Follow these virus safety tips
for a troublefree computer. Many Antivirus software companies maintain
an encyclopedia of all the known viruses and display continuously
updated list of viruses on the prowl. The following tips contain useful
precautions no matter where your pc is located.
Useful
tips for avoiding and handling computer viruses:
- Use a good, effective anti-virus software periodically, or schedule
it accordingly. The software should be updated with the latest breed
of viruses, and must include features like email scanning and web
site content monitoring as these are popular with attackers. If
your anti virus software is old, or can not update itself through
internet for new viruses, it may not be of much use.
- Remove all anciliary unrequired services such as FTP server, telnet,
and Web server, as thes are channels for infection and propagation.
- Keep 'patches' up to date. Use official sites to download these
patches. Subscribe to alerts.
- Configure your emails to remove/block emails with the following
risky endings: .vbs, .bat, .exe, .pif and .scr files.
- Disable System Restore (Windows Me/XP) - as advised by Symantec
on its site.
- Outlook Express and MS-Outlook are
the easiest targets for viruses. So be careful while using these
programs.
- Never open email attachments that
you are not expecting or is from third party sources, no matter
how appealing the subject line is. The content inside may not be
that appealing!
- Most companies announce patches, updates,
and service packs to fix loopholes that are exploited by viruses.
Download the patches from the company’s site. Do not open emails
offering patches as this has been a source of a know virus!
- Firewalls are a must for any broad
band or cable connection. A firewall protects your PC from being
spied upon, or connecting to your computer unless you initiate that
connection.
- Use a pop up blocker as very often
luring offers are made using these, allowing for Trojans to infiltrate.
While downloading free software, read the license carefully as it
may contain permission to download the Spyware as well.
- Specifically remove all Spyware from
your computer. Download a specific Spyware remover and use it.
- Close pop up windows with the red
‘x’ at the corner. Do not click if the ‘hand’
is showing.
- Using an anti virus software does
not ensure complete safety. You must update the software for new
viruses and be on your guard.