Virus Tips

Viruses are an unfortunate reality of the Internet. There seems to be new viruses that come out all the time that can cause more and more problems for everybody. However, there are some things that you can do to protect yourself. By following good security practice and using common sense, you can minimize your risk at becoming a victim of the next virus. Please read through the following tips.

• Do not open attachments unless you know someone was trying to send one to you
  
  Only open an attachment if you are expecting one. Even if the sender of the attachment is your friend or a relative, make sure you confirm that the attachment was meant to be sent to you. Some viruses will use the email address of the infected user as the Sender so that it appears legitimate. Or viruses will take email addresses from the address book and use that as the Sender.
  
  If you receive an email with an attachment from someone, email or call them to see if they did mean to send it. Do not open the attachment until you confirm that is was meant to be sent to you.
  
  
  
  
  
• Use an Anti-Virus program and keep it updated
  
  There are quite a few anti-virus programs that you can purchase, and if they are updated, they should all do about the same thing for you, protect your computer from viruses. Whether you get Norton, McAfee, or another anti-virus program, the most important thing is to keep it updated. New viruses come out all the time, and after they do, the anti-virus companies will release new definitions for the new virus. If you do not download the new updates to your computer with these new definitions, you will be susceptible to new viruses.
  
  You should update your anti-virus program at least once a week, but If your anti-virus program prompts you for updates before then, go ahead and do the update at that time.
  
  Also either set your anti-virus program to do regular virus scans, or manually scan your computer for viruses frequently. After you download updates, you should scan after you get the updates.
  
  
  
  
  
• Keep Windows updated
  
  The recent Blaster worm exploited a security vulnerability in Windows 2000 and XP. Windows had released a security update with the fix for this vulnerability about a week before the virus came out. Those who downloaded and installed the update were protected from the Blaster worm. Those who ignored the Windows Update reminders on their computer, or just didn't know what the heck a Windows Update was, were open to attack from Blaster.
  
  The lesson here is to always follow through with any prompt to update Windows. Yes it is annoying and can take some time, but it is better than leaving your computer and whatever sensitive information you have on it at risk.
  
  
  
  
  
• Back up important data
  
  If you do get infected by a virus or worm, you may end up either losing data, or the virus may mess up the computer so much that you will have to reinstall Windows. By backing up important data like your Address Book, important email, tax documents and so on, you will prevent permanent loss of vital information.
  
  
  
  
  
• Use a firewall
  
  Not all viruses or worms are spread through email. A firewall program can protect your computer from outside intrusions from the Internet, and also alert you if a program on your computer is trying to get online.
  
  If you have DSL or Cable internet access, using a router (along with allowing you to share your connection with more than one computer) as a firewall can also help protect your computers. Using a router along with a firewall program on individual computers provides two layers of protection against hackers, worms and other types of attacks.
  
  Whether you have dialup access or a high speed connection, using a firewall is just a good overall security practice.
  
  
  
  
  
• Consider a different operating system
  
  The overwhelming majority of viruses are written for Microsoft Windows and other Microsoft programs like Outlook. By switching to another operation system like Apple OS, or (for the more adventurous) Linux, you will avoid most of the viruses. This does not mean you will never get a virus, but your chances are greatly reduced.
  
  
  
  
  
• Only download files from trusted sources
  
  You should only download files from websites you trust. If you are unsure about a file's legitimacy, do not download it. With online security, it's always better to err on the side of caution.
  
  
  
  
  
• Helpful links
  
  The following links can help you how to do some of the suggested actions listed above. The anti-virus and firewall links here are not the only source for those types of program, but just a collection of common programs used.
  
  
  Windows Update
  How to backup Outlook Express files
  Microsoft Outlook Support Center
  
  Norton Anti-Virus
  McAfee Anti-Virus
  Trend Micro Anti-Virus
  
  ZoneAlarm Firewall
  Sygate Personal Firewall
  Google Firewall Directory
  
  
  
  

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