How to Protect Yourself From Computer Worms and Viruses

Get rid of nasty viruses!

It's already bad enough with this dreaded Conficker worm rumor floating around, but there might be viruses in your computer right now that you're unaware of. You'll find out the easiest way to protect your computer from nasty viruses!

Things You'll Need

• Computer (PC or Mac)
• A little bit of computer know-how

Instructions

1. 

   First of all, install an anti-virus on your computer. If you don't have one (wow!) then some well-known anti-virus softwares are Norton, McAfee, and AVG - go with a software you feel comfortable with.

   (Or, if you don't know which anti-virus software you need, you can find out here - http://www.consumersearch.com/antivirus-software)

2. 

   If you have a Windows:
   Run a Windows Update and make sure there's nothing suspicious crawling around behind the scenes.

   If you have a Macintosh:
   Do a Software Update and run your antivirus - you want to update your software to work out any bugs and kinks that might have been in previous versions that might be prone to viruses.

3. 

   BACK UP YOUR DATA.

   Whether you get new data every week or every decade, make sure to back up your stuff!

   If you're not sure how to successfully backup your data, here's a beginner's guide:

   Windows - http://www.microsoft.com/protect/yourself/data/backup.mspx

   Apple - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1553

Tips & Warnings

• If you're really uncomfortable with doing a backup yourself, call a tech-savvy friend over.

• If you don't have an antivirus program, make a plan to get one soon!