With widespread proliferation of computer technology and internet, its security landscape has changed dramatically. With plethora of tools available to black hat hackers; they find it easy to employ various methods of attack, through a wide array of exploits such as viruses, trojan horses, self-replication worms, key loggers, rootkits, malware, as well as, through all sorts of other attack vectors; it is of utmost important that, we safeguard our applications running on our PC's/Tablets/Phones with a layer of defense, thereby fending-off the likely hood of any threat getting realized and compromising our information assets.

If you are interested to safeguard your information and sit back with peace of mind, then read on. Summarized below are various tips, one should follow to protect one's apps.

Before we do so, let's identify the various layers we should protect. Application usage being the cornerstone of our day-to-day computer usage, we would follow methods to safe guard them primarily. Classifying them is straight forward; we start by protecting the operating systems, followed by the applications running on top of it.
Here's for you, few simple tips to keep your apps virus free and are as follows:

1. The Operating System (OS): Apart from its hardware, the operating system is what drives a computer and this is the layer you should safeguard first! And here they are:

(a) If you are running any version of windows OS, at least way upwards of Windows XP with SP2 or to its latest incarnation Windows 8, then by all means make sure that the OS is patched with the latest service packs and hot fixes. The easiest way to do so is to enable Windows Update through "System and Security" section in the control panel. And if you are a heavy internet user, schedule it to occur at a specific hour, that way you won't notice slow web browsing speed.

(b) Second measure would be to uncheck/disable "File and Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks" and all other options, except "Internet Protocol Version 4 or 6" listed under "Local Area/Wireless Connection Properties". Doing so would greatly reduce your PC's exposure to viruses and malwares.

(c) Third on our list would be to enable the in-built firewall, which would reduce your applications exposure to various attack vectors. One can do so through "System and Security" section in the control panel.

(d) Fourth and the most important aspect to secure your apps would be to have a industry standard Antivirus program or a comprehensive Internet Security Suite installed in your PC, before undertaking any activity online. It's the cornerstone of defensive measure one can take to safeguard his or hers apps. Do note that installing an Antivirus program won't make your apps secure, unless otherwise you choose to update its scanning engine and its virus definition database.

Now, that we have taken adequate measures to protect the OS layer, let's move ahead and identify applications most users use and discuss ways to safeguard them. Most people use computers primarily to document something using office productivity tools, such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint to name a few, surf the web using a web browser, play and watch music and movies and other applications to cater to their specific needs. They tend to neglect the security of these applications and this is where most black hat hackers are targeting these days. Let's discuss the tips to keep them virus free and are as follows:

(a) First measure, would be to secure your web browsers. With a wide choice of web browsers, it's the most preferred gateway for viruses and malware to sneak in by exploiting its vulnerabilities. To prevent it, one should watch out for security updates made available by web browser vendors on a regular basis. Another measure would be to stay steer clear of malicious web sites, prompting you to download and install plug-ins. One should also consider keeping the security settings of the web browsers high, (configurable through the "Internet Option or Options") and locking it down to prevent automatic execution of scripts/viruses/worms making their way through the internet. Another tip would be to develop a good habit of safe web surfing and avoid storing passwords when prompted by the web browser.

(b) Second measure would be securing any office productivity suite one may use through regular updates, service pack and hot fixes.

(c) Third measure would be avoiding installing unsecure apps, such as apps made available through from various vendors, offering lucrative deals.

(d) Fourth measure would be to check regularly for product updates, security fixes and any hot fixes for any application he or she may use.

Remember security of your apps largely depends on your actions, you take through various tips/measures discussed above. If you feel overwhelmed by them, then at least follow one single step and that would be to install an Antivirus program! And as a matter of fact, if you need help or want to evaluate one, feel free to call Norton number (toll-free) in UK.