How to Make Your Computer Virus Proof
Lately it seems as if no one is safe from malicious code. Every few years seems to bring news of a new, deadlier virus that can wreak havoc on our computers and networks. Yet by simply following the steps below you can go a long way to making your computer virus and malware proof.
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Instructions
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The single worst mistake that many users make is not checking to make sure that Windows Update is set to automatic. Previous viral infections can result in updates being switched to off. Therefor it is vital to check to ensure that your computer is dialing home for updates all by itself. For XP users follow these simple steps.
Click on Start->Control panel->Security Center. Automatic Updates should be set to on. If not, switch it and thank me.
To check your settings if you are a Vista user simply click Start->All Programs->Automatic Update.
Worms like Conficker exploit a fault in Windows that should have been updated back in October 2008. If your PC has not been updated since then you are vulnerable.
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It is obviously critical to have anti-virus software installed and running on your PC but not all anti-virus programs are created equal. In fact, many free anti-virus programs such as Avast and AVG are held in greater esteem than commercial products such as Norton.
The key here is to set the anti-virus software of your choice to automatically scan at regular time intervals. Many PC users rely on their software to catch evil code on the way in but this is not enough.
Viruses can enter your computer via temporary internet files and it is more difficult for your anti-virus software to catch it that way. Scan your computer at least once a week.
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As important as anti-virus software is it is no longer enough to rely solely on it. You must also equip your computer with anti-malware and anti-spyware software.
The good news is that you can get both of these types of programs for free. Google offers an excellent anti-spyware software as part of it's "Google Pack". According to Google, this program is free and is not a trial version.
A great, free anti-malware program is Malwarebytes from malwarebytes.org. This program can detect many forms of mal-ware that your anti-virus likely can't. set these programs to scan your machine at least once a week.
I am not endorsing any particular protection software in this article, the listed solutions are merely the most popular at this time. The best bet when choosing additional protection is to check computer security forums to see what users are saying. Forum members are usually brutally honest.
These steps may seem simple but they will keep you safe in the years to come as virus creators become ever more savvy and determined.
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Tips & Warnings
Ensure that messages from your anti-virus provider are not being blocked by your email provider. If they are, simply click the "not spam" button.
The easiest way to become infected with viruses and mal-ware is to use file sharing programs such as Limewire. If you do use these programs always check the file size of what you are downloading. If the file size is between 1kb and 1 megabite than what you are downloading is likely a virus.
Worms like conficker can also spread via thumb drives. Never allow anyone to attach external memory drives to your machine unless you trust the person.
Scans may slow down PC performance and take a good deal of time but not doing them to avoid this is a good way to allow a trojan horse to gain a foot hold in your system. These small files will spread from temporary internet files and enter your registry and restore points.
Resources
- Photo Credit http://www.eguardian.com,http://www.trimmail.com,Microsoft Corp,http://www.techmixer.comhttp://www.filebuzz.com,
