The explosion in Internet use has brought with it the very real threat of viruses that can attack the unwary user. Viruses come in many forms - installers, Trojans and worms all of which can affect the performance of your computer and your privacy seriously. Viruses affect the computer either by corrupting programs or by replicating themselves and denying resources to legitimate programs. Trojans usually come disguised as something desirable and are activated when you try to open or run them. Worms and some Trojans may send themselves to people in your address book in emails, without your knowledge.
Even though the threat posed by viruses is serious, a few precautions taken in time can help you protect and sanitize your computer against viruses.
1. Browse with Caution - Most viruses enter your computer as a result of clicking on pop ups or other links in websites that are not trustworthy. Do not follow links or click on pop ups that could install viruses on your computer.
2. Open Emails Cautiously - At times, even if the subject is innocuous, emails can contain links that lead to a virus entering your computer. If the email is not from a trusted source, treat it with caution.
3. Open Email Attachments with Care - The attachment that the email urges you to open may contain a virus! Make sure your mail manager allows you to preview the type of file (.exe, .com, .vbt in attachments are probably viruses. The same goes for screensaver programs that come to you unsolicited).
4. Installing downloaded programs - Programs downloaded from the Internet can pose a serious threat to your computer. Make sure that the program you have downloaded is from a trusted site or has a certificate issued by a trusted certifying authority.
5. Firewall - There are several firewall software packages available that allow you to prevent unauthorized access to your computer that could be initiated by an infected system.
6. Antivirus - A good antivirus package residing in your computer can be the best protection you can have against viruses. Choose an antivirus package that can comprehensively defend itself against viruses.
7. Regular Virus Scan - The mere presence of anti-virus software in your computer is not enough. Scanning of your computer for viruses must be done on a regular basis to locate and isolate viruses.
8. Update the Anti-Virus - It is very important to update the anti-virus program itself periodically. New viruses are introduced every day and the manufacturers of the anti-virus software update the virus database and capabilities of the anti-virus program regularly.
9. Update windows and all other software - Do not forget to update the Operating System and other software regularly as they are frequently patched to overcome security loopholes and vulnerabilities.
10. Removable Media - Removable media like floppies and USB drives are a major factor facilitating spreading of viruses. Use only trusted devices on your computer.
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20110106
Free Virus Removal Tools, Tips, and Tricks
Getting a virus on your system is frustrating to say the least, and can be hazardous to the health of your computer. Indeed, today's malicious software can even steal your identity and wreck your hard-earned credit rating. To help fight back, here's a list of free tools, tips, and tricks to get rid of viruses and keep them from getting back on your system.
Free Virus Removal Tools
Sure the antivirus vendors want to make money, but if you ever get the chance to meet one of their virus researchers, you'll find their real motivation is to protect users. As corny as that may sound, it's true. That's why when stubborn or fast-spreading infectors are discovered, antivirus vendors release special tools to remove the malware - and give the tools away free. It's no substitute for installed antivirus software, but if you're already infected and in a pinch, it's the next best thing to, well, installed antivirus software.
Create a free rescue CD - a rescue CD lets you access the system from a clean boot. A few vendors provide these free of charge and it takes only a few minutes to create one, so there's no excuse not to have one on hand.
McAfee AVERT Stinger - McAfee AVERT Labs offers a handy utility to run in Windows that cleans some of the more common malware.
Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool - Microsoft offers a free tool to remove prevalent software active on the system. The tool is offered via Automatic Updates, Windows Updates, and Microsoft Updates, or it can be manually downloaded using the provided link.
Symantec Virus Removal Tools - Antivirus vendor Symantec offers a wide range of free cleaning tools for individual malware removal.
F-Secure Virus Removal Tools - Another good choice for individual malware removal are these free tools from F-Secure.
For a second opinion scan or a not-so-stubborn infector, try one of the Top Online Scanners
Free Virus Repair and Prevention Tips
How to Repair a Boot Sector Virus - Though boot sector viruses are rare in the U.S. and most European countries, they are still prevalent in other parts of the world.
Make an Antivirus Rescue CD - In case you missed it above, free downloadable rescue CDs.
Eight Ways to Stop Virus Infection - Prevention. Prevention. Prevention. These are the essential steps.
How to Make Sure Your Antivirus is Working - Viruses, worms, and trojans often disable your antivirus software when they infect your system. This prevents the antivirus software from being updated and detecting the presence of the malware. Here's how to check to ensure it's working.
How to Avoid Macro Viruses - From the SANS Institute, tips on avoiding macro viruses.
How To Prevent Email Worms - Security configuration changes you need to make to your favorite email client software.
IM Safety Tips - In some crowds, instant messaging (IM) is more popular than email. But IM carries its own set of risks. These tips will help reduce the risk.
Free Antivirus Software
There's no such thing as a free ride, or is there? If you're an experienced user and don't mind putting in a little elbow grease, you can build your own security suite:
Free Virus Scanners
ZoneAlarm Personal Firewall
For those who want a more holistic all-in-one solution:
jai mAta di
Free Virus Removal Tools
Sure the antivirus vendors want to make money, but if you ever get the chance to meet one of their virus researchers, you'll find their real motivation is to protect users. As corny as that may sound, it's true. That's why when stubborn or fast-spreading infectors are discovered, antivirus vendors release special tools to remove the malware - and give the tools away free. It's no substitute for installed antivirus software, but if you're already infected and in a pinch, it's the next best thing to, well, installed antivirus software.
Create a free rescue CD - a rescue CD lets you access the system from a clean boot. A few vendors provide these free of charge and it takes only a few minutes to create one, so there's no excuse not to have one on hand.
McAfee AVERT Stinger - McAfee AVERT Labs offers a handy utility to run in Windows that cleans some of the more common malware.
Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool - Microsoft offers a free tool to remove prevalent software active on the system. The tool is offered via Automatic Updates, Windows Updates, and Microsoft Updates, or it can be manually downloaded using the provided link.
Symantec Virus Removal Tools - Antivirus vendor Symantec offers a wide range of free cleaning tools for individual malware removal.
F-Secure Virus Removal Tools - Another good choice for individual malware removal are these free tools from F-Secure.
For a second opinion scan or a not-so-stubborn infector, try one of the Top Online Scanners
Free Virus Repair and Prevention Tips
How to Repair a Boot Sector Virus - Though boot sector viruses are rare in the U.S. and most European countries, they are still prevalent in other parts of the world.
Make an Antivirus Rescue CD - In case you missed it above, free downloadable rescue CDs.
Eight Ways to Stop Virus Infection - Prevention. Prevention. Prevention. These are the essential steps.
How to Make Sure Your Antivirus is Working - Viruses, worms, and trojans often disable your antivirus software when they infect your system. This prevents the antivirus software from being updated and detecting the presence of the malware. Here's how to check to ensure it's working.
How to Avoid Macro Viruses - From the SANS Institute, tips on avoiding macro viruses.
How To Prevent Email Worms - Security configuration changes you need to make to your favorite email client software.
IM Safety Tips - In some crowds, instant messaging (IM) is more popular than email. But IM carries its own set of risks. These tips will help reduce the risk.
Free Antivirus Software
There's no such thing as a free ride, or is there? If you're an experienced user and don't mind putting in a little elbow grease, you can build your own security suite:
Free Virus Scanners
ZoneAlarm Personal Firewall
For those who want a more holistic all-in-one solution:
jai mAta di
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