HOW TO PREVENT YOUR COMPUTER FROM MALWARE OR VIRUSES

The internet is now an important part of life. Through it, things are accomplished more accurately, information is spread much faster, and processes are done more systematically.

But with the internet increasing in popularity, so do the risks which constantly plague and pose risks to computer processes. These risks are called viruses and malware – which lead to potential data loss and identity theft.

A computer virus is the most subtle of computer problems. It usually loads itself into your computer system when you run a program to which it has attached itself. From the computer system, it’ll then reproduce itself, much like a biological virus would, by attaching copies of itself to other programs on your hard drive.Most of them though, either start destroying your system or your files immediately or on a date specified by their creators—like the much-publicized Michelangelo virus, which erases important pieces of your system on March 6. “Trojan horse” programs are similar to viruses in their effect on your system, but they can’t reproduce themselves.

Malware is a term used to describe a broad category of damaging software that includes viruses, worms, trojan horses, rootkits, spyware, and adware. The effects of malware range from brief annoyance to computer crashes and identity theft. Malware is easier to avoid than it is to remove.

Every internet user should be versed in how to prevent virus infection and what to look for. Armed with the knowledge on how to avoid getting and spreading virus infections, you will not only make the internet safer for yourself, but for everyone else you connect with.Below are a few safety measures you can take to heart in order to avoid heartache and inconvenience everytime you turn on your computer.

 Avoid clicking on everything. There are thousands of banner ads and popups on the internet that are designed to get your attention and make you click. Due to the way most modern browsers work, there are very few ways for you to get infected with something online UNLESS you click on it yourself. This means you should avoid clicking on any site or link for offers that are too good to be true.Make sure your browser is configured to always ask before running files and downloading automatically. If you have to confirm everything, you are much less likely to get infected.

Beware of unfamiliar emails. Never open any attachment unless you know who it’s from and why they are sending it. Refusing to open unsolicited e-mail of any kind is the only sure-fire way to sidestep all forms of trouble.Common sense is a good weapon in the fight against viruses. Be wary of opening any email attachments, even from your friends , especially if it has been forwarded to them.Set up your anti-virus product so that it automatically scans incoming e-mail and avoiding e-mail software that allows automatic launching of attachments.

Check your physical media. Your friends, family, and associates may unknowingly give you a disc or flash drive with an infected file on it. Don’t blindly accept these files; scan them with security software. If you are still unsure, do not accept the files.

 Be selective with your downloads. There are programs available for nearly every task you can think of, but ask yourself if you really need the program that you are about to download. Do a little research about your task; you may find that you already have a program capable of what you want to do. Downloading extra programs for every task you want to complete increases the likelihood that you’ll download something malicious.

Clear your cache. Popups can store information in your browser’s cache, leading to them reappearing constantly. To help prevent this, clear your browser’s cache regularly.

Anti-virus software is crucial to preventing virus attacks, but this strategy only works if users update their software.Unfortunately, ‘keeping it current’ means updating it weekly, at least but most products today allow one to automate this process, but file downloads can be large and slow.Factors to consider when buying an anti-virus package include cost, quality of tech support, how frequently the package self-updates and the platforms supported by the program.

Don’t allow your web browser to automatically run programs, such as MS Word or other programs through its e-mail program. Configure your browser to launch WordPad or Notepad instead. One of the biggest and growing threats is the macro virus, which is spread through data processing and spread sheet programs.

Consider a different browser. If you are using Internet Explorer or an older browser such as Netscape or Safari for Windows, you may be leaving yourself exposed to security risks. Browsers such as Firefox, Chrome, and Opera are much more secure than older browsers, and more customizable. Firefox, for example, has a large array of privacy- and security-related add-ons that will help protect you online.If you don’t want to switch browsers, make sure that it is always up to date to help prevent unauthorized attacks.

 Avoid illegal file-sharing services.You’re on your own if you enter this realm. There is little quality control in the world of illegal software, and it is easy for an attacker to name a piece of malware after a popular movie, album, or program to tempt you into downloading it.