Windows:Protecting your computer free from Viruses, Malwares and other Harmful Programs

Many People face problems of viruses on their computers nowadays. Many times they lose their important data because of these harmful programs. I have been using Windows 7 for 5 years. I keep installing different softwares on my PC but yet I did not face any problem of viruses on My PC. How did I maintain this? Here are the tips that I followed and still follow.

 Here are some useful tips to keep your computer virus free.

1. First of all after installing an operating system I would like to suggest not to insert any external drive into the USB port.Because most of the viruses enter into the system through external drives using auto-run feature of the windows.
2. I would like to suggest you first to disable auto-run feature.
   
3. Install any reliable antivirus software like Norton, McAfee, Kasper-sky, etc. If you don't want to spend money you can install Microsoft security essentials which is a free antivirus program by Microsoft and is very easy to install and use.
4. Keep your Antivirus software updated with the latest virus signatures / definitions.
5. Don't open any attracting program blindly such as games or an other program with attractive icons that may be a virus.
6. Scan files for viruses before using them.
7. Don't download programs from the Web. Unreliable sources such as Internet newsgroups or Web sites that you haven't heard of may be willing providers of viruses for your computer. Avoid downloading files you can't be sure are safe. This includes freeware, screensavers, games, and any other executable program—any files with an ".exe" or "".com" extension, such as "coolgame.exe." Check to see if the site has anti-virus software running on their side.
8. Use common sense. It's always better to err on the side of safety. If you're unsure about an attachment, delete it. Especially if it's from a source you don't recognize. If there are tempting animations on a site that look highly unprofessional, don't download them.
9. Don't boot from an unknown data CD. Data CDs are one of the most common ways viruses are transmitted. If you are using a data CD while working on your computer, remove it when you shut the machine off or the computer may automatically try to boot from the disc, perhaps launching or installing bad programs or files on your computer.
10. Don't share data CDs or Flash drive. Even a well-meaning friend may unknowingly pass along a virus, Trojan horse, or worm. Label your discs clearly so you know they're yours and don't loan them out. If a friend passes you a foreign disc, suggest an alternative method of file sharing.

PC TECH PLANET: COMPUTER A Brief History

The history of computers is very long. Human beings always try to find ways to make their work easier and faster. Previously they did not have to perform complex calculations. As they began to change their lifestyle and their needs grew more and more they had to calculate much more complex calculations and the need for better calculating devices arose. Some of the devices which was developed are being described here.

• ABACUS : ABACUS was the first calculating device which was invented in China about 3000 years ago. It was used for counting. ABACUS consists of wooden frame in which wires are attached and beads are stung on these wires. Calculations were done by moving beads up and down. It is still used in some of the countries.
• PASCAL'S ADDING MACHINE : This was the first mechanical device made from gears, wheels and dials. This was invented by Blaise Pascal, a young Frenchman in 1642. It was used to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
• JACQUARD'S LOOM : Jacquard was a weaver who invented automatic loom. This loom used punched cards to produce and designs on a cloth.

• CHARLES BABBAGE ENGINE : in 1833, Charles Babbage invented an engine called Differential Engine on which modern computers are based. This machine was able to do all the calculations like subtraction, division, and multiplication automatically. Charles Babbage is called as father of computers.
• MARKS-I : It was the first electromechanical computer developed by Professor Haward Aiken of Harvard University in 1944. Mark-I was the first machine which could perform automatically, according to the instructions without any manual interference. This machine performed three addition operations, one subtraction operation and one multiplication operation per second.
• ENIAC : ELECTRONIC NUMERICAL INTEGRATION AND CALCULATOR, popularly known as ENIAC was developed by J.P. Eckert and J. Mauchty in 1946. It was the first electronic and digital computer. This could perform calculations at a very high speed , was huge in size and needed a large amount of power which produced a lot of heat.
• UNIVAC-1 : UNIVERSAL AUTOMATIC COMPUTER-1, was the first commercial computer by United States. It was effectively, an updated version of ENIAC. Data could be input using magnetic computer tape. It also used vacuum tubes.

PC TECH PLANET: Anatomy of digital computer

We should keep in mind that a computer is a programmable machine. The two main characteristics of a computer are:

• It responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner.
• It can execute a pre-recorded list of instructions (a program). Modern computers are electronic and digital.

The actual machinery - wires, transistors and circuits is called hardware; the instructions and data are called software. All general purpose computers require the following hardware components:

• Central Processing Unit (CPU): The ‘brain’ of the computer, the component that actually executes instructions.
• Memory : It enables a computer to store, at least temporarily, data and programs.
• Input device : Usually a keyboard or mouse is used to read data and programs into the computer.
• Output device: A display screen, printer, etc. that lets you see what the computer has accomplished.
• Mass storage device: It allows a computer to permanently store large amounts of data. Common mass storage devices include disk drive and tape drive.

In addition to these components, many others make it possible for the basic components of a computer to work together efficiently.

PC TECH PLANET: What is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or "data" in discrete units and performs arithmetical and logical operations at a very high speed. It can store, retrieve, and process data.It processes data according to a set of instructions.

A computer can be used to create documents, send emails, and browse the internet. It is used  to handle spreadsheets, accounting, database management, presentations, games, and more. It can be also used as an entertainment device as you can play movies, hear songs ,play video games and so on.  Thus a computer has a lot of applications in our life.

A Computer consists of two basic parts:

• Hardware is any part of your computer that has a physical structure, such as monitor,mouse or keyboard.
• Software is the set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do.It tells a hardware how to accomplish each task. Some examples of software are web browsers, games, and word processors such as Microsoft Word.

The first electronic computer, was the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) developed in 1946. It took up 1,800 square feet and weighed 30 tons.