1) Temporary Internet Files - As
you surf websites, Internet Explorer gathers all sorts of garbage
like Cookies, Internet
Files, and a History of the sites you've been too. There is a
chance that you may collect files with viruses. You should
regularly
purge your computer of these elements to keep it clean regardless of
the virus issue. To do so, simply open Internet Explorer
and go to [Tools] [Internet Options].
This will open a window.
In this window there are three functions that you should click:
| 1) Delete Cookies
|
2) Delete Files |
3) Clear History |
2) Don't Open Unknown Email -
Probably the best thing you can do to safeguard your computer is to
not open any email
that isn't from someone you know. The latest round of viruses have
been coming in emails that have the following Subjects: Hi,
Hello, Test, Server, Server Update, Status, and Undeliverable Mail.
If this is in the subject line and you don't recognize the
sender, delete it immediately. Also, make sure when you are
sending others emails that you put a clear comment in the subject
line to help them decide whether or not this is really you sending
an email. Realize that this is simply protection from spam
viruses. Someone you know could have viruses on their
computer, and simply by opening email from a friend you could be in
for trouble.
3) Virus Protection Software - With all the junk out there
on the internet that can attack your computer, you'd be a fool not
to protect your computer with some sort of Virus Protection Software
(both Antivirus and Firewall software). The most commonly known programs are Norton and
MacAfee. There are lots of other options out there as well. My
company uses "My-eTrust" and we have liked it very much
(see link below to purchase it). It is less bulky and evasive as
the other programs. Regardless of the program you choose,
make sure to run the "Live Update or AutoDownload" at least once a
week (if not more). These companies specialize in
protecting your computer. They put out new pieces of software
regularly to fight the latest virus. If you don't download the
updates, you aren't protected!
4) Windows Updates - Another important thing to do at least
once a month is to download the latest updates from Microsoft
for your operating system. Windows regularly puts out updates for
their software. Lots of these updates are based on "bugs"
or "holes" they find in their software that needs fixing. On most
Windows based computers you can simply go to [Start] [Windows Update]. This will
open up an Internet Explorer window and take you to Microsoft's
website. It will ask if you
want to scan your computer for the latest critical updates. Say,
"yes". It will then come back to you and tell you whether you
are up-to-date or not. If you've never done this before there may
be as many as 20 or more updates that you will need to do.
These may take some time to get (depending on the speed of your
internet access), so it is recommended to start this at the end
of the day and simply leave it running until you come back. After
you get each round of updates completed it will most likely ask you
to reboot your computer. Do so, and then keep going back
to the Windows Update until it tells you that there are "no critical
updates" left for you to get. Usually it only gives you around 4
or 5 at a time, so you need to keep doing it until it says you are
done. |
