How to Protect a Computer From Viruses

If you think your computer may be infected, take all necessary steps to clear your system and avoid infecting other computers.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Anti-virus Softwares

1. Be cautious about what disks and files you accept from other people.

2. Don't reuse disks that have been in other computers, don't download files from insecure sites, and don't open e-mail attachments unless you are expecting them. Be wary of messages and attachments, even from people you know, with vague subject lines and contents, such as 'Check this' or 'See these pics!!!'

3. Obtain an antivirus program to more safely share disks, download files from the Internet and open e-mail attachments.

4. If your system gets a virus, visit your virus-scan software manufacturer's Web site and install any virus updates that are available. Then run the software. The software may not be able to delete the virus, but it may be able to identify it.

5. Search the Web for information regarding your specific virus by typing the name of the virus or its associated file into a search engine, followed by the word 'virus.' For example, 'Melissa virus,' 'BubbleBoy virus,' and so on.

6. Download and install any software patches or other programs that will help you eliminate the virus. Or follow any instructions you find on deleting the virus manually.

7. Run another virus scan to make sure the virus was dealt with properly.

8. Employ extra caution when you receive attachments that end in the commonly used extensions .doc, .exe, .com, .xls or .ppt. Never open attachments that end in .vbs or .js, since a typical user would never have a reason to open these files.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure there is nothing you want to keep on the disk before formatting it.

[needhelpnoe902]

on 6/24/2009 how do i activate my antivirus software after i already got a virus it won't let me run the software or open anyting

[stevenedd]

on 6/20/2009 "Security Shield 2009 - Total Internet Security" can be helpful. Powered by Kaspersky Labs technology, Security Shield 2009 has defended against more than 80,000 malicious Internet attacks - more than 200 a day.
http://www.111download.com/product/security-shield-2009-total-internet-security.html

[farddin]

on 5/27/2009 If you cant afford to pay for an antiv virus have a look at this site http://www.avg.com/uk.special-download-new-avg-8-software?ctype=ps3925iit is a free antiv virusenjoy:)

[stonefish]

on 4/22/2009 I refer to these sites:Complete Computer Security Resourceshttp://www.woodsmall.com/security.htm(Computer) SECURITY RECOMMENDATIONShttp://www.woodsmall.com/RECOMMEND.htmComplete Computer Virus / Hoax / Worm Infohttp://www.woodsmall.com/virus.htm

on 6/30/2006 Free music downloading sites, like Limewire, can cause viruses because the files are shared. When files are shared from a computer with a virus and you download it from them, you get the virus.