832-303-3174

Computer viruses are infecting millions of computers every day. They are now so common that a Google search for “virus” returns only four biological-type viruses out of the first ten results, with the remaining results computer related.

How do you protect your computer in today's technology-heavy world?

There is absolutely no way to avoid viruses altogether, unless you never connect your computer to the Internet.

 

However, here is a short list of ways to help protect your computer and avoid getting infected while on-line.

• Use a top-rated anti-virus program and make sure it is up to date. Do not confuse “top rated” with expensive or commercial. Some of the best anti-virus programs are free! In most cases the anti-virus program that came with your computer from the store is not even listed in the top thirty best anti-virus programs and should be removed immediately.
• If you are using Windows XP, install Windows Defender. Not only is it free, but it works well when installed with some other anti-virus programs. Windows Defender comes standard with Windows Vista.
Stop using Internet Explorer. Roughly 49% of all visitors to our website are using Internet Explorer and 20% of those visitors are using version 6 or older. Internet Explorer is notorious for allowing pop-ups and “scripts” to run from the Internet.
Install important Windows Updates. About 90% of the computers that we remove viruses and spyware from have never been updated. Turn on automatic updates and make sure your version of Windows has the latest security patches.
• Change your DNS (Domain Name Server) settings to use OpenDNS. The OpenDNS project blocks adult, phishing, and malicious websites altogether. The best part is that you can choose your level of protection for the needs of your family.
• Lock down your wireless network. Make sure your wireless security is turned on. This will stop unauthorized access to your network and keep your pesky neighbors and their computers with all the viruses off of your network and out of your computer.
• Treat all computers that come onto your network as threats. Unless you can be absolutely certain where that computer has been, treat it as infected and quarantine it before connecting it to your network. Run a complete virus scan using a quality virus scanner and install the latest virus definitions and security patches.

For professional support and assistance with these items to protect your computer from viruses and threats, call Innovative Computer Repair Service today at 832-303-3174.