1) Temporary
Internet Files - As you surf websites, Internet Explorer
gathers all sorts of garbage like Cookies, Internet Files, and a
History of the sites you've been too. There is a chance that you
may collect files with viruses. You should regularly purge your
computer of these elements to keep it clean regardless of the
virus issue. To do so, simply open Internet Explorer and go to
[Tools] [Internet Options]. This will open a window. In
this window there are three functions that you should click:
| 1) Delete
Cookies |
2) Delete Files |
3) Clear History |
2) Don't Open Unknown Email
- Probably the best thing you can do to safeguard your computer is
to not open any email that isn't from someone you know. The
latest round of viruses have been coming in emails that have the
following Subjects: Hi, Hello, Test, Server, Server Update,
Status, and Undeliverable Mail. If this is in the subject
line and you don't recognize the sender, delete it immediately.
Also, make sure when you are sending others emails that you put a
clear comment in the subject line to help them decide whether or
not this is really you sending an email. Realize that this is
simply protection from spam viruses. Someone you know could have
viruses on their computer, and simply by opening email from a
friend you could be in for trouble.
3) Virus Protection Software - With all the junk out there
on the internet that can attack your computer, you'd be a fool not
to protect your computer with some sort of Virus Protection
Software (both Antivirus and Firewall software). The most
commonly known programs are Norton and MacAfee. There are lots of
other options out there as well. My company uses "Avast" and we
have liked it very much (see link below to download it). It is
less bulky and evasive as the other programs.
Regardless of the program you
choose, make sure to run the "Live Update" at least once a week
(if not more). These companies specialize in protecting your
computer. They put out new pieces of software regularly to fight
the latest virus. If you don't download the updates, you aren't
protected!
4) Windows Updates - Another important thing to do at
least once a month is to download the latest updates from
Microsoft for your operating system. Windows regularly puts out
updates for their software. Lots of these updates are based on
"bugs" or "holes" they find in their software that needs fixing.
On most Windows based computers you
can simply go to [Start] [Windows Update]. This will open
up an Internet Explorer window and take you to Microsoft's
website. It will ask if you want to scan your computer for the
latest critical updates. Say, "yes". It will then come back to
you and tell you whether you are up-to-date or not.
If you've never done this before
there may be as many as 20 or more updates that you will need to
do. These may take some time to get (depending on the speed of
your internet access), so it is recommended to start this at the
end of the day and simply leave it running until you come back.
After you get each round of updates
completed it will most likely ask you to reboot your computer. Do
so, and then keep going back to the Windows Update until it tells
you that there are "no critical updates" left for you to get.
Usually it only gives you around 4 or 5 at a time, so you need to
keep doing it until it says you are done.
If you do all of the above, you
have a better chance at keeping your computer clean. There is no
fail safe method of protecting your computer and the above is not
a guarantee, but it should help! The above advice is simply that
"advice" and should not be taken as a foolproof method of
protecting hardware. |
