How To Avoid Computer Viruses?

Computer viruses are as old as the personal computer. So, in order to prevent computer viruses, every PC user needs to acquire determined computer skills. For example, how to install programs, make software upgrades, configure a firewall or how to setup an anti-spyware program. 

All of these skills will help you avoid computer viruses. However, if we want to fight our enemy effectively, we need to know what it is.

What Is A Computer Virus?

A computer virus is a software program that has been created by a human. The intention of the virus is to cause chaos and destruction to the computer. Although most of the cases it is limited to the software, there have been some instances in which a virus had damaged a piece of hardware. 

Fortunately, hardware damage is very scarce. The only way in which a virus could damage a piece of equipment is by exploiting a glitch in the programming. For example, it could slow down the speed of the processor's fan. That way the processor overheats and melts down. 

How To Prevent Computer Viruses

How can we prevent computer viruses is the big question that millions of users make everyday. The first rule in this eternal battle for computer security is to have an up-to-date antivirus. Notice the word up-to-date. That means that your antivirus software needs to be updated every day. Viruses are always appearing, so do not sub estimate them. In less than 24 hours your antivirus could be obsolete. 

The next important rule is still related to actualizations. Although you may have your antivirus updated, that doesn't mean that there are other weaknesses in your system. As a matter of fact, there isn't an unbreachable computer. Even the most expensive system can be cracked by an expert. 

So, it doesn't matter if you have a guardian dog tied at the front entrance of your house if your windows are open. That's why the rest of your software needs to be updated. The first piece of software that needs to be actualized is the operating system. 

Almost eighty percent of the world uses Microsoft software. Hence, it is the favorite victim of black hat hackers. Configure your Windows configuration so it can make automatic actualizations that can prevent computer viruses. 

The same thing goes for productivity software like Microsoft Office or even entertainment software like computer games. All software is under constant changes once it is delivered into the market. Consider the millions of possible configurations that a computer program needs to affront once it is introduced. 

Virus Prevention Facts and Fads

Another important piece of software is the firewall. The majority of computers are now connected to the Internet, and most of the times they are connected 24x7. That means that they are at the hands of the thousands of cracker that lurk the web. If you don't want to be a victim of their activities, you need to assure yourself that the firewall of your computer is activated and protecting all of its entrances.

Among the many ways on how to prevent viruses, anti-spyware software has become the latest fad. Although viruses are quite old (they have more than 20 years of existence), spyware is relatively new. These programs became famous in the last few years, when the use of the internet became widespread through out the world.

Fortunately, several computer security companies found that it was an interesting niche market that could be exploited. That's why they developed programs for fighting this menace. You only need to make a basic query in your favorite search engine and you will find many options. If you don't know which is better, don't worry. Most of them come with free versions or trial periods. That way you will be able to test them before spending your hard-earned dollars.

All of these recommendations have the same consign: to prevent virus infestation. However, there is another important question: how to avoid computer viruses? The first rule of thumb is to be wary of the attachments that you download from electronic mails. Although an email can be sent by a friend, that doesn't mean that it isn't virus free. Assure yourself by configuring your email software. That way, every time you receive an email, your antivirus will check it.


The same thing goes for files that are downloaded from the internet. There are thousands of websites full of free games and software utilities. If you download files from those sites, check them; even if they come from sites like Download.com. Additionally, if you use programs like BitTorrent and Emule for downloading content, you must be very careful. Those files could be infested with virus or even spyware.

Finally, you must educate all the users if you want to prevent spyware, viruses or any other kind of malware. It doesn't matter if you spend one hundred dollars per year in security software if your little cousin accidentally downloads a virus through an Instant Messaging program like MSN Messenger.

In resume, if you want to avoid computer viruses, you need to do your homework and maintain yourself updated. That doesn't mean that you have to transform into a computer geek navigating through dozens of forums. You just need to check sites as CNN.com or Slashdot.org in order to know what is happening in the world of personal computers. Remember, in order prevent computer viruses, you must be prepared.

Related Articles :