In order to keep your computer free from viruses in this day and age, you can't just stand by and think that your computer will do all the work for you. Even if you go out and purchase every anti-virus and malware removal program on the planet, there are still some steps that you need to take to keep your computer free and clear.
1. Keep your antivirus software up-to-date. Just because you've got that copy of your favorite anti-virus app on your computer running in the background all the time doesn't mean anything. If you are not keeping that software up-to-date with the latest virus definitions, it just as dangerous as running your computer with no virus protection at all. Make sure that your automatic updates are turned on, or that you are checking for updates personally at least once a week. By keeping your anti-virus software up to date, you reduce the risk of being attacked by a virus that is created after you first bought your software.
2. Change your web browser. The most widely used browser in the PC world is full of security holes. And the other downfall is that the browser is so closely integrated with your operating system that if someone were to attack and "break-in" through one of the security holes that they will basically have access to your entire system. There are several other browsers that are available for use on the PC that are much more secure choices. The current leader in the alternative market is Mozilla Firefox. Firefox runs faster and more secure than its competition, and best of all it's 100% free. Get your copy at Mozilla's website.
3. Run several spyware removal programs. Unfortunately, there isn't a spyware removal tool available that can block or remove all of the threats out there on the internet. It takes a combination of 2 or 3 to catch everything. The good news is that most of the better removal tools are freely available online.
Anyone can keep their computer virus and malware free, but it does take some work. By following the three steps above, you'll be well on your way to keeping that new computer of yours like new, or cleaning up that older computer for another few years of good use.
For more ideas about keeping your computer safe, check out the TechCast Weekly Podcast.
1. Keep your antivirus software up-to-date. Just because you've got that copy of your favorite anti-virus app on your computer running in the background all the time doesn't mean anything. If you are not keeping that software up-to-date with the latest virus definitions, it just as dangerous as running your computer with no virus protection at all. Make sure that your automatic updates are turned on, or that you are checking for updates personally at least once a week. By keeping your anti-virus software up to date, you reduce the risk of being attacked by a virus that is created after you first bought your software.
2. Change your web browser. The most widely used browser in the PC world is full of security holes. And the other downfall is that the browser is so closely integrated with your operating system that if someone were to attack and "break-in" through one of the security holes that they will basically have access to your entire system. There are several other browsers that are available for use on the PC that are much more secure choices. The current leader in the alternative market is Mozilla Firefox. Firefox runs faster and more secure than its competition, and best of all it's 100% free. Get your copy at Mozilla's website.
3. Run several spyware removal programs. Unfortunately, there isn't a spyware removal tool available that can block or remove all of the threats out there on the internet. It takes a combination of 2 or 3 to catch everything. The good news is that most of the better removal tools are freely available online.
Anyone can keep their computer virus and malware free, but it does take some work. By following the three steps above, you'll be well on your way to keeping that new computer of yours like new, or cleaning up that older computer for another few years of good use.
For more ideas about keeping your computer safe, check out the TechCast Weekly Podcast.
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