How to Prevent Computer Viruses

Don't Let a Virus Break Your Computer

A computer virus can wipe out everything you've worked hard for including your identity. While purchasing insurance for your car or home is common, many people forget to take similar steps to keep their digital life safe. Initial setup may take some time, but the results are worth it when your data is protected. Securing your computer requires several strategies including virus protection, network protection, updated software and a data backup plan.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet Connection
• Patience
• Willingness to Learn

1. Windows 7 doesn't include antivirus protection as part of the system. Many manufacturers include an antivirus program, but most only include a short trial. If you don't have an antivirus, or it has expired, download Microsoft Security Essentials. This free program integrates well with Windows and provides protection against viruses and spyware.

2. Windows includes a firewall with the base operating system. Make sure it's turned on by going to the "Control Panel" and clicking on the "Security" section. Click the "Windows Firewall" link to access the firewall settings.

3. Activate Windows Automatic updates to keep your system updated. Make sure to keep third-party programs, especially Web browsers, updated as well. Most programs include a feature to notify you when an update is available, be sure to activate it. Updates plug security vulnerabilities in programs and operating systems.

4. Type "Backup and "Restore" in the search box of the "Start" menu and click on the link in the search results. Backing up your data provides an extra layer of insurance. No measures are completely secure. An undiscovered bug, clicking on the wrong link, downloading an infected program or hardware failure are just a few of the things that may compromise or delete your data.

5. Use BitLocker, TrueCrypt or both to further secure your data. BitLocker is included with some versions of Windows 7 and lets you encrypt your entire hard drive. TrueCrypt is a free encryption program that lets you encrypt an entire drive, your system drive and create small virtual hard drives to securely lock up your files.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a synchronization service such as Dropbox to keep copies of your data offsite. TrueCrypt virtual hard drive files are compatible with most synchronization services, including Dropbox, to add a layer of security.

• Don't open email attachments or click on links from people you don't know. Never click on links in email messages claiming to be from your bank, visit the site directly.

• Avoid installing programs from sites you don't trust.

• Don't install applications from sites you don't trust 100%!

• Try to think about what your doing online if you did it in real life would feel safe and still have your wallet.

• Be careful opening e-mail attachments.

• Run scans at least weekly and if heavy Internet user than twice a week.

• Common Sense is always the best weapon.

References

• Microsoft: Set Up Your Hard Disk for BitLocker Drive Encryption
• Microsoft: Back Up Your Files
• Microsoft: Turn Windows Firewall On or Off

Resources

• Microsoft Security Essentials
• TrueCrypt