Scan your hard drive [weekly at least]. Anti-virus software helps to keep your computer free of infection from viruses, worms, and Trojans. We recommend ESET NOD32 for up-to-date software and virus information.
2. - Install a firewall on each computer in your home.
Personal Firewall Software acts as a barrier between your computer and the Internet, helping to block out viruses, worms, Trojans, and unauthorized access to your computer and files. There are 3 basic types of firewalls that are available for you to choose from: Software Firewall, Hardware Firewall and Wireless Firewall. Click HERE to determine which type of firewall is best for you.
3. - Windows Updates
It is essential to keep your computer's operating system and programs in top condition. That means keeping up with applying patches, hot fixes and Service Packs. Check for updates for your Windows operating system and for Microsoft Office weekly at minimum! If you don't obtain and install these updates to an affected computer, your computer is vulnerable to attack and/or infection.
Also, run Secunia Online Software Inspector monthy, Secunia will inspect your operating system and software for insecure versions and missing security updates.
4.- Education
Your system CAN be infected with a virus even though you have installed anti-virus software and you update your software regularly. You can receive a virus through your email program even if you haven't opened an attachment. An email does not have to contain an attachment to contain a virus.
Viruses can be sent through the web, on a floppy disc, via FTP (file transfer protocol), through chat clients, p2p music file sharing programs and even by visiting web pages. They can even infect your computer through a security hole in a software package or your operating system (Windows). This is why performing all critical updates from Microsoft is imperative.
DO NOT open email attachments that you are not expecting - even if they come from someone you know. Disable the Preview Pane in your email client. With Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express, previewing an email message may be enough to infect your system with a worm/virus. If you need help doing this, please contact Technical Support at 724/295-0514, we'd be glad to offer assistance.
5. - Run Disk Defragmenter at least once a month
Windows Vista automatically configures Disk Defrag to schedule defragment to run once a week, usually at 1am on Wednesday.
For Windows 2000/XP:
Click Start | All Programs | Accessories | System Tools | Disk Defragmenter
Click the ANALYZE button and click the Defragmenter button
For Windows 98/ME:
Click Start | Run | Type in the box defrag and hit Enter | Click OK
6. - Run a Spyware scan every 2 weeks
95% of all computers are infected with some type of spyware/malware.
Spyware can slow down a system by 500 % !!
Here are some programs we strongly suggest you install | update | scan your computer with on a regular basis:
Spybot - S&D
Spyware Blaster
Malwarebytes
7. - Use an alternative Browser
Firefox & Google Chrome are free web browsers and they offer a better security and additional features above Internet Explorer.
If you need additional direction please feel free to contact Technical Support
724/295-0514
E-Mail:
support AT tjscustomcomputers DOT com
TJ's Custom Computers @ 2010 | All rights reserved
