Computer safety tips for those who work from home

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Computer Safety Tips That Translators Must Know

As a translator, you rely on your computer to deliver your work. So learning some computer safety tips may help you avoid some future problems.

Do you know that even when you are not connected to the internet your computer is still at risk.

Computer safety has become a pressing issue to not only translators, but all people who work from home. Home computer systems tend to be more vulnerable than computer systems in big corporations and government agencies. Thus, they are more prone to different kinds of malicious attacks.

Unfortunately, many translators do not pay enough attention to this issue. So before I share my computer safety tips with you, you need to be aware of the risks you are facing on a daily basis:

1- Virus attacks

Computer viruses are generated every day and the threat is real. They are everywhere, in emails, websites, programs, applications, just to name a few.

2- Accident caused physical damage to the computer or hard disk

Spilling a drink, being hit by a hard object can all cause serious damage to the extent that you lose your work and other sensitive data.

3- Theft

Physical stealing of a computer doesn’t only happen to others. It may happen to you. Sometimes thieves specifically target electronic equipment such as computers.

4- Power problems

Power failure or power surge may cause damage to your computer and therefore loss of your work.

5- Computer crashes

I have experienced this and I know many others who have experienced computer crashes. It can happen anytime.

Here are some basic computer safety tips to keep in mind and protect your work and other important data:

1- Install an anti-virus software

It doesn’t really matter if it’s free or you have to pay, but your anti-virus software has to be up-to-date.

2- Install a firewall protection software

No firewall protection software or anti-virus software will prevent all viruses from invading your computer system, but they can effectively lower the risk.

3- Try to use a computer exclusively for your work purpose

If it’s possible, try to use one computer exclusively for your work or business purpose. It not only cleans up your mind and sparates work from life, but also helps you reduce the risk of getting your work data compromised.

4- Regularly back up your work or work related data

I love memory sticks and I use them to back up my work related data every Friday (yes, I have a schedule for this). Remember to store the memory sticks away from the computer.

5- Don’t open unknown email attachments

This is probably one of the best known computer safety tips out there, so I won’t go into any detail.

6- Don’t download software of unknown sources

Or at least scan to detect any virus before downloading anything.

7- Disconnect from the internet when you are away

Hackers cannot harm your computer if the power is off or if it’s disconnected from the network. So don’t always think about the convenience. Safety should come first. Turn it off or disconnect it when you are away from your computer.

8- create a boot disk for future computer crashes

You never know when a crash is going to happen, but be prepared by creating a boot disk from the floppy disk. This may help you restart your computer and avoid any loss of important data on your computer.

9- Ask for help

You can get all the computer safety tips you need, but it’s still wise to keep a nice and close relationship with a trusted computer expert, you’ll need it.