These helpful tips will keep your computer running smoothly and help you stay safe online. Bookmark this page to refer back to whenever you need a quick reminder!
| Tip | Why It Matters | How Often |
|---|---|---|
| Restart Your Computer | Clears memory, fixes minor errors, and speeds things up. | Once a week |
| Update Your Software | Updates fix security problems and add new features. | As soon as updates are available |
| Use a Strong Password | Protects your accounts from being hacked. | Always — for every account |
| Back Up Your Files | Prevents losing important documents if something goes wrong. | Weekly or monthly |
| Run Antivirus Software | Detects and removes harmful programs from your computer. | Keep it running in the background |
| Log Out of Shared Computers | Prevents others from accessing your accounts. | Every time you use a shared device |
| Clear Your Browser Cache | Speeds up your browser and fixes loading issues. | Every month or when pages load slowly |
A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, birthdate, or common words like "password123."
Tip: Use a passphrase — a series of random words strung together, like BlueSky!Taco99Lamp. It is easy to remember but hard to guess.
Phishing is when a scammer sends you a fake email or message pretending to be a trusted company (like your bank or Amazon). They try to trick you into clicking a link and entering your personal information.
Watch out for these warning signs:
Rule: When in doubt, do not click. Go directly to the company's official website instead.
Keeping your files organized makes it easier to find things and keeps your computer running efficiently. Here are some simple tips:
Want to learn how to do some of these things step by step? Visit our Tutorials page!