The Internet is a great place to be, but it’s also dangerous. Virus and worms are deadly cretins that can have adverse effects on your computer and your productivity. Here are a few pointers to help you prevent the invasion of virus and worms on your system.
- Invest in a good anti-virus software. There are many to choose from. The popular one being, Norton’s Anti-virus, Dr. Solomon’s Anti-virus and McAffee.
- Frequently download the updates to the anti-virus you are using
- Backup important data on a regular basis.
- Never open email attachments from unknown sources.
- Never download and install .exe files from personal web sites. For example, if you want a free software, it’s better to download it from the developer’s web site or from known and respected directories such as Tucows than from a web site of an individual.
- Restrain yourself from downloading MicroSoft Office files from unfamiliar sites.
- Increase the security level of your browser. For Internet Explorer version 4, go to View – Internet Options. Click on the Security tab and choose High or Medium security level.
- Download and install updates for browsers and email programs you use. The MicroSoft site has a tool that automatically checks which security features your system needs.
- Keep yourself updated with announcements on newly found virus and worms.
Extreme precaution
- Ruthlessly delete emails with attachments.
- Install two anti-virus scanners. No single anti-virus program is fool-proof. Using two at the same time increases your chances of detecting and deleting the virus/worm.
- Disable receiving emails in html format.
