And you’re finally here it’s happened!
Your computer has been infected with a VIRUS!
Could you avoid it?
Yes, provided you follow some simple rules.
Your brand new unprotected computer attacked by a simple sly and malicious program, a simple little virus can cause slowdowns or even make your computer unusable. To avoid viruses, you need a good antivirus, Under Windows it’s indispensable, With s MAC it’s less necessary. A good antivirus for sure will protect you from loosing everything on your computer.
On the Internet, you can download free anti-virus (AVG or Avast 5 for example) but remember to turn them on and, above all, make regular updates.
Even better, some anti-virus allow you to schedule automatic updates. Do it when possible!
The free solutions are interesting… but often limited in their capabilities and features. If you can invest a few dollars, opt to pay for all in one solutions These solutions will not only do their job as an anti-virus, but also, will take on other roles such as anti-spyware, anti-backdoor, etc… not including the monitoring of incoming emails, all seamlessly while you work on your computer.
But back to the virus. A virus can arrive in several ways:
- by a USB key or a CD for example, that someone has kindly lent you without suspecting that there was an infected file is inside!
- by a program downloaded from the Internet that you did not suspect being malicious (eg “clean your PC with our program totally free”)
- by peer-to-peer exchange of films, music, software between people (eg Kazaa)
- by receiving a simple e-mail with an attachment which could have this name: image.jpg.exe (Take in account the last extension, it is certainly a well-hidden malware)
To avoid catastrophe, adopt good habits:
When you download new programs, always run them trough your anti-virus before opening them and prefer sites that have set up shop, especially for software from abroad.
When you download music, movies, make sure your antivirus program has a site verification peer-to-peer, often a paid option for most antivirus but if you are customary to this type of download, don’t hesitate to spend a few dollars! Better Prefer legal sites!
