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As more and more people are getting on the computer for work, school, or play, virus threats have been increasing. The virus can be transferred through USB drives, email attachments, social media networks, and other methods that allow it to spread quickly. In order to avoid this problem altogether, you should read these tips on how to properly keep viruses and other threats from your computer!
Use an antivirus
The first step could not be obvious, get an antivirus. If you are not using antivirus for your PC, then your computer is at risk of virus attacks which could lead to expensive repairs or even personal information being stolen. You should choose a trusted virus removal software that doesn’t include any hidden charges and will protect your PC all the time.
A good virus protection program should also have other features like email spam filtering, firewall security suite so it can keep everything safe for everyday use as well as online transactions with bank accounts and credit cards used on shopping websites, etc. There are free virus programs but they usually come without extra protection tools because their main purpose is just virus detection only.
Also, make sure to run regular scans with it so that you make the purchase worth it.
Keep your computer OS updated
It’s crucial to update the operating system to keep malware and other virus threats from your computer. This will prevent the virus or other threat from entering into your device, while also keeping it running smoothly and efficiently.
An updated system will also help your computer keep viruses and threats-free if you accidentally come into contact with something that has a virus. Updates will also include patches, which will fix bugs or errors in the system. Bugs can cause viruses to enter computers more easily so this is another reason why it’s helpful to have updated software on your device.
Additionally, an updated operating system keeps up with new security features such as antivirus programs and firewall add-ons that may be introduced within the next update of the OS (Operating System).
Keep all software updated
Aside from your OS, all other software should be updated frequently. These include essentially all other programs that are installed on your computer. Each of these pieces of software will have updates released all the time in order to keep them secure, bug-free, and running smoothly for better performance.
Here’s a list of programs you must keep up to date so that your PC is protected at all times:
- virus software
- drivers (the software behind your hardware)
- web browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, and their plugins
- firewall software
- any software that makes use of an internet connection
Install a firewall
Another important addition to your protection system should be a firewall or a piece of software that monitors all incoming and outgoing network traffic. A virus trying to send information from your computer back to the virus author could be stopped by this type of security system before it even entered your machine in the first place.
If you don’t have a pre-installed firewall on your operating system then downloading one is an easy way to add another layer of virus protection without spending any money at all! Some free firewalls are Zonealarm Free Firewall, Comodo Firewall Pro, and TinyWall.
In addition, these types of programs can also block ads that might appear when browsing sites online so they provide extra benefits as well!
Don’t open suspicious emails from unknown senders
Apart from equipping your PC with good software, you should still be careful about the email messages you receive, as they can easily contain virus-generating attachments. If a message from an unknown sender contains URLs or other suspicious links that lead to files that look risky then it’s better not to open them at all.
For example, if you’ve been sent a .zip file and told to unpack its contents in order to view some pictures but don’t trust the person who is sending those pictures or their reason for wanting you to access these particular images, do not follow this request. Only do it if there are legitimate reasons why someone should want you outside of your circle of friends and acquaintances.
Watch out what you download
Always make sure everything you download is safe and scan every new file in order to make sure it does not contain any viruses or other threats. Even if you know the file is legit, virus writers are known for changing virus codes in order to infiltrate computers without anyone noticing until it’s too late.
Even when downloading an app from well-known developers like Apple and Google, always double-check what permissions your device is allowing that app to have. Unnecessary permissions like access to location, contacts, etc., could allow virus writers to get more personal information about you.
Viruses can ruin your computer so getting a reliable antivirus and firewall while also updating all your programs and operating system is a must to keep your machine safe. Also, be careful while online with messages and emails and never open them if you’re unsure of the sender or what the files sent to you contain. Also, always scan everything you download and watch where you are getting your files from!
