The most reliable and thought-out measures cannot provide you with 100% protection from computer viruses and Trojans, but, with this set of 9 rules in mind, you will significantly lower the likelihood of virus attacks and the level of potential damage.
One of the basic methods of battling viruses is, as in medicine, well-timed prevention. Computer prophylactics involve a rather small number of rules that, if complied with, can significantly lower the likelihood of being infected with a virus and losing data.
The basic safety rules are given below. By following them, you can avoid virus attacks.
Rule No. 1: Use antivirus software and Internet security programs. To do so:
• Install your anti-virus as soon as possible.
• Regularly update the threat signatures of the program. You can update the signatures several times per day during virus outbreaks. In such situations, the threat signatures on your anti-virus provider update servers are updated immediately.
• Select the security settings recommended by anti-virus provider for your computer. You will be protected constantly from the moment the computer is turned on and it will be harder for viruses to get onto your computer.
• Configure the settings for complete scan recommended by the anti-virus experts and schedule scans for at least once per week. If you have not installed Anti-Hacker, we recommend that you do so to protect your computer when using the Internet.
Rule No. 2: Use caution when copying new data to your computer:
• Scan all removable storage drives for viruses (floppies, CDs, flash drives, etc.) before using them.
• Treat e-mails with caution. Do not open any files that have come through e-mail if you are not certain that they were really supposed to be sent to you, even if they were sent by people you know.
• Be careful with information obtained through the Internet. If any web site suggests that you install a new program, be certain that it has a security certificate.
• If you are copying an executable file from the Internet or local network, be sure to scan it with your anti-virus.
• Use discretion when selecting which web sites you visit. Many sites are infected with dangerous script viruses or Internet worms.
Rule No. 3: Pay close attention to information from your anti-virus provider.
In most cases, your anti-virus provider announces a new outbreak long before it reaches its peak. The likelihood of the infection in such a case is not so great, and once you download the threat signature updates, you will have plenty of time to protect yourself from the new virus.
Rule No. 4: Do not trust virus hoaxes, such as prank programs and e-mails about infection threats.
Rule No. 5: Use the Microsoft Windows Update tool and regularly install Microsoft Windows operating system updates.
Rule No. 6: Buy legit copies of software from official distributors.
Rule No. 7: Limit the number of people who are allowed to use your computer.
Rule No. 8: Lower the risk of unpleasant consequences of a potential infection:
• Back up data regularly. If you lose your data, the system can fairly quickly be restored if you have backup copies. Store distribution floppies, CDs, flash drives, and other storage media with software and valuable information in a safe place.
• Create a Rescue Disk that you can boot with, using a clean operating system.
Rule No. 9: Regularly inspect the list of programs installed on your computer. To do so, open Install/Remove Programs in the Control Panel or view the contents of the Program Files directory or the startup folder. You can discover software here that was installed on your computer without your knowledge, for example, while you were using the Internet or installing a program. Some of them are almost always potentially dangerous programs.
Charles is a prolific writer with several years of experience on issues that has to do with computer security system and how to deal with any threat to your computer security. For helpful information on what to do when your operating system (computer) is attacked or what to do for adequate protection visit http://pcsecurity.fateback.com
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