Nowadays
as the Internet and other networks are greatly developed computer
viruses are distributed rapidly and intensively. Everyday several new
viruses capable to damage considerably your computer system arise.
Anti-virus specialists work hardly to make updates their software
against new viruses as soon as possible. The viruses can get inside
computer in different ways. That is why there is no simple method to
protect system. Only series of measures can give you reliable
protection from the infection. Below are 9 steps to protect MS Windows
based PC system from viruses.
1. Make regular backups.
It should be said that there is no absolutely safe way of
protection. Virus creators regularly find holes in new computer
products to use them for infection of computer systems. Some dangerous
viruses can considerably damage data files or even erase entire file
system. Make regular backups of your data files to separate file
storage device. It can be separate hard drive, flash card, compact disc
or another file storage device which you choose. To ease the procedure
you can use some automatic backup software. And be ready if the system
will die because of virus infection.
2. Be ready to reinstall your system if it dies because of viruses.
Get distributives of your operation system and distributives of
software which you use and keep them together, for instance, on a set
of CDs not far away from you. In this case if virus infection will
cause unrecoverable system failure you can rapidly reinstall your
working medium.
3. Protect your network connection with Firewall.
Firewall is a software which blocks suspicious potentially
dangerous connections to preventing viruses from network to penetrate
into your system. Windows XP system has quit simple but reliable
built-in firewall. You can enable it as follows. 1) in Control Panel,
double-click Networking and Internet Connections, and then click
Network Connections. 2) Right-click the connection on which you would
like to enable firewall, and then click Properties. 3) On the Advanced
tab, check the option to Protect my computer and network.
If you need more flexible control of connections with network you
can get and install more advanced firewall software like Norton
Personal Firewall or Outpost Firewall. If you use this software you
have ability to permit or to block particular connections and to
monitor network activity.
4. Use antivirus software.
Install antivirus software which will scan your system searching
and erasing viruses on a regular basis. Leaders in antivirus software
products for Windows systems are Norton Antivirus, McAfee, Kaspersky
Anti-Virus and PC-cilin.
5. Regularly update operating system.
Windows XP has built-in automatic update service. It regularly
contacts Microsoft server to find updates and notifies you if updates
are ready to be installed. Updates are important because hackers
regularly find holes in operating system which are often used by virus
creators.
6. Don't install and don't run suspicious software.
Check new programs which you are going to install with anti-virus
software. Don't download software from suspicious websites. To download
software always seek website of software creator or official
distributor. Do not open applications received by email from unknown
persons.
7. Limit access to your computer.
Protect enter to system with password.
8. If you use Internet Explorer, consider moving to another browser.
As IE is the most distributed browser today virus creators actively
use defects in its security system to infect computers. Infection may
arise if you will visit webpage which contains invisible harmful code.
You are more safe if you use less known browser only because virus
creators do not pay much attention to it. Major IE competitors Firefox
and Opera browsers provide now the same comfortable interface and range
of services for working on the Web.
9. Use spam protection.
Viruses are often distributed via email. Switch on spam filters in
your email box to block spam receiving. If you need assistance with
using of the filters you can ask your email service provider.
About the author:
Evgeny Kovalenko is the Editor of FSSD computer software directory with free submission service for software developers and distributors.
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