5 Tips to keep your computer virus-free

Adopted from http://www.symantec.com with some information from http://www.inmac.co.uk
By Hellen Zziwa.
Queries or comments should be sent to techtips@wougnet.org

You may be tempted to carry on without anti-virus software on your PC. Think of all the important documents or other information you keep on it. Most PC users do not backup their information and do not use anti-virus software. When they use the software, they do not bother to update it. Below are some tips on how to keep your computer virus-free.

1. Scan floppies before using them - This is always important, but especially if you are using the disk to carry information between one computer and another. You could easily pick up a virus from an insecure network and introduce it into your system. Running a virus scan before launching any of the programs on the disk will prevent infection.
   
   
2. Don't download programs from the Web - Unreliable sources such as Internet newsgroups or Web sites that you haven't heard of may be willing providers of viruses for your computer. Avoid downloading files you can't be sure are safe. This includes freeware, screensavers, games, and any other executable program - any files with an ".exe" or ".com" extension, such as "coolgame.exe." Check to see if the site has anti-virus software running on their side. If you do have to download from the Internet, be sure to scan each program before running it. Save all downloads to one folder, then run virus checks on everything in the folder before using it.
   
   
3. Don't automatically open attachments - It's always better to err on the side of safety. If you're unsure about an attachment, delete it. Especially if it's from a source you don't recognize. If there are tempting animations on a site that look highly unprofessional, don't download them. Be sure your email program doesn't automatically download attachments. This will ensure that you can examine and scan attachments before they run. Refer to your email program's safety options or preferences menu for instructions. Be sure to run each attachment you plan to open through the anti-virus check. Do this even if you recognize and trust the sender; malicious code, like Trojan horses, can slip into your system by appearing to be from a friendly source.
   
   
4. Install reliable anti-virus software - Anti-virus software scans files regularly for unusual changes in file size, programs that match the software's database of known viruses, suspicious email attachments, and other warning signs. It's the most important step you can take towards keeping your computer clean of viruses. An anti-virus program is only as good as the frequency with which it is updated. New viruses, worms, and Trojan horses are born daily, and variations of them can slip by software that is not current. Anti-virus software such as Norton Anti-virus and McAfee VirusScan have a feature that searches for new virus definitions every time you go online, so you are always up to date. Configure your anti-virus software to run automatically on start-up and run at all times. This will provide you back-up protection in case you forget to scan an attachment, or decide not to.
   
   
5. Buy antivirus software from an authorised reseller - This entitles you to the necessary support and software upgrades offered by the company. Commonly used antivirus software such as McAfee VirusScan and Norton Anti-virus may be bought online or by other means from companies such as inmac, www.inmac.com.

An indication of the cost (as listed in imac’s online catalogue, www.inmac.co.uk )
1. MCAFEE VIRUSSCAN DELUXE 5.0 WIN 95 / 98, NTCD from Network Associates @ £28.99; and
2. NORTON ANTIVIRUS 2001 7.0 WIN CD from Symantec @ £25.49.