Antivirus Computer Software Web Tips Guide
Antivirus Safety Tips
By Dirk C Wallace
What is a computer virus and how do you catch one? Do you know
how to answer those questions? Most of us don't. That's why we
depend on antivirus programs to protect our computers.
However, viruses are ever evolving and new programs can slip
by even the latest antivirus software. To dodge these viruses,
computer users have to get back to the basics of network security.
A computer virus is a program that reproduces itself. It may
attach to other programs and/or create copies of itself. Once
a virus evades security software and finds its way into your computer
it can damage or corrupt data, change data, or degrade the performance
of your system by utilizing resources such as memory or disk space.
Multipartite Computer Virus
A computer virus can be a Boot sector computer virus, Master
Boot Record (MBR) computer virus, File infecting computer virus,
or a Macro computer virus. A computer virus which displays characteristics
of more than one of these categories is known as a multipartite
computer virus.
Internet surfing and emails are the most common means of contracting
a virus. You can be surfing and catch a virus without even knowing
it. To surf safely, get a router even if you aren't running a
network. The router will act as a hardware firewall if a hacker
is trying to scan your computer.
Securing Your Computer
You should also get a good antivirus program. Norton is one of
the most popular programs, but there are a number of free programs
as well. However, some of them will only protect you from a limited
number of viruses. If you receive emails from an unknown sender
that comes with an attachment, delete the email without opening
it no matter how tempting it may be. Those attachments can contain
the virus that will corrupt your computer.
Floppy disks are one of the most common ways viruses are transmitted.
If you are using a disk, remove it when you shut off the machine
or the computer will automatically try to boot from the floppy,
perhaps launching any viruses on the disk. You should always scan
floppies before using them, especially if you're moving from one
computer to another.
Scan All Your Email For Viruses
You could easily pick up a virus from an insecure network and
introduce it into your system. Email is another common culprit.
It may be tempting to quickly whip through your email, but you
should carefully examine attachments and scan them for viruses
before you open them.
Even if you do recognize the sender, the attachment could still
be infected. In fact, some viruses are designed to copy information
from your contact list and spread the virus to everyone on it.
Your email program should have safety options, a spam filter or
a preferences menu for instructions.
Create A Backup Copy Of Your Hard Disk
If a virus does slip by your security software, then use software
such as Norton Ghost to create a backup copy of your computer's
hard drive. This way you can revert to the clean, undamaged version
of your computer.
If serious corruption has already occurred, then you'll have
to reformat or delete your entire hard drive. However, do not
delete your files before you are sure they can't be saved. If
an antivirus program can find the virus, it can get rid of it
too.
About the Author:
Dirk C Wallace has written a number of articles on computers and
software including
Computer Virus,
Basic Computer Training,
Computer Training Software,
Computer Help,
Internet And Security,
Spyware Uninstall,
Adware Spyware Removal,
Computer Security Handbook,
Antispyware Software,
Computer Instruction,
Removal Software Spyware,
Adware Spyware Removal Program,
Spyware Removal Download,
Spyware Removing,
Spyware Uninstall.
Keep a lookout for more of his articles on this website.
Did You Know?
What is internet safety?
The internet is a huge place, full of information
and other items of interest. However, much like a major metropolitan
city, there are dangers lurking in dark places. The most common
issues internet users are faced with today are related to financial
theft.
From stolen credit card information and
unauthorized usage, to identity theft and the hardships required
to get one's life back. To make matters worse, internet hazards
include computer viruses and other malware designed disrupt workflow
and transmit personal information to third parties unseen.
Proper internet safety includes the use
of security software, to protect your computer, and limiting access
to personal details about yourself.
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