subject: These Tips Will Secure Your Computer [print this page] Computer viruses are executable files programmed to rewrite, delete important files in your operating systems or major programs so that it does not work originally as programmed. For example, a virus targeting an installation of windows may be written so that when executed, deletes away library files in the main root folder so that some programs stop working.
We often get affected by a virus when we open files that are disguised to appear to be other files. For example, a virus file renamed to be itunesinstaller.exe downloaded from an ambiguous website. Once we double click to open it, there may be no turning back. Otherwise, a virus, even though download on your computer, is harmless until you execute it.
There was a time when viruses spread easily from portable media storage devices such as floppy disks(which are probably extinct now), portable hard disks and thumb drives. This was because most of the viruses were able to make use of a program called Autorun.inf to instantly execute the virus program whenever the affected storage media is inserted into a computer. However, more recent versions of operating systems have disabled Autorun.inf by default as a security feature.
There are still many ways viruses can spread and things we should do to protect ourselves from them:
1. Be careful about opening any attachments.
Some viruses feed on the curiosity and also the ignorance of email users. The attachment may come with an email titled Lindsay Lohan sex tape or any other titles that draw your interest. But the objective is to get you to open the attachment. Be prudent about it, dont be fooled and delete the e-mail. Viruses usually end with a .exe or .com extension, but some viruses do not need an extension at all, so just delete the e-mail.
2. Avoid file sharing sites
File sharing sites are sites where users are allowed to post a file for other users to download. These sites let virus makers disguise their viruses as other software and invite unsuspecting users to download. They may also embed viruses on other software without you knowing. That free MP3 player that you just downloaded may have installed a bunch of harmful spyware without you even knowing about it.
3. Install virus protection
The 3 programs you need to protect yourself against all harmful programs is anti-virus software, anti-spyware software and a firewall.
Anti-Virus Software:
Good anti-virus software has a team of programmers that regularly research new viruses and constantly update their virus definitions where the anti-virus automatically connects to the server and updates. It doesnt cost much to buy a anti-virus software license. Some anti-virus software companies offer their basic protection for trial, but paid licensees get more protection from their added features.
Anti-Spyware Software:
Some anti-virus software protects you from spyware as well. If not, you can download separately a anti-spyware software from a trusted download provider such as download.com.
A Firewall:
A Firewall prevents direct attacks from hackers. In newer operating systems such as Windows XP, the Firewall offers decent protection. Windows Firewall will sometimes try to confirm with you if a program is trying to open up a port. If you do not know what the program does, or it is an unknown program that you have never installed, press keep blocking instead of allowing access. Keep your Firewall enabled at all times.
Keep your anti-virus software updated. Most good anti-virus programs enable this by default, but you need a working internet connection. Otherwise it is recommended that you update your anti-virus and anti-spyware software at least once a week. As new viruses are created every day, anti-virus software with outdated virus definition files are ineffective against new viruses.
