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12 tips to keep your computer virus-free
By Dana
Dratch • Bankrate.com
These simple steps can hold off most computer bugs.
If one does slip through, they'll also help you survive the infection
without losing time, money, clients or your sanity.
1. Keep installation
copies of all of your software where you can access it quickly,
preferably with the backup copies of your data files.
2. Install and regularly
update anti-virus software. New viruses appear every day and old
anti-virus software is as useful as a flat spare tire. You are buying
a subscription with the software manufacturer. Use it. If you share
the computer or are on a network, make sure others are using the
anti-virus software, too.
3. Set up a personal
firewall and understand how it works. This is a relatively cheap
way to protect your network, data and customer information. You
often can buy a firewall with your anti-virus software. It's especially
important if you have a laptop, cable modem, DSL connection or spend
a lot of time on the Internet.
4. Implement a regular
maintenance routine. Update your virus software, back up files and
clean out temporary files weekly. If you have more than one computer
on your network, train other users in the routine. If you are a
Microsoft Windows user, visit its Web site routinely for updates.
5. Turn off your computer
when you're not using it. You know that wonderful access you get
from a DSL or cable modem? It's a two-way street. If you don't want
something nasty coming through your computer door, close it.
6. If you are a technical
person, go into your computer's control panel and deactivate unnecessary
services. If you run a one-person office, why do you need file or
printer sharing? For a hacker, such features are the keys to your
kingdom. Other hacker helpers include disk sharing (without a password),
script hosting and even instant messaging. The simpler you keep
your system, the easier it is to protect. If you are not a technical
person, get someone who is to help you do this -- you don't want
to erase services you might need.
7. Don't open unexpected
attachments. Even a joke from a friend could be the result of his
infected computer reaching out to taint your machine. If you receive
an attachment you're unsure about, call and check before opening
it.
8. Don't use default
passwords. If you're utilizing a program that requires a password,
use a unique password.
9. Turn off the "hide
file extensions" feature and beware of any file with a double
extension. This is a big tip-off that the file contains something
malicious, and that the creator is trying to conceal that fact.
Everyone knows not to open an .exe file for fear of a malevolent
program, but files tagged .vbs, .vbe, .shs, and .sbs are potential
problems, too. Hackers also have dreamed up ways to cram viruses
and worms into all kinds of formerly safe file types, including
those ending with .doc, .bat, .txt, .pif, .lnk and .pdf. And if
a Word, Excel or PowerPoint document contains macros, they could
be used to hide malicious programming.
10. Be careful about
where you go on the Internet. X-rated Internet sites are notorious
breeding grounds for computer diseases. But common sense should
tell you that if a site makes a promise that's too good to be true,
such as a $300 piece of Microsoft software for free, it's probably
a nightmare waiting to happen. Foresight, along with a firewall
and some good anti-virus software, should keep your computer up
and running for a long time.
11. Make friends early
with an expert. Getting help when a virus hits is like trying to
get the air conditioner repairman out to the house during a heat
wave. The time to cultivate a relationship with a local computer
professional is before a virus strikes so you will be on the priority
list. Check with computer stores or get referrals from friends and
business associates.
12. Stay informed.
Visit virus-protection Web sites regularly and bookmark a couple
you really like. Stay on top of what viruses are out there and how
you can protect your computer in advance. Since many viruses exploit
the design of certain types of software, check the manufacturers
sites frequently for free downloads of fixes or "patches."
The best way to fight a virus, is not to catch it in the first place.
Dana Dratch is a freelance writer
based in Georgia.
-- Updated: Aug. 12, 2003
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