In an attempt to cut expenses, people sometimes resort to techniques that end up costing them more money or get them in trouble. Here are a few tips:
- Avoid using illegal copies of software on your computer. While this can avoid licensing fees, illegal copies of software from the Internet often harbour viruses. Furthermore illegal copies of Windows do not qualify for security updates, which leave your computer far more vulnerable to computer threats.
- Don't skimp on a firewall/router box for your home network. In addition to letting multiple computers access your Internet connection, these boxes protect your computers from a lot of the worms, viruses and exploits on the Internet.
- Don't steal other people's wireless access. Your neighbours may be running insecure or unsecured wireless networks. If you abuse these networks by downloading a lot of material from them, they may receive overusage charges.
- Do make sure that people can still contact you. If you use e-mail as your primary communications mechanism, be sure you can check your e-mail regularly.
- If you have Windows at home, do make sure you are running antivirus software. If the antivirus that came with your computer has expired, there are some alternatives that do not cost money: ClamWin, AVG and Avast being three examples.
