Dernière mise à jour: 28 mai 2022
Microsoft has revolutionized the world since the release of its first version of Windows in the mid-80s, and continues to do so even after more than 40 years. Microsoft, at the time, wanted to dominate the world by offering an operating system that everyone could use, and it must be said that the bet was rather successful for the Redmond firm.
Worldwide, more than 70% of computers use one of the versions of the Microsoft operating system, and in figures that's more than a billion PCs running Windows.
This gives us an idea of Microsoft's popularity and hold on the computing world. To put it simply: almost everything works under Windows these days, or at least one of the products offered by Microsoft.
Microsoft's dominance
Dominating the world comes down to offering a product that is affordable, simple and for everyone. In the world of computing, few companies have succeeded as Microsoft did, and it is for this reason that, even after 40 years, the firm founded by Bill Gates continues to reign over computer systems. operation for individuals and businesses.
Microsoft touches almost all sectors:
- Operating systems for desktop and laptop computers.
- Server operating systems.
- Online services.
- The cloud.
- Game consoles.
The most popular activity at Microsoft is the OS division, or more precisely Windows. Since its first release in graphical interface in 1985, Windows juggled between excellent versions and less good, even catastrophic versions (Vista and 8, we're talking about you).
But that hasn't stopped Microsoft from keeping its grip on the computing world by learning from its mistakes. With each badly received version, Microsoft released a better one thereafter. One of the old reviews of Windows was his safety, which has changed many IT professionals. But this has not been the case for several years, and for the good of all.
Safety on Windows
Before saying anything, you should know that the notion of security in IT is relative. No computer system is 100% secure. Neither Windows, neither macOS, nor iOS, nor Android, nor Linux. Nothing. Zero.
Everyone has security strengths and weaknesses. And the weak point of Windows It’s his popularity. Let me explain.
The goal of creating a computer virus is to infect as many computers in the world as possible. In order to achieve this, you have to target people who are likely to click on anything and everything on the Internet.
This is done on almost all operating systems, but the market of Windows is much juicier than that of macOS. Juicier = more easy targets, and therefore more potential infections.
You are probably saying to yourself that it is time to leave Windows. Except that Windows is perhaps one of the most secure OSes in the world, and we're going to show you how to make it even more secure.
Stay connected to the Internet
It seems contradictory, but staying connected to the Internet by launching a program is more than advisable. Microsoft, since Windows 8, introduced a software component called SmartScreen which plays the role of anti-phishing and anti-malware thanks to the cloud.
If a piece of software is potentially harmful to your system, the tool will block its execution. The only drawback is that you must be constantly connected to the Internet to access the online analysis services. SmartScreen is Microsoft's spearhead for baby safety.
Use an antivirus
The usefulness of antiviruses no longer needs to be proven over time, even if their use is much less common. The main reason is that people have become paranoid and no longer trust antiviruses.
Windows has incorporated a more or less effective antivirus for a good ten years.
Nevertheless, it is advisable to have a protection tool, and, moreover, here is a list of reliable antiviruses for Windows that will allow you to browse the Internet safely. A good antivirus is necessary to maintain optimal security of your computer and your data.
Install updates
From Windows XP, Microsoft has integrated an automatic OS update system. This helps distribute security patches, features, enhancements, etc. of the system, and thus keep it operational for many years.
Except that the updates Windows are known to be intrusive and resource-intensive (Internet), and most people disable them.
It's a big mistake to do this, and for your safety, it's best to keep updates active, or even check for them yourself.
Browse secure sites
When you are on the Internet, try to see the address of websites (URL), and this must always start with https with a padlock icon right next to it.
This tells you that the website is using the secure protocol of http and that the data transmitted between the site and your browser is encrypted.
Scan files and other removable media
Everyone knows that a virus scan of the computer can take a long time, and for this reason it is often put aside.
For your safety, try to scan complete your computer once a month, and systematically scan all removable media and downloaded files used on your computer. You can either use the antivirus of Windows (Defender) or a third-party antivirus that you have installed.
Use genuine software
It's true that you may be tempted to use a pirated version of Office or Photoshop, but we don't recommend that. These 'free' versions can hide spyware or malware, thus endangering your computer and your data.
Almost all major software companies offer subscriptions for their solutions, and you should be able to find the perfect package for you and your needs.
With the worldwide popularity of Windows, Microsoft has no room for error when it comes to the security of its operating systems.
All you need to do is put your mind to it and form good habits to make these OSes the safest in the world.