We talk to Basil Arundel, regional technical supervisor (Cape Town region) at Incredible Connection, about computer security and staff training received from CompTIA.

When it comes to computer security, what should the end-user keep in mind?

The internet is a vile place full of shady characters that can't wait to penetrate your beloved PC. You can't just sit back and relax thinking that because you have some anti-virus software of sorts loaded on your unit that all will be ok because a "buddy" or "neighbour" said that it will work fine. Some anti-virus packages actually provide very little protection.

What kind of anti-virus / internet security protection is recommended?

If you want to take the protection of your unit seriously, then stick to the tried and tested anti-virus / internet security software out there. These include Kaspersky, Bitdefender, Norton, F-Secure, Panda, McAfee, Trend Micro, CA and Zone Alarm. Which one do you choose? The answer is entirely up to you. These days as far as the removal and protection capability is concerned, there is little to no difference between these and it comes down to which interface you find more pleasing to use.

What are the risks of having no protection?

The cost may be far greater than the physical loss of your cherished pictures and all other data, which in most cases cannot be recovered. These days the criminals are after your banking details, even if you have not physically saved those details on your unit. They have means and ways of getting those details by you simply doing a transaction online.

Any other advice with regards to computer security?

To move forward, you must backup. Backing up your data to an external device should be your number one priority if the data on that unit is of any value to you. If you don't do this, then you only have yourself to blame if the unit crashes and the data is lost.

Which CompTIA certifications have been selected to up skill your technical and sales staff?

CompTIA certifications such as the CompTIA A+, Network+ and STRATA IT for Sales meet all our needs for our staff employed to provide in-store and on-site technical support and services to our customers.

How has CompTIA certification benefited your technical staff?

The technical skills in the CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications makes our technicians experts in their field. The CompTIA STRATA IT for Sales training and certification has also been extremely valuable, teaching and coaching our techies how to gather information from the customer, enabling them to recommend the best solution for the customers' needs. At Incredible Connection, making our customers feel important and "special" is the real difference.

For more information on CompTIA or any of their courses, visit their website on www.comptia.co.za or call 011-787-4841/3.