![]() |
| source: blogalaxia |
Keep the Operating System Updated
The first step in protecting your computer from any
malicious there is to ensure that your operating system (OS) is up-to-date.
This is essential if you are running a Microsoft Windows OS. Secondly, you need
to have anti-virus software installed on your system and ensure you download
updates frequently to ensure your software has the latest fixes for new
viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. Additionally, you want to make sure your
anti-virus program has the capability to scan e-mail and files as they are
downloaded from the Internet, and you also need to run full disk scans
periodically. This will help prevent malicious programs from even reaching your
computer.
Use a Firewall
You should also install a firewall. A firewall is a system
that prevents unauthorized use and access to your computer. A firewall can be
either hardware or software. Hardware firewalls provide a strong degree of
protection from most forms of attack coming from the outside world and can be
purchased as a stand-alone product or in broadband routers. Unfortunately, when
battling viruses, worms and Trojans, a hardware firewall may be less effective
than a software firewall, as it could possibly ignore embedded worms in outgoing
e-mails and see this as regular network traffic.
For individual home users, the most popular firewall choice
is a software firewall. A good software
firewall will protect your computer from outside attempts to control or gain
access your computer, and usually provides additional protection against the
most common Trojan programs or e-mail worms. The downside to software firewalls
is that they will only protect the computer they are installed on, not a
network.
It is important to remember that on its own a firewall is
not going to rid you of your computer virus problems, but when used in
conjunction with regular operating system updates and a good anti-virus
scanning software, it will add some extra security and protection for your
computer or network.

No comments:
Post a Comment