Now there's no requirement for a computer user to know anything about programming. They never need much knowledge of what goes on behind the scenes of their computer. New interfaces make using simpler by the week. It's easily known some users become lax with security. Now more than ever before they need to be given solid virus protection tips.
Because of the clever interfaces, people treat their computer just like any other electrical device. Almost like a washing machine. You can change wash programs but nothing nasty and unseen is going to sneak into the machine and rip up your clothes.
With computers many nasty things can and frequently do sneak in and do serious damage to your data. They sneak in via Web browsers and via email. They come in via flash drives, discs and over networks.
Surfing the Internet is much like traveling. You are familiar and feel comfortable in certain localities. In others, you are totally unsure of yourself and your surroundings. If you're visiting Web sites that you are unfamiliar with and that don't belong to trusted organizations, be very wary.
Hackers use many and varied methods to get into your computer. The Web and email are the most common. Be careful of emails from people you don't know. Never open attachments to such emails. Even from people you know be wary of unexpected deliveries.
It may seem that this is "back to front" safety. That the first line of defense is anti-virus and fire wall software. Yes and no. This kind of software is akin to seat belts in a car - essential and obviously required. But you must learn how to drive and drive safely before you take the car out alone.
Many people who are very careful about their online vulnerability wonder why their computer gets infected. Often it's because they allow other, less careful people, use the machine. The worst offenders tend to be children. They are only mildly concerned about security. Often their natural inquisitiveness gets the better of them. They need virus protection tips more than any other. I personally managed to clean up my PC with a powerful spyware and virus cleaning software which you can find out more about at my website link below.