Since being a homeowner, there is one thing that you dread and try to avoid.  WATER DAMAGE.  It doesn't matter if you have a new house or old house.  When it rains, depending on the grade of the land, the water will try and find a way into your house.   We just went through a basement renovation.   Before the renovation, there was a suspicious area that would get damp every time it rained.  We pulled away the dry wall and it was all rotted.  And there it was.  A hairline crack in the foundation where the water would seep through.  We fixed the crack and created a channel for the water to drain under neath the house.  We got all of the framing and dry wall done.  The night when the dry wall was done was a really big rain storm.  We went downstairs to look at the progress and there was a half inch of water in our basement.  GA'K!  It turns out that we had pointed the downspout of our gutter (which catches the majority of the rain from the roof) was pointing into our window well.  We cleaned it up and no harm done.  WHEW!!

So, in our computer world there are cracks in our operating system (i.e. Windows XP, Windows Vista).  Vulnerabilities that a malicious virus, or hacker could use to get into your computer.  What!!! Someone could break into my computer!? Yes!  That is why the Internet relates well to rain water.   (If not properly protected) It can be an onslaught of viruses, exploits, and spyware.  Think of a huge rainstorm and huge puddles around the house.  Don't you get a little nervous?

Also! When we started noticing the water coming in our house I called my Insurance Company.  They said that since the leak was not through the roof and when it was raining (ground water) they wouldn't cover any repairs.  LIKEWISE, Microsoft and Mac WILL NOT give you your money back if your computer gets trashed by a hacker or virus from the Internet.   It is assumed that once you own your house you take care that rain water doesn't get in.  It is assumed that when you buy a computer you will be responsible for keeping it secure.

So how do I protect my computer?

SET UP AUTOMATIC UPDATES ON YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM!!

Let's face it, if it is not done automatically, it is NOT going to get done.

INSTALL RECOMMENDED UPDATES!!

If you choose to download the updates and install them manually, you NEED TO INSTALL THEM.  On a Mac you need to install the updates manually after entering your password.  Don't ignore the reminders.  INSTALL THEM!!

RESTART YOUR COMPUTER AFTER INSTALLING THE UPDATES!!

The updates are not effective if you don't restart your computer.  Don't ignore the reminders and just restart the computer while you are thinking about it!

For detailed screenshots see below.

Are Automatic Updates installed?

Windows XP

1. Go to Start
2. Open Control Panel
3. Open Automatic Updates

Windows Vista & Windows 7

1. Go to Start
2. Open Control Panel
3. Open Automatic Updates

MAC OS

1. Go to System Preferences
2. In the System Section, Open 'Software Update'
3. Make sure that you have selected to check for updates on a 'Weekly' basis.  You can also check the option to have the updates downloaded automatically.  That way you only need to install them.

Anti-Virus Application Updates Operating System Updates Spyware