A practical 2025 guide to choosing a computer: decide how you'll use it, pick an OS and form factor, prioritize CPU/RAM/storage/graphics, compare prices and reviews, and follow a post-purchase checklist.
Modern identity-protection "shields" combine firewalls, anti-malware and monitoring to reduce exposure to identity theft. Use layered defenses - updates, MFA, password managers, and monitoring - to detect and limit damage.
Reduce pop-ups and junk mail with browser blockers, trained email filters, address-management tricks, and up-to-date security software.