Protect Yourself Against Viruses

As you delve into the new world called the internet, you will find that there are many places to explore.  It is the internet that makes email possible. Email is a wonderful way to quickly communicate with friends, family and co-workers. It is important that when you use the internet and email that you protect yourself from the dangers of Viruses.

            It is important that you understand that viruses can spread many different ways such as through email, shared disks documents or programs.  Although the internet is the easiest way to get a virus, it is not by any means the only way.  You need to protect yourself regardless of whether you use the internet or not.

Get a good virus removal program.  You get what you pay for.  Norton and MacAfee are both very good programs and can be found readily on the shelf of your local computer or office supply store.  I personally prefer Norton because it allows me a little better control over reports and scanning options.  Once purchased, just put the CD in your drive and follow the directions on the screen.

Once the program is installed you will want to configure several options.  First, you want to make sure the scanner automatically updates itself, checking for newly found viruses.  Second, you want to make sure the virus scanner is giving you real time protection. (scans all the time in the background).  You should see a little icon appear beside the clock in the bottom right hand corner of your screen.  Also check to make sure that it is protecting your email account.  

The Antivirus companies use “defs” to inform your antivirus program of new virus threats. They are actually virus definitions (defs). The computer compares your files to these definitions as the scan is running.   If it finds a match, it knows the file is infected and it takes appropriate action.  It is important to keep these defs up to date.  The definitions should be updated at least weekly.   Likewise, make sure your program license is up to date.  Usually a license will last for a year.  You will get warnings when the license is ready to expire.  It is important that you don’t ignore that warning.  It is tempting to click off a warning urging you do update your defs or your license.  People who do that often find themselves infected later.

            If you’re antivirus program indicates you have an infected file, don’t panic.  Make note of the name of the virus, the file it was found in, and what you were doing when the virus appeared.  If you were checking your email, then most likely the virus was in an email.  It is always safe to quarantine an infected file.  Go the website for your scanner and look that file up.  You will find instructions for removal, how the virus spreads, what damage it does and more.