Internet browsing isn’t just a recreational pastime anymore. It’s a necessity. It’s an essential tool for work and life, whether you need to pay your bills or research a new project. Absolute Computers in Sanford, NC, cautions clicking the wrong web link can put you at risk for a malware infection or accidentally sharing personal and financial information.

These computer service experts want you to have the safest experience possible while you’re online. Here, they share their top four tips for safe internet browsing:

• Install Protective Software: Think of malware protection software as being your laptop’s armor in an internet battlefield. Absolute Computers always recommends customers install protective software that monitors and protects your system against risks such as viruses and spyware.
• Make Sure the Website Is Encrypted: When you are on a website that requires personal information, such as credit card information or your Social Security number, check to make sure the page is encrypted. An easy way to find out is by looking at the address bar. If the URL begins with “https” and is accompanied by a padlock icon, you should be safe.
• Download at Your Own Risk: You should only download files such as software, music, and videos from trusted and verified sources. These files have the ability to hide malware on your computer, potentially resulting in lost files, stolen information, and a crashed hard drive.
• Always Perform Updates: What’s the point of having all of these safety precautions in place if your browser is outdated? It might seem like a waste of time, but take a minute to download the newest versions of your web browser when updates become available. This will ensure you’re up to date on the latest protections against popups and spyware.

Absolute Computers has offered superior computer services to Sanford’s residents and businesses since 1999. They’re not just the one of the top-rated shops for laptop repair and IT consulting; they also offer basic computer training classes and web hosting services. Give them a call at (919) 777-9125 to speak with one of their computer pros about safe browsing, virus removal, and more. You can also visit their website to view a complete list of their computer services.