Doing without anti-virus software

Is it a good idea to run anti-virus software? It may seem like an answer that would require an overwhelming "YES," but as virus attacks are decreasing, some users are uninstalling their old anti-virus software. For those who have decided to digitally "go commando," here are a few tips.

1No cookies Many websites require you to accept cookies. We're not talking about chocolate covered biscuits but about small software files that are downloaded to your computer. Most have a legitimate purpose but some are malicious software that can harm your computer or compromise your personal information. Just because you're visiting a "reliable" website doesn't mean you're safe either, hackers have been known to sneak their own cookies onto popular sites. Your browser will have the option to turn cookies off, but beware, you will need to turn cookies back on to do some things online, like shop.

2Back up the basics If a virus does get on to your computer, you're probably going to lose data. Think about buying a flash drive to keep backups of your bank statements, contacts, or other vital information. Be careful where you get the flash drives, too. While these drives have made it simple to move files between computers, but they can also become infected and spread viruses.

3Get a second hard drive There are many things on your computer that are irreplaceable. If you lose your music and video library, you'll be faced with hours of copying, downloading or even repurchasing your digital files. For a couple of hundred dirhams, you can buy a second drive and backup everything you're afraid you might lose. Don't keep this drive, or any portable drive, connected to the computer, as the virus that took down the computer in the first place can jump to the backup drive. Keep it safe and use it sparingly.

4Reconsider Often people remove their anti-virus software because of slow system performance. Instead of opening up your data to risk, you might consider upgrading your hardware. Extra memory, not less software, may be what you need.