Posts Tagged ‘antivirus software’
How to prevent computer worms?
A computer worm is designed to spread from computer to computer without your interaction. You might have heard of worms like Conficker, Sasser, and Blaster.
To help prevent getting infected by computer worms, follow these four steps:
1. Keep your firewall turned on.
2. Keep your operating system up-to-date with security updates.
3. Use updated antivirus software from a trusted source.
4. Use strong passwords, especially on your network.
Also, use caution before you open e-mail attachments, click links in e-mail, or before you accept file transfers.
Never open e-mail attachments from someone you don’t know and avoid opening e-mail attachments from someone you do know, unless you are aware of exactly what the attachments are. The sender might not know that the attachment contains a worm.
Help prevent computer viruses
Nothing can guarantee the security of your computer 100 percent.
You can continue to improve your computer’s security and decrease the possibility of infection by using a firewall, keeping your system up-to-date, maintaining a current antivirus software subscription, and following a few best practices.
Tip: Because no security method is guaranteed, it’s important to back up critical files on a regular basis before you encounter a virus or other problems.
Steps to help avoid viruses:
1. Use an Internet firewall.
Note: Windows Vista and Windows XP with SP2 has a firewall already built-in and turned on by default.
2. Visit Microsoft Update to verify your settings and check for updates.
Note: If you’ve installed the most recent version of Microsoft Office, Microsoft Update will also update your Office programs.
3. Subscribe to antivirus software and keep it current.
4. Never open an e-mail attachment from someone you don’t know.
5. Avoid opening an e-mail attachment from someone you know, unless you know exactly what the attachment is. The sender may be unaware that it contains a virus.
6. Use a standard user account unless you need to use an Administrator Account. For more information, see Why use a standard user account instead of an administrator account.
What about spyware?
Although spyware programs are different from viruses, some can behave like viruses and pose similar and other risks. To help protect against spyware, use antispyware software such as Windows Defender. Windows Defender comes with Windows Vista. If you use Windows XP SP2, you can download Windows Defender for no charge.