How to Protect Your Pc Againt a Virus
Install an Anti-Virus/Anti-Spyware program., Set up your Windows Update to automatically download patches and upgrades., Install and use an alternative web browser such as "Firefox" or "Google chrome" which generally pose less of a security risk...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Install an Anti-Virus/Anti-Spyware program.
Be sure to keep this up to date and do weekly full scans and updates. -
Step 2: Set up your Windows Update to automatically download patches and upgrades.
This will allow your computer to automatically download any updates to both the operating system (i.e.
Windows) and Internet Explorer.
These updates fix security holes in both pieces of software. ,, To further reduce the possibility of getting a virus or similar please read the following advice:,, Here are 2 scenarios: , You get an Email from someone you DON'T know.
You open it.
It tells you (or, persuades you) to click on a link in the Email.
You do so.
That is when you get infected.
Frequently, the Email appears to be from a bank or a company you know.
Do not fall for this.
Businesses do not normally send unsolicited Email. , You get (what appears to be) an Email from someone you DO know.
Unknown to you, a virus generated that Email (and not your friend).
It could be that your friend's computer is infected, but, not always.
Obviously, the actual Email writer doesn't know you and cannot say anything personal to you, so, typically, it says something like "Click on this link for some important information... “.
You are now infected. ,, The same caution should be used with opening links and attachments as Emails. , In addition, do not download software or “Add-ons” from web sites that you are unfamiliar with.
This includes sites such as “Facebook” and “MySpace”. ,,, Of course, you can run a virus scan on it first, but Anti-Virus programs are not 100% effective. ,, This includes torrents or other forms of P2P activities (Limewire for example).
Staying away from these sites and programs is in your computer's health's best interest, as well as a good way to avoid being sued for copyright violation. -
Step 3: Install and use an alternative web browser such as "Firefox" or "Google chrome" which generally pose less of a security risk.
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Step 4: Doing the above is the basic minimum that you should do to help protect your computer but will not guarantee 100% protection.
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Step 5: Email is a common way of getting infected
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Step 6: Whilst you can safely open an Email
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Step 7: NEVER click on a link within it or open an attachment that you are not positive is from a trusted source.
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Step 8: If in doubt
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Step 9: delete the Email.
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Step 10: Instant messengers.
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Step 11: Visiting Adult
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Step 12: Free game or gambling sites pose a high risk of infection.
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Step 13: Do not click on sudden pop-up windows whilst browsing the internet.
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Step 14: Do not use disks or USB drives that other people give you.
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Step 15: They could be infected with a virus.
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Step 16: Stay away from file-sharing sites.
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Step 17: Sites that distribute illegal software
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Step 18: or movies are known to be riddled with viruses.
Detailed Guide
Be sure to keep this up to date and do weekly full scans and updates.
This will allow your computer to automatically download any updates to both the operating system (i.e.
Windows) and Internet Explorer.
These updates fix security holes in both pieces of software. ,, To further reduce the possibility of getting a virus or similar please read the following advice:,, Here are 2 scenarios: , You get an Email from someone you DON'T know.
You open it.
It tells you (or, persuades you) to click on a link in the Email.
You do so.
That is when you get infected.
Frequently, the Email appears to be from a bank or a company you know.
Do not fall for this.
Businesses do not normally send unsolicited Email. , You get (what appears to be) an Email from someone you DO know.
Unknown to you, a virus generated that Email (and not your friend).
It could be that your friend's computer is infected, but, not always.
Obviously, the actual Email writer doesn't know you and cannot say anything personal to you, so, typically, it says something like "Click on this link for some important information... “.
You are now infected. ,, The same caution should be used with opening links and attachments as Emails. , In addition, do not download software or “Add-ons” from web sites that you are unfamiliar with.
This includes sites such as “Facebook” and “MySpace”. ,,, Of course, you can run a virus scan on it first, but Anti-Virus programs are not 100% effective. ,, This includes torrents or other forms of P2P activities (Limewire for example).
Staying away from these sites and programs is in your computer's health's best interest, as well as a good way to avoid being sued for copyright violation.
About the Author
Grace Davis
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow organization tutorials.
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