6 ways to eliminate the need for the IT guy

Wouldn't it be nice to eliminate the IT guy?If you are wondering what the IT guy even is, this information is especially for you.IT stands for information technology.If your computer crashes or has a problem that you can't fix yourself, you would call an IT guy.IT guys can get pretty expensive, especially if they are on payroll. So it's best to try to avoid calling them by learning the basics of your technology yourself, and protecting yourself against possible problems.Here are six ways to help you eliminate the need for the IT guy:

Anti-virus software - Your computer needs anti-virus software on it, especially if it is connected to a network or the Internet.There are so many viruses that are easy to get on your computer if you do not do something to protect your computer.Some viruses will cause your computer to completely crash, then you'll for sure call the IT guy.So make sure you have anti-virus software to try and prevent calling for help.Also, make sure your anti-virus software is regularly updated.There are new viruses being created all the time to try to get through anti-virus software so you always need the newest anti-virus software available to keep your computer secure.

Firewalls - Make sure you have a firewall set up on your computer and/or router to your network.You need both hardware and software firewalls on your computer.Firewalls will help control the information that comes in and out of your computer.It will also prevent others that are on the same network as you from accessing your computer.If you notice things are different or missing on your computer, it could be someone hacking into your network without you even knowing.That would be a time where a call to the IT guy is necessary so he/she can help you figure out what is going on.To prevent this, make sure you have a firewall to protect your computer.

Anti-spyware - Your computer needs anti-spyware.Spyware tracks where you go on the Internet and sends the information back to central data collection points.This is dangerous because personal information could be leaked out of your computer.Have anti-spyware to keep your computer secure and your personal information safe.

Downloading - When you are downloading things onto your computer, make sure you are only downloading programs and software that you need.Sometimes when you download programs, you might be downloading extra things that you aren't even aware of.This will take up space on your hard drive and slow your computer down. It could also give your computer a virus.A reason you could call the IT guy is because your computer is running so slow you can barely stand it.So be careful of what you download on your computer.The more programs (especially unnecessary ones) you have on it, the slower it will go.

Updates/Upgrades - Your computer will need regular updates and upgrades.You can set up automatic updates, so you won't need to worry about when to update your computer, your computer will let you know.Make sure you listen to your computer when it tells you that an update is needed.Don't ignore it or tell it to remind you later.Updates will help protect your computer and keep it secure.

Storage - Sometimes you might need to call the IT guy if you lose information on your computer.One way to avoid this, is to save back up copies of all of your files.If you rely on your hard drive to store everything and then your computer crashes, you will lose everything.Store files on jump drives, using a USB port, or on CD's.