To stay healthy in a computer virus world, there are several steps to take. First, be careful with all email. If you use Outlook or Outlook Express, turn off the scripting feature. Make sure that anti virus software checks all of you incoming and outgoing email, and don't open an email with attachments unless you know for sure who sent it to you and why. It is always better to be safe than sorry, so if in doubt, don't open the attachment. Viruses and worms will attach themselves to your address book and replicate themselves by sending copies of themselves to everyone you know and commonly email, and they won't know not to open it because it will look as though it comes from you.
Next, keep the anti virus software up to date. There are many good programs out there to stop viruses. McAfee's, Norton, AVG and others work well. But, you need to keep them up to date. Most anti virus programs allow you to go to their web site and download updates on a regular basis. Some of them in fact can even be set to do the downloading and updating for you automatically on a regular basis. Viruses change all the time and the updates are set for the new viruses to keep you safe so be sure to update.
Use a router for safety's sake. A router will block your IP address and prevent many viruses from reaching you or any other computers on your network. This will work very well if you are on a cable modem or DSL, but is also useful for those who are on dial up. Routers are low in price, ranging from $25 for a cable modem or DSL router to $100 for a dial up router.
Switch to software that is not as commonly used. Microsoft makes great products and is in common use, but Microsoft is also the biggest target out there for hackers. Also, if you switch to another browser, Netscape Navigator or Firefox for example, you will avoid some virus problems. Switching from Outlook to something like Thunderbird or Calypso for your email or using web based email like Gmail, Yahoo or Hotmail from Microsoft, which keeps the email storage away from your computer and also includes virus checking software is worth considering. There are many good email programs out there and many good browsers. Try several and see which you are most comfortable with.
Next use a firewall. There are many good firewalls out there. Windows XP comes with a built in firewall. Zone Alarm has a free version. Other good firewalls are available at reasonable costs and many have thirty day free trials so you can check one out and see if it works well for you. A firewall can be your first line of defense against computer viruses. Install one, especially if you have broadband, like T1, cable or DSL access to the Internet. Going on the Internet without a firewall is like walking into combat without a Kevlar helmet and a flak vest to protect your self.
Next, backup everything you do. Get yourself a CD or DVD burner if you don't have one already, or a portable external hard drive. Get in the habit of backing your system up on a regular basis so that, if you are hit by a virus, your data is not permanently lost. You'll have a good backup copy of it handy and ready to reinstall. At the very least, email files that you cannot replace, to a friend to keep for you or to a free web based email account for storage.
Finally, here's the bonus tip of the day. Use common sense. Think when you surf. If you don't know someone, be leery of accepting the files they might want to transfer to you. If you want to download software from a site make sure that the site has proper security protocol. Read the instructions. Don't just automatically click from reflex. The brain you have is much smarter than your computer, but you have to use it properly. Use your brain, use your common sense and think.
How To Remove Computer Viruses
So you have recently got yourself a computer and have been connected to the internet, you are wondering what a virus is? Well, the simplest way to explain is to imagine that you got a cold or any other sickness; a computer virus is exactly the same, it gets into your computer and eats away. Most of them are very harmful, and some are just created for fun. A lot of people do actually just create them for meaningless amusement and get quite a buzz out of being in control of somebody else's computer.
Now more than ever, people have to be vigilant as to what files they download onto there computer systems, the internet is one of the fastest growing sectors in history, and although more and more trust worthy companies are appearing, behind them are more and more hackers and virus planters which are also popping up onto the scene.
All this being said, there will definitely be an increase in online data theft and fraud, and the way to stop this is to get protection. Just as you would take medicine to stop illnesses from occurring, the same thing can be said for viruses. Getting a free anti virus and anti spyware software can be helpful, but from experience they are not as well configured as the paid versions.
Once you have your anti virus software in place, you should not think that is the end of things, on a personal note I would run a scan at least once a week, as malicious viruses can often sweep past without being noticed. You should always keep your software up to date, a lot of people tend to ignore pop ups that state there anti virus is outdated. These are only popping up for your own benefit and you should take prompt action.
Surfing the internet can be very entertaining, it's a great place to find information and immense deals, so if you are ever looking to buy anything online you should make sure that the site itself is secure, or they are alternatively using a trusted third party to process there transactions, such as PayPal. Be wary of anything that may look uncomfortable, as you do not know who you will be giving your bank details too. Once hackers and scammers get hold of bank details, they can cause a whole world of endless problems, such as debt, and in extreme cases bankruptcy and court summons.
Both Gregg Hall & Musa Aykac are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Gregg Hall has sinced written about articles on various topics from Lingerie, Desserts and Mortgage. Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida. Get computer hardware at. Gregg Hall's top article generates over 3350000 views. Bookmark Gregg Hall to your Favourites.
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