Today, as the Internet and other networks are highly developed, computer viruses spread rapidly and extensively. Several new viruses emerge every day capable of considerably damaging your computer system. Antivirus specialists work hard to update their software against new viruses as soon as possible. Viruses can enter the computer in different ways. That is why there is no simple method to protect the system. Only a series of measures can provide you with reliable protection against infection. Below are 9 steps to protect MS Windows based PC system from viruses.
1. Make regular backups.
It should be said that there is no absolutely secure form of protection. Virus writers often find holes in new computer products to use to infect computer systems. Some dangerous viruses can severely damage data files or even wipe the entire file system. Make regular backup copies of your data files on a separate file storage device. It can be a separate hard drive, flash card, compact disc, or other file storage device of your choice. To make the procedure easier, you can use some automatic backup software. And be prepared if the system will die due to a virus infection.
2. Be prepared to reinstall your system if it dies due to a virus.
Get the distributives for your operating system and the distributives for the software you use and keep them together, for example, on a CD set not far from you. In this case, if the virus infection causes unrecoverable system failure, you can quickly reinstall your working media.
3. Protect your network connection with Firewall.
Firewall is software that blocks potentially dangerous suspicious connections to prevent network viruses from entering your system. Windows XP system has a simple but reliable built-in firewall. You can enable it as follows. 1) In Control Panel, double-click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Network Connections. 2) Right click on the connection you would like to enable the firewall on and then click Properties. 3) Under the Advanced tab, check the Protect my computer and network option.
If you need more flexible control of network connections, you can obtain and install more advanced firewall software such as Norton Personal Firewall or Outpost Firewall. By using this software, you have the ability to allow or block particular connections and monitor network activity.
4. Use antivirus software.
Install antivirus software that will scan your system for and remove viruses on a regular basis. The leaders in antivirus software products for Windows systems are Norton Antivirus, McAfee, Kaspersky Anti-Virus and PC-cilin.
5. Regularly update the operating system.
Windows XP has a built-in automatic update service. It regularly communicates with the Microsoft server to find updates and notifies you if the updates are ready to be installed. Updates are important because hackers often find holes in the operating system that are often used by virus writers.
6. Do not install or run suspicious software.
Check the new programs that you are going to install with the antivirus software. Do not download software from suspicious websites. To download software, always look for the website of the software creator or official distributor. Do not open requests received by email from unknown persons.
7. Limit access to your computer.
Protect login with password.
8. If you use Internet Explorer, consider switching to another browser.
As IE is the most widely distributed browser today, virus writers actively use flaws in its security system to infect computers. The infection can arise if you visit a web page that contains invisible malicious code. You’re safer if you use a lesser-known browser just because virus writers don’t pay much attention to it. The Firefox and Opera browsers of IE’s main competitors now provide the same convenient interface and the same range of services for working on the Web.
9. Use spam protection.
Viruses are often distributed via email. Activate the spam filters in your email box to block the receipt of spam. If you need help using filters, you can consult your email service provider.