Computer Virus Protection Tips

I have had very bad luck with viruses in the past and normally due to something I have done to encourage and open the door for the virus to infect my PC. Several situations where I would open an email and download an attachment or download a freeware program and find out why its ‘free’. There are tons of ways for one to open the pathway for a virus which in turn can completely ruin your computer and loosing some of the most important files that you hold dear.

However, there are tons of ways to prevent those deadly PC viruses from infecting your computer or laptop. Its our nature to get used to a particular patterns in life. Once we do something long enough we get into a routine and get set in our ways and sometimes have a hard time changing. I would encourage you to read the tips below and make them like second nature when surfing, downloading or emailing anything on the net. Though it be true that prevention will not always stop you from getting a virus but it will make it a lot harder for those virus if you use common or not so common prevention. Take a bite out of new computer viruses!

Top 10 Virus Prevention Tips:

• Know the different types of viruses.
  These are just a few, oh yes, there are a ton more, but this will give you a basic understanding on what the different type of virus are out there.
  Resident Viruses-rest in your computer RAM memory slowing down simple processes like opening and closing various programs.
  Direct Action Viruses-when conditions are right this virus goes through the directory that it is in and infects the files.
  Overwrite Viruses-deletes the information with the file it infects. Only way to recover this is to replace the file completely which in turn you loose all original data.
  Boot Virus-effects the boot sector of your hard drive where all your crucial information is stored and makes it possible to boot correctly. Avoid booting your PC up with unknown disk drive or boot Cd’s.
  Worms-can normally be detected with most anti virus but if not prevented can act as a virus and self-replicate leading to computer abnormalities.
  Trojans or Trojan Horses-malicious code, which unlike viruses do not reproduce by infecting other files, nor do they self-replicate like worms. This type is very common and there are always different types and can be multiple Trojans affecting several parts of your system.
• Watch where you surf.
  Yes there are sites out there set up just for people to come and get a virus. I have always thought it kinda stupid why people would spend time to create a virus in the first place, but they do it. If you see a site wanting you to download something (ie. .exe) its probably a good indication that its not really required to see the site. Close your browser and start surfing again. The only programs that you will probably need to see site is Flash and JavaScript. You can trust those programs but anything beside that DON’T DOWNLOAD.
• Watch what you download.
  As previously mentioned, there are a ton of sites that want you to make a quick download and install for you to take full advantages of their site. This is false and a total scam! WATCH & BEWARE OF THE FILE EXTENSIONS. If your downloading a music file and the looks like this (songname.exe) it’s not a music file. If you use torrents, Limewire, BearShare, Kazaa or any other music/program down-loader your creating an open door for viruses, worms, and Trojans. Scan your virus protection on the music files before opening and sometimes even that will not stop them after you get them on your computer.
• Watch your email.
  I know many say that if your receiving an attachment file from someone you trust it is clean and safe for viewing. That is only true if that person has clean computer files as well. YES, you can get a virus from someone that you trust and that can be done without the persons knowledge. I would recommend using your trusted Anti-Virus software to scan every file that you review via email.
• Use trusted software.
  This runs hand and hand with downloading the wrote/wrong programs. There are some really nice free ware programs that you can download safely and legally and have a very nice program. But even some software that you buy from the store can attract Trojans and small viruses to infect your main system files.
• Scan all files before use.
  I know it takes a little time out of your busy schedule but scanning a corrupt file can save you from a lot of problems down the road. A good anti virus program only takes about max of thirty seconds to scan simple-medium size files.
• Beware of simple picture files.
  Viruses can hide anywhere including but not limited to pictures files, music files, document files, sound files, website files, anywhere! If you get pictures from someone always scan the files - again can save you tons of time if it has a virus.
• Backup your PC.
  I recently was given a new computer as a gift and it has Windows Vista installed on it. It came pre-installed with a program that runs a backup on all my documents every week just in case I get a virus and needs those files. GO THE EXTRA STEP. I have a 500GB external hard drive that cost $99 and I use it to back up all my personal files and programs JUST IN CASE I get a virus. And yes you can set it up to do it automatically each week as well so you don’t have to touch it.
• Use common sense.
  I know this sounds kinda mean - but its so true and especially with myself. If your not sure about something your downloading, ask someone that does or don’t download it. Keep your virus software up to date and on.
• Buy Anti Virus software.
  I know that anti virus software can get expensive but its worth every penny you spend if it saves you from having to completely reinstall your computer or in some cases buy a new one. Most people hate anti virus software because they find it slows their PC down which some do. If your looking for a new anti virus software I would recommend ESET NOD32. My father, which is in the IT industry, recommend NOD32 to me and family and so far I am really enjoying the simplicity of the software, how may virus it really finds and kills and how much it doesn’t slow down my PC.

I have tons of experience on how to get a virus just because I have been very dumb in the past and not followed these few simple guidelines. If your having problems with those annoying viruses attacking your computer all the time you might use these to help stop the issue.

If your looking for a good solid Anti Virus Protection program the link below is a tremendous resource. I highly recommend NOD32 for quality software.

Have you had Virus problems in the past? If so what kind, how bad and what did it result in?
What Anti Virus software do you recommend if any?

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