(ARA) – Have you ever casually surfed the Web, answered a friendly chat or responded to a curious email only to have it lead to major computer trouble? With virus, spam and phishing technology more sophisticated than ever, computer threats can be hidden in devious places. Are you making common computing mistakes without even knowing it?

According to a 2012 Pew Internet & American Life Project survey, 58 percent of American adults have a desktop computer and 61 percent have a laptop.  With all that computer power out there, it’s important to understand how to protect your at-home PC.

Here are common mistakes that can affect computer speed and safety, from the experts at USTechSupport whose family of products include MYCLEANPC and MAXMYSPEED:

Mistake: Enjoying “free” software and movies from your buddy.

Downloading pirated software is not only illegal; it can cause significant damage to your computer. The “free” software and media your buddy gave you can do more harm than good to your computer because it may be riddled with malicious viruses and malware, making your PC susceptible to attack. Remember, it’s better to buy than borrow when it comes to software and media.

Mistake: Clicking on enticing pop-ups.

Pop-ups caught your attention? Think before you click. Pop-ups that offer free goods, deals on products and even conversation with beautiful people can be alluring. But, do you know where that click will take you? Clicking on suspicious pop-ups can lead you down a rabbit-hole of even more unwanted pop-ups and spam. Take the time to research the subject yourself, rather than clicking on the first questionable advertisement.

Mistake: Leaving multiple files open.

You’re an expert at multitasking, meaning you need to constantly access many files. But leaving multiple files open in different applications can put a significant strain in your system. Try to keep only necessary resources active and see how much faster your machine responds.

Mistake: Not being proactive with computer maintenance.

Computer issues arise frequently, even for the most savvy computer user. That’s why taking a proactive approach is best so your computer remains secure and fast. You can get a free diagnosis of issues that may be affecting your PC’s performance by visiting www.mycleanpc.com. You can easily fix common issues before they become costly (and timely) problems.

Mistake: Responding to an email with an “incredible opportunity.”

Everyone has received them – that email investment opportunity that seems too good to ignore. The reality is, many scammers prey on trusting individuals or those who are enticed by get-rich-quick schemes. These scammers may even complete an initial transaction, only to later wipe out all your accounts. Never provide personal information, including banking information or your Social Security number, to anyone over email.

Mistake: Visiting adult websites.

“Triple X” can also mean triple the issues. Some sites harbor more than just adult material, they can create a domino-effect of pop-ups, forcing your PC to a grinding halt as it deals with the incoming viruses that drain the system’s resources. Avoiding suspicious sites is part of keeping your computer running at its best.  

If you’ve made some of these mistakes in the past, don’t worry. Many people are tricked each day. By learning from these useful tips and suggestions, you’ll keep your PC running fast and issue-free.