By Rob Gutierrez

     Dumb Computer PC Repair

🔒 Complete Guide: How to Secure Your PC

Dumb Computer Repair – Helping Seniors & Families Stay Safe Online
Text Me: 781-408-1200

1️⃣ Keep Your Computer Updated

Keeping your PC updated is the #1 way to block hackers, viruses, and system glitches.

Why updates matter

• Hackers look for old versions of Windows or outdated programs.

• Outdated browsers (Chrome/Edge) allow malicious websites to infect your PC.

• Updates patch vulnerabilities and improve performance.

How to check Windows updates

1. Press Start

2. Type Windows Update

3. Click Check for Updates

4. Install everything shown

5. Restart the PC

Programs that must be updated

• Google Chrome

• Microsoft Edge

• Zoom

• Adobe Acrobat

• Microsoft Office

• Java (if installed)

• Antivirus programs

If any update fails or gets stuck → Text me for remote assistance.

2️⃣ Use a Trusted Antivirus (Only ONE)

✔ Recommended:

• Malwarebytes Premium (Best for seniors, light, powerful)

• Windows Defender (built into Windows 10/11)

❗ Avoid:

• McAfee (heavy, slows PC)

• AVG / Avast (too many ads)

• Free antivirus you don’t recognize

• Random “security tools” from ads or pop-ups

Why only one antivirus?

Two antiviruses will:

• Fight each other

• Slow down the computer

• Leave you unprotected

• Cause crashes

If you’re not sure what you have installed → send me a picture.

3️⃣ Turn On Real-Time Protection

Your antivirus should be running all the time.

To check:

1. Click Start

2. Search Virus & Threat Protection

3. Look for:

   • Real-time protection: ON

   • Firewall: ON

   • Network protection: ON

If anything is OFF, turn it back on.

4️⃣ Turn On Your Windows Firewall

Firewalls block hackers trying to get into your system.

How to check:

1. Search Firewall

2. Click Firewall & Network Protection

3. Make sure:

   • Domain Network — Firewall ON

   • Private Network — Firewall ON

   • Public Network — Firewall ON

Never turn your firewall off unless you're installing trusted software.

5️⃣ Watch Out for Fake Pop-Ups (VERY IMPORTANT)

Signs of a scam pop-up:

• Loud beeping or siren

• Big red or blue screen

• “Your computer is infected!”

• “DO NOT SHUT DOWN YOUR COMPUTER”

• “Call Microsoft at 1-800…”

• Browser is locked and won’t close

What to do:

1. Do NOT call the number (it's a scam)

2. Close your browser

3. If it won’t close → Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete

4. Click Task Manager

5. End Chrome/Edge

6. Restart your PC

If the message comes back → you likely have malware.
Text me and I will remove it remotely.

6️⃣ Protect Your Email (Most Scams Start Here)

Don’t open emails from:

• Strange senders

• Misspelled names

• Unknown attachments

• Messages saying your account is locked

• Fake Amazon, USPS, UPS messages

Hover before you click

Put your mouse over a link without clicking — if the link looks strange → delete the email.

Never do this:

• Never send your password to anyone

• Never click attachments you’re not expecting

• Never send money or gift cards based on email requests

I can check suspicious emails for you anytime.

7️⃣ Use Strong Passwords

A strong password protects everything.

Use:

• 10+ characters

• Upper + lower case

• Numbers

• Symbols (# ! @ $ %)

Examples:

❌ Weak: “john123”, “password”, “computer1”
✔

Disk Defragmenter

1. Click on start menu/ Accessories/ System Tools/ Disk Disfragmenter

2. Now click on Disk Disfragmenter and box will open up

3. Click on Defragment tab, and now it will start to analyze your computer

4. you see another box open up telling you how much free space you have and asking you to run the Disk Defragmenter.

5. Please click yes  (This may take several hours to run)

6. Another screen will pop up, telling you that Defragmentation is complete.

7. Select view report button

8. Now you can print or save report.  done

Virus software that protect your PC

I don't waste my money on Anti-Virus software except for malwarebytes

1. Microsoft Security Essentials (Free download http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/security-essentials-download) Make sure you update your definition everyday.

2. Malwarebytes Pro version $24.99 This for the life of your computer. If you can not afford the Pro version you can download a free version at www.malwarebytes.com.  This Software is highly recommended to remove at types of viruses/Malware

3.  Comodo Free Firewall (http://personalfirewall.comodo.com/) This will give you an extra security layer that will work with your windows firewall.

4. WOT  (Web of Trust) Free: This software will keep you away from sites that are known to infect your computer. (http://www.mywot.com/)

Please make sure you update all of your ANTI-Virus software definitions.

Make sure you change your default password on your router  (Please call your ISP Internet Service Provider)

                           Verizon DSL Router

http://computer-hardware.helium.com/how-to/14472-how-to-change-the-wep-key-on-a-verizon-dsl-router