How to Help Prevent Viruses and Spyware From Infecting Your Computer

1) EDUCATION and Common Sense must be used on the Internet. That's right - YOU have power to stop these infections dead in their tracks with no ifs, ands, or buts. If something doesn't feel right about what you see on the screen, don't do it!! Don't press the button.

2) ALWAYS keep Windows and your Anti-Malware software updated - it can't fight what it doesn't know! Only run ONE anti-virus software program. Multiple anti-spyware scanners may be used, however (like Ad-Aware and Spybot Search and Destroy, for example).

3) Use a software firewall. Windows 7 comes with an adequate firewall that monitors incoming AND outgoing connections. The Windows firewall in Vista and XP are passable but do not monitor outgoing connections (like when spyware tries to "call home") Check out a free firewall like Comodo Firewall with antivirus - it's free and it works great. Again, only one anti-virus (and one firewall), okay?

What is a virus?

A virus is a self-replicating piece of software which usually sends itself to other computers via email or the Internet. It does not require human intervention. Its purpose is to either replicate, cause computer damage, or both. It typically comes from infected emails or documents and can either do its damage right away, or be like a ticking time bomb waiting for the special day to activate.

Examples of viruses:

Boot viruses such as Michelangelo and Disk Killer load when the computer reads the disk. This type of virus is extremely difficult to get rid of.

Program viruses attach themselves to the executable programs on the computer and replicate themselves to all executables on the hard drive. Again, these are very difficult to remove. Examples include the Sunday Virus and Cascade Virus.

Security Tips for Computer and Internet Users

Web Surfing Tips - Keep Safe from Viruses

Initially it is all about keeping yourself safe online without too much dependence on external security. You need to change your surfing habits that will ensure that you are not falling into the virus infection trap. It is essential that you follow smart computing tips.

Following are some of the tips that you can keep in mind while surfing online:

• It is advisable no to open or even access e-mail attachments from unknown sources. Additionally, to be on the safer side do not open an e-mail attachment if it looks suspicious even sent by a known contact. Often an infected PC sends auto-generated e-mails with malware within attachment.

• Fake e-mails are generated that seem to come from financial institutions like banks. A better practice is to copy the URL and paste it in your browser to find out if it is authentic.

• Never reply to e-mails that are asking for your bank details or details related to your transaction.

• It is essential to keep your security suite updated and patch up your security. Often malware enter your system due to flawed security patch or outdated security. Remember to update your security suite. Opting for software like Personal Software Inspector by Secunia is another way of detecting system vulnerabilities.

• One more thing that you need to keep in mind is avoid visiting websites that are full of XXX content or videos. Often these are the means of entrapping a visitor for inflicting malware attack.

• Often whenever an advertisement appears you have a habit of closing the window by clicking the X button. This in turn launches the malware in your system unknowingly or redirects you to a malicious website.

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