AntiVirus Program

Attachments

Hoaxes

File Types

Auto Download

Scripts

Macros

Spyware


Stop Those
Virus Attacks!
by Tom Mathewson

Computer virus attacks. Most of us have seen them, and a few of us have been hit by them. But we don't all know what to do about them. And how do you protect your computer, which Windows sets up like an open door in a bad neighborhood?

Well, it's easy to fix. Besides getting an antivirus program, we'll show you some precautions as well as Windows settings, starting with the most important steps first and followed by the rest in descending priority. Red exclamation marks show the really important steps:


First, install something:
  • 1. !!! Get an Anti-Virus program.

Then, general precautions when dealing with e-mail and the Internet:
  • 2. !! Don't click on that attachment!
  • 3. !! Hoaxes: don't fall for them.

Now set up Windows and Microsoft programs to block virus attacks:
  • 4. ! Make Windows show you what that file really is (Important Step!!).
  • 5. Stop Outlook from automatically downloading files.
  • 6. How to stop scripts from running.
  • 7. Keep Word and Excel from running infected macros.

Finally, a growing security issue that's not really a virus issue, although it's related:
  • 8. Spyware: marketers looking inside your machine!

Keep in mind that, except for #1, buying an anti-virus program, these steps won't cost you a penny! They're free, and we'll walk you through the more difficult ones.



First things first:

!!! 1: Get an Anti-Virus Program.

Most of us already have Norton, McAffee, Dr. Solomon, or some other reputable anti-virus program. If you do, that's great; you've taken a major step in protecting your machine. For those who haven't gotten one yet, go buy one and install it!

Then, once you've installed it, learn how to run it. Read the instructions, know how to scan your files, change the settings, download the updates (very important!), and then use it. Scan. Examine. Update.

But an anti-virus program can't catch everything. The next steps cover handling files as well as setting up Windows to block a virus even before it hits Norton or McAffee.

LINKS:

Anti-Virus Programs: Virus Information:


Next page: Watch those attachments!

        
AntiVirus Program

Attachments

Hoaxes

File Types

Auto Download

Scripts

Macros

Spyware