BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Protect a Computer From Viruses

By eHow Computers Editor

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

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Anti-virus Softwares

Step1

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

Step2

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!!!'

Step3

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

Step4

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.

Step5

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.

Step6

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.

Step7

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

Step8

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.

Who Can Help:

Comments

cahuenga1 said

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on 4/3/2008 Hey, Chris from ZoneAlarm here with an update on what's new:
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And a heads up if you decide to buy a ZoneAlarm product - we also have a $20 off coupon right now on the ZoneAlarm Security Suite.

cahuenga1 said

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on 4/3/2008 Hey, Chris from ZoneAlarm here with an update on what's new:
A heads up if you decide to buy a ZoneAlarm product - we have a $20 off coupon right now on the ZoneAlarm Security Suite and a new PC Invaders game where you can test your knowledge of internet security and win cash, Visa giftcards, or an Xbox 360.
Check it out at http://sweeps.zonealarm.com/

Anonymous said

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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.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Do not use a floppy disk for transferring files. Viruses can get on the floppy that came from the old computer, or the new one. Instead use CD's (because they are writer protected) or email.