| Keep your computer virus free |
10. Use common sense. It's always better to err on the side of safety. If you're unsure about an attachment, delete it. Especially if it's
from a source you don't recognize. If there are tempting animations on a site that look highly unprofessional, don't download them.
9. Scan files for viruses before using them. This is always important, but especially if you are using a disc or flash memory to carry
information between one computer and another. You could easily pick up a virus from a corrupted file and introduce it into your
system. Running a virus scan before launching any new files will help prevent infection.
8. Don't share data CDs. Even a well-meaning friend may unknowingly pass along a virus, Trojan horse, or worm. Label your discs
clearly so you know they're yours and don't loan them out. If a friend passes you a foreign disc, suggest an alternative method of file
sharing.
7. Don't boot from an unknown data CD. Data CDs are one of the most common ways viruses are transmitted. If you are using a data
CD while working on your computer, remove it when you shut the machine off or the computer may automatically try to boot from the
disc, perhaps launching or installing bad programs or files on your computer.
6. Don't download programs from the Web. Unreliable sources such as Internet newsgroups or Web sites that you haven't heard of
may be willing providers of viruses for your computer. Avoid downloading files you can't be sure are safe. This includes freeware,
screensavers, games, and any other executable program—any files with an ".exe" or "".com" extension, such as "coolgame.exe."
Check to see if the site has anti-virus software running on their side. If you do have to download from the Internet, be sure to scan
each program before running it. Save all downloads to one folder, then run virus checks on everything in the folder before using it.
5. Update your anti-virus software frequently. An antivirus program is only as good as the frequency with which it is updated. New
viruses, worms, and Trojan horses are born daily, and variations of them can slip by software that is not current.
4. Get immediate protection. Configure your antivirus software to boot automatically on start-up and run at all times. This will provide
you back-up protection in case you forget to scan an attachment, or decide not to. And in case you forget to boot up your antivirus
software, configuring it to start by itself will ensure you get immediate protection anyway.
3. Scan all incoming email attachments. Be sure to run each attachment you plan to open through the anti-virus check. Do this even
if you recognize and trust the sender; malicious code, like Trojan horses, can slip into your system by appearing to be from a friendly
source.
2. Don't automatically open attachments. Be sure your email program doesn't automatically download attachments. This will ensure
that you can examine and scan attachments before they run. Refer to your email program's safety options or preferences menu for
instructions.
1. Install reliable antivirus software. Antivirus software scans files regularly for unusual changes in file size, programs that match the
software's database of known viruses, suspicious email attachments, and other warning signs. It's the most important step you can
take towards keeping your computer clean of viruses. Get an antivirus program that runs continuously in the background of your
computer to provide constant protection from viruses and other malicious code. To stay up-to-date on the latest online threats, get
an antivirus program that automatically updates its virus definitions whenever you're online.
In case a virus finds its way to your computer, due to carelessness, an accident, or anti-virus software that hasn't been updated
since you got it for your birthday last year, at least be prepared. Use a Backup Utility to create a backup copy of your computer's
hard drive. This way you can revert to the clean, undamaged version of your computer.
from a source you don't recognize. If there are tempting animations on a site that look highly unprofessional, don't download them.
9. Scan files for viruses before using them. This is always important, but especially if you are using a disc or flash memory to carry
information between one computer and another. You could easily pick up a virus from a corrupted file and introduce it into your
system. Running a virus scan before launching any new files will help prevent infection.
8. Don't share data CDs. Even a well-meaning friend may unknowingly pass along a virus, Trojan horse, or worm. Label your discs
clearly so you know they're yours and don't loan them out. If a friend passes you a foreign disc, suggest an alternative method of file
sharing.
7. Don't boot from an unknown data CD. Data CDs are one of the most common ways viruses are transmitted. If you are using a data
CD while working on your computer, remove it when you shut the machine off or the computer may automatically try to boot from the
disc, perhaps launching or installing bad programs or files on your computer.
6. Don't download programs from the Web. Unreliable sources such as Internet newsgroups or Web sites that you haven't heard of
may be willing providers of viruses for your computer. Avoid downloading files you can't be sure are safe. This includes freeware,
screensavers, games, and any other executable program—any files with an ".exe" or "".com" extension, such as "coolgame.exe."
Check to see if the site has anti-virus software running on their side. If you do have to download from the Internet, be sure to scan
each program before running it. Save all downloads to one folder, then run virus checks on everything in the folder before using it.
5. Update your anti-virus software frequently. An antivirus program is only as good as the frequency with which it is updated. New
viruses, worms, and Trojan horses are born daily, and variations of them can slip by software that is not current.
4. Get immediate protection. Configure your antivirus software to boot automatically on start-up and run at all times. This will provide
you back-up protection in case you forget to scan an attachment, or decide not to. And in case you forget to boot up your antivirus
software, configuring it to start by itself will ensure you get immediate protection anyway.
3. Scan all incoming email attachments. Be sure to run each attachment you plan to open through the anti-virus check. Do this even
if you recognize and trust the sender; malicious code, like Trojan horses, can slip into your system by appearing to be from a friendly
source.
2. Don't automatically open attachments. Be sure your email program doesn't automatically download attachments. This will ensure
that you can examine and scan attachments before they run. Refer to your email program's safety options or preferences menu for
instructions.
1. Install reliable antivirus software. Antivirus software scans files regularly for unusual changes in file size, programs that match the
software's database of known viruses, suspicious email attachments, and other warning signs. It's the most important step you can
take towards keeping your computer clean of viruses. Get an antivirus program that runs continuously in the background of your
computer to provide constant protection from viruses and other malicious code. To stay up-to-date on the latest online threats, get
an antivirus program that automatically updates its virus definitions whenever you're online.
In case a virus finds its way to your computer, due to carelessness, an accident, or anti-virus software that hasn't been updated
since you got it for your birthday last year, at least be prepared. Use a Backup Utility to create a backup copy of your computer's
hard drive. This way you can revert to the clean, undamaged version of your computer.
