How to Keep Your Cell Phone Safe Both Inside and Out
Today, cell phone has become one of the most widely used personal communication device. And let’s face it – it’s hard to leave the house without it. We can get in touch with our “peeps” right away, listen to music, watch movies, capture photos or videos, exchange data, browse the internet, access e-mails, or even play games. Cell phones are convenient, pocket-sized PCs and entertainment media of sorts.
With our growing dependence on cell phones for communication and entertainment, we sometimes forget keeping them clean and safe both inside and out (hardware and software).
Hardware Safety
You’ve probably heard of potentially harmful bacteria found on cell phone exteriors (see: Filthy Gadgets – How Dirty Cell Phones and Computer Keyboards Can Get). Hygiene experts say cell phones are 18 times dirtier than a toilet handle, and that harmful bacteria like coliforms, staphylococcus aureus, and E.coli thrive on phone and computer surfaces. What’s worse is that these bacteria can be transferred from one person to another.
To keep your phone clean and sanitized, use electronic-safe disinfectants like Clorox Disinfectant Wipes, or Saniguard Spray. When using disinfectant sprays, turn the unit off before cleaning to avoid short circuits. Wipes and sprays can make your phone bacteria-free. Protective covers can also lessen dirt and grime accumulation.
Sofware Safety
Like personal computers, cell phones have become their owners’ knowledge bank. Since they contain very important data, many identity thieves, mischievous coders, and suspicious characters have surfaced with malicious intents. Cell phones have become susceptible to virus, spyware, and malware.
To keep your phone safe from viruses, install antivirus programs. These will protect your phone whenever you’re surfing the Internet, and transferring data via Bluetooth or USB (Universal Serial Bus) connections. Also, be a wise user. Disable your phone’s Bluetooth connection when not in use, and in case it’s on, never accept any data from any unknown sender.
Cell phones really are a breakthrough in the communication technology. Our growing dependence on them only means that we should not only be savvy users, but wise users as well. Cell phone safety means taking good care of it, both inside and out.
photo credit: proudcanadianeh; photo credit: EvelynGiggles; photo credit: raneko
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