Steps to Exclude Files and Folders from Windows Defender

Windows Defender is an in-built antivirus component that comes with Windows 10. Along with its security features, Windows Defender also allows you to add exclusions for files and folders to prevent scanning. Once you start using this feature, it will significantly improve the performance of your PC and make space for other tasks.

Steps to exclude files and folders from Windows Defender:

• Click on the Windows key once.
• Type “Security” and open the Windows Security.
• Then, click on the “Virus and threat protection” and click on “Manage Settings.”
• In Settings, select the “Exclusions” option and add the files and folders you want to exclude.
• After that, click on “Add or remove exclusions.”
• Now, tap on “Add an exclusion” and choose what you want to exclude from Windows Defender. The File option allows you to exclude a specific file. The Folder option lets you exclude a complete folder from scanning. In the File Type option, you can mention the file extensions you want to exclude from scanning. Last but not least, the “Process” option allows you to exclude background tasks and processes from scanning.

How to remove exclusions?

If you want to remove any exclusions on files and folders, then click on the file you want to remove and click on the “Remove” option, and it will remove your file from exclusions.

Conclusion

Windows Defender is one of the most efficient components of Windows 10 to protect your PC from online threats. Windows Defender is completely free to use. If you do not want to spend a hefty amount on antivirus software, then Windows Defender is a perfect choice to protect your PC. It effectively tackles malware and spyware. Windows Defender also acts like a decluttering app for your Windows. As the same company develops Windows Defender, it acquires significantly less amount of space in your PC. Third-party antivirus software comes with heavy set up configurations, but Windows Defender is very simple to set up and comes with a user-friendly interface. Another benefit of Windows Defender is that it does not come with irritating pop-ups you generally face with third-party software. Keeping in mind the benefits as mentioned above you get with Defender; you can also exclude files and folders from scanning. You can follow the steps mentioned above to exclude files and folders. But keep in mind that files you exclude from scanning may contain threats and they can make your device vulnerable.

Source:-   Exclude Files and Folders from Windows Defender

 

Best All-In-One Desktops You Should Know About

All-in-one desktops are easy to set up and have a versatile design which also saves a lot of space. These desktops run on major operating systems such as Windows 10, macOS, and Chrome OS, giving you a variety of options to choose from. The easy setup of all-in-one desktops makes them convenient to use at home for office purposes while working from home and their amazing screens and wonderful sound make these desktops usable for playing games and streaming movies. In this article, we are going to look at the best all-in-one desktops available in the market. Let’s scroll through the list.

HP Pavilion 27 All-in-One Desktop Computer

HP Pavilion 27 All-in-One Desktop Computer is one of the best all-in-one desktop computers available in the market. This elegantly designed desktop comes with an ultra-thin 27-inch touch screen display. The performance of this desktop is more than amazing with 10th-generation Intel Core i7 and 16 GB of RAM only adds more to the smooth performance, allowing you to run multiple software at the same time without facing any glitches. The graphics card in this desktop is Intel UHD Graphics 630 which gives you an amazing experience. 1TB internal memory, four USB-A 3.1 ports, USB-C 3.1 port, two HDMI ports (input and output), and media card reader, Bluetooth 5.0, stereo speakers by B&O, retractable webcam, bundled wireless keyboard, and mouse are some other notable features of this desktop. You can get this amazing desktop for $1,899.99.

Acer Aspire Z24 All-in-One Desktop Computer

Acer Aspire Z24 All-in-One Desktop Computer comes packed with all the essential features of an amazing all-in-one desktop and the best part about this product is that it fits easily in your budget if compared with other products in the list. This desktop has got an elegant design, respectable hardware, and reliable performance. It comes with a 23.8-inch Full HD IPS display which has a wide viewing angle and is designed in a way to protect your eyes from blue light and flickering. Although it is not a touch display in the given budget. It looks really attractive with a slim top and side bezels. If we talk about the performance, this desktop is powered with a Ninth-generation Intel Core i5 (six-core) processor which gives a smooth experience and 8 GB of RAM adds to its seamlessness. There is also a space of 512 GB in internal memory to keep your data stored for a long time. Three USB-A 3.1 ports, USB-C 3.1 port, two HDMI ports (input and output), SD card reader, full HD webcam, built-in DVD writer, stereo speakers, bundled wireless keyboard and mouse are some other notable features coming for $979.00 only.

Apple iMac All-in-One Desktop with 5K Retina Display

Apple is popular for offering different ranges of amazing desktops and the latest 27-inch iMac with 5K Retina display is one of them. This elegant all-metal body computer with powerful hardware is powered with a 10th-generation Intel Core i5 (six-core) processor for a seamless experience and 8 GB of RAM allows you to run multiple apps at the same time.  It comes with a Radeon Pro 5300 graphics card that gives you a more than the awesome experience of gaming on a 27-inch 5K display which is its prime attraction. The internal memory of this device is 256 GB and a Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse 2 are also included with the product. Some other notable features include an upgraded FaceTime camera, four USB 3.0 ports, two Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports, an SD card reader, and Wi-Fi support. You can buy this desktop with a sharp, bright, and colorful display for $1,699.93.

Acer Chromebase 24 All-in-One Desktop Computer

Acer Chromebase 24 is another pick on the list from Acer. It is going to be a really good choice if you are looking for Chrome OS. The performance of this device is just wonderful with the Intel Core i3 processor (dual-core) and 8 GB of RAM allows you to use it for some heavy gaming and works also. This device comes with a 23.8-inch Full HD IPS touch screen display and as Intel UHD Graphics 620 graphics card is included with this desktop, your experience of watching movies and playing games will be amazing. 128 GB of internal memory should be enough to store some important files in your workspace. Full HD webcam, stereo speakers, bundled wired keyboard and mouse are some other notable features which are offered by the company with this desktop for $854.55.

HP ENVY 32 All-in-One Desktop PC

HP ENVY 32 All-in-One Desktop PC is another worth mentioning offering from HP on our list of the best all-in-one desktop. HP ENVY 32 comes with a 31.5-inch 4K IPS display which is very sharp, bright, and colorful. This desktop is powered with Ninth-generation Intel Core i7 CPU (eight-core) and has a RAM of 32 GB along with 1 TB internal storage which makes it one of the best all-in-one desktop in the world. It has an advanced NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card to give you an awesome experience of using this PC. Features like Bang & Olufsen speakers, retractable Full HD webcam, built-in smartphone wireless charger, bundled wireless keyboard, and mouse add more to the premium offerings of this desktop. This desktop costs $2,459.99 and must be considered for buying. All-in-one desktops make it easy to work and the experience of using these desktops is more than awesome. In this article, we have listed the best all-in-one desktops available in the market which you can consider buying.    

Source:-   Best All-In-One Desktops

 

Tips to Secure your Windows 10

Keeping your Windows operating system safe from hackers and online attacks is a crucial step in protecting your data on your PC. There are different ways to secure your Windows without spending any money.

In this article, we will mention some beneficial tips for Windows users to secure their system:

Stay up-to-date

We often ignore the pop-up notification to update our system. But the outdated system creates a threat of various online attacks and transmission of viruses and malware into our system. Whenever you update your Windows, Microsoft automatically fixes the security loopholes in your operating system. Updated Windows also strengthens the defense mechanism of your operating system to protect itself from online attacks. You can easily update your system by clicking on the “Start” button and then open the “Settings.” Then click on “Windows Update” and then tap on “Check for Updates.” Another way of updating your system is by pressing the Windows key+1 and then click on “Update & Security.”

Set a strong password for your PC

Your system’s security is not limited to the internet only; you also need to secure your system offline. Your system comes in contact with various public networks which makes your data vulnerable to risks like data theft and misuse of your data. Even if your PC gets stolen, you are putting your data at high risk.

To avoid this kind of mishappenings, you should secure your PC with a strong password. You can set a password in Windows 10 by clicking on” Start” and then tap on “Settings.” Then, go to “Sign-in” options and set a strong password in the appeared window. You can set other security measures like a physical security key, a PIN, your fingerprint, facial recognition, and more.

Check the administrator account on your PC

The administrator account holder can make various changes in your PC without any consent from other users. The owner of the PC should only access the administrator account. You can check which account is linked to your computer by clicking on the “Start” button and then click on “Settings.” In the newly appeared window, check the “Family & other users” option and it will show you other users who can access your computer. Make sure the administrator account only belongs to you.

Regular updating of computer programs

An updated operating system is not the only step to block any online threats. Keeping your other programs updated also plays a vital role in securing your Windows. Some programs are capable of updating itself automatically, but other programs need your attention from time to time. If you have downloaded applications from Microsoft Store, then open the Microsoft Store and click on the three dots on the upper right corner and then click on “Downloads and updates”. If you have downloaded any other than Microsoft programs, then you can visit their website regularly to check for the latest updates.

Delete applications that you don’t use

There are tons of applications available that can help you to perform various functions. Because of this abundant availability, our system is often filled with useless programs and applications that we don’t use. Removing these programs makes your system more secure, and it enhances the performance of your system at the same time. To uninstall unwanted files, you can use the uninstaller on Windows 10. Go to the “Settings” and tap on the “Apps” option. Then, a window will appear with all your programs and applications installed on your PC. Select the unwanted apps and click on “Uninstall.” You can also use various software to get rid of unwanted applications and programs.

Go for a good antivirus software

Windows 10 already has in-built antivirus software, but it only offers basic protection from online threats. Many Microsoft users don’t install efficient antivirus software in their system, which makes them an easy target for online attacks. By installing good antivirus software in your PC, you are adding an extra layer of security from potential hackers. There is various antivirus software available that protects your system without affecting its performance.

Keep your firewall always on

Your computer’s firewall is the primary protection that protects you from online attacks. Make sure your firewall is always on with Windows Defender. To check your firewall, go to the “Settings” and then tap on “Update & Settings” and then click on “Windows Security.” Then check the green checkmark against the “Firewall & network protection” option. Another option to check your firewall is by clicking on “Control Panel” and then tap on “Windows Defender Firewall.”

Use a paid VPN service

If you frequently use public Wi-Fi networks, then your data might be at risk of online theft. Without a VPN, your data is prone to encryption and can be misused by any malicious user. To protect yourself from such online threats, make sure you invest in a paid VPN service. Free VPN services are not very effective in protecting your data as they sell your data to third parties to earn money.

Encrypt your files

In case your system gets stolen, and your important files are not encrypted, then those files can be misused in different ways. Windows 10 comes with a “BitLocker” which is fully capable of encrypting your in-built or portable drives. To set up “Bitlocker”, go to “Control Panel” and then tap on “System and Security”, then select the “BitLocker Drive Encryption” and follow the rest of the instructions.

Conclusion

Setting computer security is crucial to safeguard our data. We often don’t pay attention to our computer’s security until a problem arises, and sometimes it becomes too late because the online attack has already caused great harm to our system. The tips, as mentioned above, are straightforward to follow and do not consume your time. You can follow these tips to strengthen your system against potential online attacks and viruses. 

Source:-  Tips to Secure your Windows 10