How to Prevent Downloading Computer Viruses

Getting a computer virus can be pretty easy, but getting rid of it is a different story. Here are a few ways to help prevent downloading them in the first place.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Have a good anti virus program.
   This is very important if you have a computer that you are frequently using the internet on. A good anti virus program will let you know if a website contains a virus or if a file does. This way you can avoid even getting the computer virus in the first place. But if you happen to get a computer virus, most anti virus programs can repair your computer and delete the problem.

2. Avoid using peer to peer sharing programs.
   Unless you know who is on the other end of the computer you are downloading from, I wouldn't recommend it. Even though you might get the file you wanted, it also may have a virus attached to it. Sometimes they can be hard to find, even with anti virus software. So unless you know the person you are downloading directly from, run your anti virus program on the file before you open it.

3. Don't open email attachments from people you do not know.
   If you have received and email from someone you don't know, and it has an attachment, it might not be a good idea to open it. There are many dangerous viruses that can destroy your computer that can be sent through the email. Sometimes even after opening the file you will not realize that it is on your computer. It may take the virus days, weeks, or even months before it starts to show signs of damage to your computer. But just because you can't see it at first, doesn't mean the virus is not there.