How To Protect Your Computer From Malicious Viruses in 7 simple ways!
The World Wide Web has become a prime source and one of the most beloved ways to access your favorite music, documents, and those dirty secrets you can’t resist. It also serves as a main source of communication between others. Having such easy access to your important documents and favorite hobbies also means that it must be just as simple to access the most damaging and detrimental information too. Viruses and malicious malware are known to be the main cause of computer issues and may lead to the death of the computer you hold so dearly. Viruses are soft wares that have the ability to create multiples of itself and cause corruption to your computer’s performance. Most malwares are spread through e-mails, attachments, and network. By following the seven steps of protection listed below, you should be able to maintain a healthy computer and enjoy your favorite items form the Internet without damage caused by those contagious and painful viruses!
1. Know the meaning of a computer virus!
A true computer virus is a type of software that can be extremely detrimental to your computer; causing interruptions and deletion of important documents as well as affecting your hard-drive and operating system.
Oftentimes, when you hear about someone obtaining a dreadful malware you’ll notice that the symptoms vary, depending on what type of malware or virus it is. Much like a burglar who creeps in for the attack when you least expect it, trojan horses and computer worms are two types of malware (different from a true virus) that seem harmless and usually in disguise, but tend to have a great deal of effect on your computer systems performance and data. A virus can also spread like wildfire if it can reach a network file system, which is one that connects with other computers.
Knowing how deadly a computer virus is, be sure to abide by this next important tip…
2. Double Check the URL is correct for the website you are visiting.
When trying to prevent your computer from viruses you should always remember that in order for a computer to catch a virus, the user must somehow initiate it. This can occur by entering your personal information to a false webpage or downloading a document or other type of file that has been disguised with a virus. To prevent this from happening, be sure to double check the URL of the website you are currently visiting and making sure that it matches the original site.
3. NEVER blindly welcome a virus to your computer!
It is always important to know the source of the information you are receiving as well as double checking for viruses before downloading questionable attachments. From previous experience in blindly welcoming a virus to my computer in the past, it is important to be aware that viruses could be anywhere and ready to attack at any moment. One important phrase to keep in mind is that if you find yourself saying that you are 99.9% sure that you do not believe the site or attachment you are about to click on is a virus, then you are most likely wrong. Over the years, hackers and those who create viruses have obtained tricks to get users to click on false pages and sites so that they have the ability to enter your website. So, if you find yourself thinking to yourself that you are 99.9% sure, think again! When this occurs be sure not to press anything on the attachment or pop-up window and automatically shut down your computer and reboot. This is important because in some cases people will click ‘No Thanks’ but not realize that they have actually just let a virus into their network. As always, be aware and never welcome a virus to your network blindly!
4. Take caution when checking your EMAIL!
Most people catch viruses when they least expect it, usually by opening an unfamiliar email or an attachment that has been contaminated by a virus or malware. Avoid these unfamiliar e-mails (especially if you do not know the sender) and be sure NEVER to download unfamiliar email attachments!
5. Download AVAST antivirus software, or the software of your choice, but only one!
Having multiple antivirus softwares could cause more damage to your computer than you would think. Oftentimes people feel the need for “extra” protection but in this case you could cause your computer to crash from using multiple antivirus soft wares. One anti-virus software that is easy to download and highly recommended is Avast! To download the latest version of Avast on your computer, simply go to the www.avast.com website and click on the Support tab located at the top of page.
Next, pick the desired avast! version (I prefer the free one myself) and click the ‘Download Now’ to start your download. Before clicking the download sign, be sure to choose a safe and familiar place on your computer to keep the software. It’s as simple as that!
Simply click on the Support Tab to direct you to the download page
Once the Avast! download is complete, you will need to install the program onto your windows and schedule software updates to keep your computer safe and up to par with the software. One simple way to achieve updates after installation of software is by revisiting the avast! website and finding the Product tab (located next to support tab). Once you have reached the product page, click on the download updates. Keep in mind that once you have downloaded this feature, you will not need to reinstall the program and will have the ability to schedule automatic updates.
6. Turn on the firewall option and keep your network private!
Firewalls are used to prevent malicious malware from entering your computers network or the network you are currently signed on to. As well as blocking viruses from entering your computer, it also helps to prevent a virus you may have from spreading to other computers and networks.
For most computers, in order for the firewall to work you must turn it on! On most computers you can simply go to your start menu, go to control panel, click on the security tab, and then proceed to start the windows firewall option by clicking the “on” button. If you want to be “extra” safe by placing a barrier on everything, included programs, select the ‘block all incoming connections’ box. In some cases, if there is a website that you would like to unblock simply add it on to the Exceptions list by typing in the URL of the page you would like to visit.
7. ALWAYS provide yourself with at least three different backup locations for the storage of important documents!
In case you do or may have caught a virus, be sure to have three storage backup locations! An external hard drive is the easiest way to store all of your information and can save your computer from running out of memory as well. External hard drives can be bought in different sizes and forms and can be bought online or at your nearest H Power Computing Store!
