Defend Yourself From Computer Viruses

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You are having fun browsing the Web, watching movies in YouTube, chatting with your buddies in Twitter and downloading the occasional freeware. It'll only be a matter of time before you bring in a computer virus with that seemingly innocent freeware. Here are some ways to defend yourself from these malware lurking in every corner of the Internet.

• Use a complete security software suite. Plain antivirus programs won’t cut it anymore. Be sure that your security software includes anti-spyware, anti-adware, anti-rootkit and checks your incoming mail. Look in reputable computer magazines or websites for recommendations to help you find the right one for you. Some websites would try to sell you bogus antivirus software that is itself a virus;
• Always use your security software suite. Make sure that the anti-virus component of your security software suite is always turned on and scanning files, incoming and outgoing email messages, and any programs you run. Your security software is not of much use if it is just sitting there doing nothing;
• Keep your security software suite up to date. Most programs come with a yearly subscription so make sure you take advantage of these updates. Some of the better programs allow you to schedule updates or full system scans during idle times like 2AM when you aren't likely to be doing anything;
• Keep your operating system up to date. From time to time security holes and bugs in operating systems are discovered and manufacturers issue updates to prevent the exploits of these bugs. Always check regularly to make sure that you are running stable and up to date versions of your operating system;
• Backup your data regularly. Backup media like DVD, flash drives, external hard drives and tape drives are cheap nowadays so there is absolutely no reason not to backup your precious data. With a reliable backup, you can always restore your computer or at least your data when worse comes to worst;
• Scan any floppy disks or USB flash drives that you have used in public computers like your school computer lab, Kinko's, or even a digital photo printing store. Public computers are where viruses get transmitted and stored;
• Don’t click any email attachments that you don’t know. Treat all email attachments as potentially dangerous. Never open attachments from people you weren't expecting. Even if the email came from someone you know, that person’s computer might have been compromised and the email was in fact sent by the virus using your friends email account;
• Prefer text email to HTML. While HTML email is nicer on the eyes and allows you more control over formatting, it can also transmit computer viruses. In a text based email the only way to be infected by a virus is by opening an attached file;
• Freeware and shareware files or software should be treated with caution. Only download them from popular and reputable sources that scan the programs before they are uploaded. But don’t rely on the site; make sure that you scan the program yourself before you run it on your computer;
• Be careful of links in instant messaging or chat software. Don't just accept invitations from anyone you don't know and never click a link sent by someone you don't trust because they can easily redirect you to another site that will try to install malware on your computer system.