March 27th, 2019 | Updated on June 25th, 2021
Sometimes it feels as though the digital age was designed for techies alone, and for the rest of us – we are forced to blindly navigate this new, highly advanced world, or else we’re left behind.
For those who have always felt a little ‘technologically challenged’, it’s a daily struggle to get by in a world that’s rapidly evolving, where technology is the core of everyone’s lives – especially when technology does not mean that much to you personally. But still, we are forced, nonetheless.
The truth is, life is only going to get more difficult for those who have still not learnt the ropes of tech, which is why it’s time to educate yourself, and we’re here to help!
This post is not just for senior citizens who have not grown up with technology, it is also for those who have not quite grasped the advancements in tech – because let’s be honest, staying on top of it all is nearly impossible.
But we have consolidated the most important technological features and functions that will not only make your life a whole lot easier, but safer too!
1. Invest In Cyber Security
Cyber security is essential if you are online in any capacity whatsoever. Whether you spend time surfing the web, or whether you just make use of simple apps and features, cyber security is important – always!
There are various ways to improve your security, some which cost you (but which are highly recommended if you want to protect confidential data and files). These include installing a firewall or antivirus software or investing in a company that specializes in cyber security.
The non-costly ways of strengthening your security is by choosing strong passwords – and changing these passwords regularly. You can also install free antivirus software, although it’s by no means as strong as paid antivirus.
It should also be evaluated for overall suitability to the user community based on deployed and standard equipment, ease of system deployment and ongoing support by staff or IT consultants.
2. Don’t Download From Random Sites
If you are none the wiser, you may believe that every site you come across online is trustworthy. But if there’s one thing you should learn rather sooner than later, it’s that the web is filled with ‘dodgy’ sites.
This is why you should never download from a site that you’re unfamiliar with. Even if you are familiar with a particular site but are even the slightest bit unsure of what they could be capable of, then don’t download from them.
Some sites advertise free music, or even free antivirus software, but it’s a ploy to get you to download corrupt files without knowing it. Corrupt software can mean stolen data, or in extreme cases, can damage your computer entirely.
3. Backup Your Data
It’s essential that you backup your data in case there’s a system or hard drive failure. You can never backup your data enough.
Even original backups can be lost or become corrupt, which is why additional backups need to be done.
Should you fail to backup, there are luckily companies that can help you out. Tech Brain (data recovery Perth), specialize in this arena, and will do their best to retrieve lost data.
It’s often possible to retrieve, but not without the help of specialists. So, if you want to avoid having to call up a specialist, you may want to start backing up your data regularly.
4. Everything Stays On The Web – Be Careful What You Post
Everything stays on the web. We mean everything! Even those pictures and posts you delete, stay somewhere on the web, and can be retrieved.
This is why it’s important to think before you post, so that you never have to regret your decisions later on.
What you post now, could come back to haunt you in the future, so be cautious of what you use the web for.
While the web is a helpful resource, it can be dangerous for those who do not respect its ‘power.’
It’s not the place to rant, and not the place to post personal pictures that you don’t want the world having access to.
5. Be Wary Of Clicking Links In Emails Or Instant Messages
Hackers love to send emails that get readers excited, such as winning money or being ‘picked for a prize’.
These emails often have links attached, and when clicked into, can either send you to a corrupt site, or could overtake your computer with a virus.
This is not the only way they do it, but they almost always send a link. Be cautious of every link you are sent, and be cautious of the sender.
Sometimes it can even be a friend that has sent it to you – but only because their computer was likely hacked, and the link is now being forwarded to their friends.
If you are unsure, ask your friend if it’s safe, otherwise don’t ever click a random link that you are sent via email or instant message.
