Whether you have a laptop or a PC, every computer owner wants to protect their investment and ensure they get the most out of their device for the years ahead. However, computer viruses pose a real problem that can hinder a machine's operating abilities and render it disabled and unusable. Below, the computer repair professionals at Experimac Portsmouth in Rockingham County, NH, share a few ways to safeguard your computer from viruses.

3 Ways to Protect Your Computer From Viruses

1. Install Antivirus Software

Installing antivirus software is an affordable way to fortify your computer against malware attacks. Antivirus programs are designed to detect, avert, and take proactive steps against potentially detrimental software. Antivirus programs are available from a number of different providers and have a wide range of prices; consult a computer repair professional to find the best one for your particular system.

2. Create Strong Passwords

This is an easy step anyone can take. The stronger your internet passwords, the harder it will be for a malicious program to gain access to your accounts. Whenever possible, use letter, number, and special character combinations, and always use a mix of capitalized and lowercase letters. Be sure to keep a notebook of your passwords stored in a secure place.

3. Don't Open Unfamiliar Links

You’ve likely received an email from someone in the past with a message urging you to click on a link. However, this can open you up to all sorts of viruses that might jeopardize the safety and longevity of your computer. As a good rule of thumb, never open an unfamiliar link, even if it comes from an individual you personally know and trust. If you have a general idea of what the link is supposed to connect you to, do a quick Google search to see if there's another way to access the page; you don't want to risk your computer's health.

If you are considering installing an antivirus program or your machine has been infiltrated by malware, let the computer repair professionals at Experimac Portsmouth help. They work on a wide variety of operating systems and offer Apple^® products for sale, as well as iPad^® and iPhone^® screen repair. Visit them online to learn more about their computer repair services, or call (603) 501-0410 today to ask them about how to find the best antivirus software for your machine.