.: How To Stay Healthy In A World Of Computer Viruses
By:Gregg Hall
Category:Home / Computers / Security
To stay healthy in a computer virus world, there are several steps to take. First, be careful with all email. If you use Outlook or Outlook Express, turn off the scripting feature. Make sure that anti virus software checks all of you incoming and outgoing email, and don’t open an email with attachments unless you know for sure who sent it to you and why. It is always better to be safe than sorry, so if in doubt, don’t open the attachment. Viruses and worms will attach themselves to your address book and replicate themselves by sending copies of themselves to everyone you know and commonly email, and they won’t know not to open it because it will look as though it comes from you.
Next, keep the anti virus software up to date. There are many good programs out there to stop viruses. McAfee’s, Norton, AVG and others work well. But, you need to keep them up to date. Most anti virus programs allow you to go to their web site and download updates on a regular basis. Some of them in fact can even be set to do the downloading and updating for you automatically on a regular basis. Viruses change all the time and the updates are set for the new viruses to keep you safe so be sure to update.
Use a router for safety’s sake. A router will block your IP address and prevent many viruses from reaching you or any other computers on your network. This will work very well if you are on a cable modem or DSL, but is also useful for those who are on dial up. Routers are low in price, ranging from $25 for a cable modem or DSL router to $100 for a dial up router.
Switch to software that is not as commonly used. Microsoft makes great products and is in common use, but Microsoft is also the biggest target out there for hackers. Also, if you switch to another browser, Netscape Navigator or Firefox for example, you will avoid some virus problems. Switching from Outlook to something like Thunderbird or Calypso for your email or using web based email like Gmail, Yahoo or Hotmail from Microsoft, which keeps the email storage away from your computer and also includes virus checking software is worth considering. There are many good email programs out there and many good browsers. Try several and see which you are most comfortable with.
Next use a firewall. There are many good firewalls out there. Windows XP comes with a built in firewall. Zone Alarm has a free version. Other good firewalls are available at reasonable costs and many have thirty day free trials so you can check one out and see if it works well for you. A firewall can be your first line of defense against computer viruses. Install one, especially if you have broadband, like T1, cable or DSL access to the Internet. Going on the Internet without a firewall is like walking into combat without a Kevlar helmet and a flak vest to protect your self.
Next, backup everything you do. Get yourself a CD or DVD burner if you don’t have one already, or a portable external hard drive. Get in the habit of backing your system up on a regular basis so that, if you are hit by a virus, your data is not permanently lost. You’ll have a good backup copy of it handy and ready to reinstall. At the very least, email files that you cannot replace, to a friend to keep for you or to a free web based email account for storage.
Finally, here’s the bonus tip of the day. Use common sense. Think when you surf. If you don’t know someone, be leery of accepting the files they might want to transfer to you. If you want to download software from a site make sure that the site has proper security protocol. Read the instructions. Don’t just automatically click from reflex. The brain you have is much smarter than your computer, but you have to use it properly. Use your brain, use your common sense and think.
Article keywords: computer viruses
Article Source: http://www.articles32.com
Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida. Get computer hardware at http://www.advancedtechnologystore.com
.: New Security Articles
1). Phishing - How to Avoid Getting Caught
Phishing - what is it and how do you avoid it? Find out how you can protect yourself from the newest member of the fraud family in this article.
2). Save Your Computer Files From Hackers
In everyday practice, we have always regarded a computer as the safest place to store our important information.
3). The Important Needs of a Virus Scanner
Having a reliable virus scanner on your computer is a necessity if you use the internet at all. There are so many viruses and forms of spyware out there that it can be difficult to keep up with them.
4). Your Complete Guide to Shopping Online Safely
A discussion about how to stay safe when shopping online.
5). She Chainsawed The Furniture!-Online Public Records Search
Find out who they really are with an online public records search and even find out what is on you. Government bodies are building databases of public records for public viewing, safety, knowledge, and for law enforcement that can be accessed online.
6). How To Handle Your Passwords
To make your passwords more secure you have to consider some easy rules for your password management.
7). How To Keep Your Home Wireless Network Secure
If you have even a passing interest in the topic of wireless network, then you should take a look at the following information. This enlightening article presents some of the latest news on the subject of wireless network.
.: Top Security Articles
1). Why Not to Start using CGI Proxy sites?
Everyone now these days is concerned with protecting their personal information form prying eyes on the web. With the continuing increase cases of stealing personal web identities, many people have been misdirected about what information needs to be hidden on line and the best way to achieve a more secure Internet environment. One of the most common ideas is that when you start using cgi proxy sites the security level increases.
2). Phishing And Fraud – What Is It?
Phishing is a very sneaky type of fraud conducted over the Internet. Its name is a throw back to the early days of hacking and identity theft and the practice of phone phreaking. While there can be very complicated schemes devised, they are all based on a very simple concept.
Phishers try to persuade you, or trick you into giving them sensitive information which they can then use to make money out of the system.
3). Why Do You Need A Registry Cleaner?
Before we understand the need of registry cleaner, let us understand what registry is and why you need a registry cleaner to enhance PC performance. Just as you would store your documents in a file, the Windows stores all information about your computer in a Registry, such as all the software and hardware settings, and everything about the system configuration.
4). E-mail Tracking -The Truth Is Revealed.
Have you ever wondered whether your boss, coworkers or family read your e-mails? Well, now you can track your sent e-mails.
In fact, there are many approaches to e-mail tracking. We all know the "read-receipt" system, in which you send an e-mail requesting a read confirmation. When the recipient reads your e-mail, he or she is asked by the software, "Would you like to confirm you received this e-mail?" Then the recipient may choose "No", and we will never get a confirmation.
5). Norton: The Free Security Software You Need
Computer viruses are becoming so hard to battle. The more the technology becomes booming the more these viruses become more notorious.
6). Combating Viruses with Security Software
Do you know the difference between a worm, a Trojan, and spyware? When selecting your security software know exactly what it will do.
7). The Importance of Parental Control Software
Protecting children is the responsibility of every parent, and it is vital for them to keep up with the ever changing threats faced by children as they navigate the Internet. Perhaps the most important tool to help with this is Parental Control software.