How to protect your PC against viruses and worms

      Whether you are a system administrator of a large company
or a casual user, viruses and worms can easily effect the
computer system if the right precautionary measures aren't
taken. The type of damage caused to the computer can
vary from minor to severe with common issues related to
slow performance, email spoofing, or total destruction of
the PC. The most severe issues could lead to the hard disk
being erased. Here are six basic rules to help safeguard
the PC:
Strong security software
Install a top-rated security software package on the PC and
make sure it is kept up-to-date. Any proven software
package will increase the ability to fight-off attacks from
spyware, hackers, and trojans, and includes many different
technologies, such as anti-phishing, anti-spam, firewall,
anti-spyware, and anti-virus. Plus, use the most advanced
software that constantly runs in the background and will
continue to scan files, email attachments, websites, or
other programs while in use.
Internet service provider
Sign up to a reliable internet service provider (ISP) that
uses strong anti-phishing and anti-spam technologies to
prevent many of the viruses even reaching your PC.
Automatic Windows updates
Let the Windows OS update automatically to ensure the
latest software is always installed on the PC. Windows
often release patches which help to fix known
vulnerabilities. If these aren't downloaded as soon as
released, there is a greater risk of spyware or Trojans
infecting the computer.
Email attachments
Avoid opening email attachments unless they are sent by
someone you know and trust. Most security software
programs can be set up to automatically perform a scan of
attachments when received. Also, the preferred email
program shouldn't be setup to automatically render
graphics or open attachments.
Peer-to-peer file sharing
Use extra caution when using Peer-to-peer (P2P)
technology for sharing digital media because it is easy to
conceal trojans in this type of program. Similar to email
only open these files when they come from a trusted
source. Certain file extensions should be avoided including
those that end with bat, bin, cmd, dll, lnk, scr, and vbs.
Back up regularly
Whether you are a system administrator of a large company or a casual user, viruses and worms can easily effect the computer system if the right precautionary measures aren't taken. The type of damage caused to the computer can
vary from minor to severe with common issues related to
slow performance, email spoofing, or total destruction of
the PC. The most severe issues could lead to the hard disk
being erased. Here are six basic rules to help safeguard
the PC:
Strong security software
Install a top-rated security software package on the PC and
make sure it is kept up-to-date. Any proven software
package will increase the ability to fight-off attacks from
spyware, hackers, and trojans, and includes many different
technologies, such as anti-phishing, anti-spam, firewall,
anti-spyware, and anti-virus. Plus, use the most advanced
software that constantly runs in the background and will
continue to scan files, email attachments, websites, or
other programs while in use.
Internet service provider
Sign up to a reliable internet service provider (ISP) that
uses strong anti-phishing and anti-spam technologies to
prevent many of the viruses even reaching your PC.
Automatic Windows updates
Let the Windows OS update automatically to ensure the
latest software is always installed on the PC. Windows
often release patches which help to fix known
vulnerabilities. If these aren't downloaded as soon as
released, there is a greater risk of spyware or Trojans
infecting the computer.
Email attachments
Avoid opening email attachments unless they are sent by
someone you know and trust. Most security software
programs can be set up to automatically perform a scan of
attachments when received. Also, the preferred email
program shouldn't be setup to automatically render
graphics or open attachments.
Peer-to-peer file sharing
Use extra caution when using Peer-to-peer (P2P)
technology for sharing digital media because it is easy to
conceal trojans in this type of program. Similar to email
only open these files when they come from a trusted
source. Certain file extensions should be avoided including
those that end with bat, bin, cmd, dll, lnk, scr, and vbs.
Back up regularly
Backing up the important files on the PC is certain to be
beneficial in the unfortunate event of being attacked by a
virus or worm. Should the PC become unresponsive or files
are lost after an attack, the backup will make it easy to
recover lost personal information (bank statements or tax
returns), movies, music, photos, etc.

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