Privacy Settings on Social Networks
You probably already realized that social networks like Facebook aren’t the ideal example for protection. Sadly, the best way to keep your information private—short of stopping those systems through and through—is review your security settings from time to time. Realize what each of those settings does and change them accordingly. You may likewise look at destinations like AdjustYourPrivacy.com to stay aware of your security settings on every one of your systems.