If you own a computer there is a very good chance that your computer is infected with Virus or Spyware programs. They come in many shapes and forms and come at you from many different directions. There are also many tools to help you remove Virus infections once they happen, but the best bet is to avoid these problems all together. How you can prevent infections is what this article is all about.
Be careful of the web sites you visit
Many Virus / Spyware infections actually use exploits in the operating system itself to have their code automatically install when you visit an infected web site. This often happens when people visit certain web sites. For example certain adult web sites have been known to try and infect your unprotected computer with code that will take over your computer's modem and try to dial 1-900 numbers on your phone line. Some web sites will offer 'Free Screensavers', or other forms of something free, once installed the 'free' software will install Spyware that is very difficult to remove once installed. Unless you know it's from a trusted source, do not install any software from a web site. If you are browsing a web site and something pops up and asks to you install a plugin it is very important that you close that window, unless you trust that web site. Clicking 'Yes' on one of those windows may let in a stream of spyware programs.
Keep your Windows updated
Now that you are careful of what web sites you visit you must also make sure that your operating system is up to date. This is something that should be done regularly, basically when Microsoft discovers problems or security vulnerabilities with their software they fix it. If you never visit this site you will never get that update and your system will be vulnerable. Windows update doesn't only fix problems, but offers free upgrades to Windows components, such as Windows MovieMaker and Windows Media Player. These are great additions that are totally free! Windows users can visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com to update your system at anytime.
Protect yourself
Now that your computer is updated you still need additional software to be safe; Anti Virus software. I personally recommend Norton Anti Virus 2006. There are many different versions to choose from, Norton Internet Security, McAfee, etc. I recommend just the basic Anti Virus 2006, it costs $49.95 and includes one year of updates. Once installed it will automatically keep itself updated and continuously scan your system for any Virus or Spyware programs. If it finds anything that shouldn't be there it will automatically remove it for you. If you are running Windows XP you should also turn on your firewall. This can easily be done by clicking on Start then Control Panel, Network Connections, then right clicking on 'Local Area Connections' (If you are connected via a wireless network then you want to right click on 'Wireless Network Connection') then click on the 'Advanced' tab, Then switching the button to 'On'.
That is just three simple steps you can take to better prevent your computer from being infected with Virus programs.
Tom Fitzgerald, CCNA, MCSA
Certified Computer Experts, Inc.
www.CCExperts.com