Computer viruses are an inherent part of computing. You can obtain a virus by downloading something from a dishonest Web site, installing a nasty freeware or shareware program, running a macro, or through applications like Outlook or Windows Mail (in the form of an attachment).
A virus is a computer program deliberately designed by a human being to harm your data or your computer. Just like a cold virus, viruses replicate themselves so they can spread to other computers; this usually happens quickly. Viruses may rename or delete files, bog down computer resources, or produce pop-up messages, among other things. While the most common type of virus is one that comes in the form of an attachment, many of these won’t cause problems until a specific action occurs, like opening a ZIP file. Some viruses are brought to action based on the arrival of a certain date, or the user performing a certain task. Unfortunately, you can’t depend on Vista’s built-in security features to protect you; you need additional software.
It’s important to know that you must configure anti-virus software. Antivirus software, while an exceptional and must-have application has to be configured to get updates, perform a system-wide virus scans, and scan incoming and outgoing email. Not only that, but you have to look at when these updates and scans will occur. You don’t want to run a system-side virus scan at 2 p.m. when you’re in the middle of working on an important project.
That said, take a look at your anti-virus software settings, and configure it according to the following guidelines:
- · Use Windows Firewall and Windows Defender.
- · Perform a manual scan anytime you see anything suspicious.
- · Schedule a complete system scan weekly, during a time when the computer is on but is not in use, preferably at a time when you can verify the results when it’s finished.
- · Stay up to date on current risks by visiting your antivirus manufacturer’s Web site.
- · Run only one antivirus program.
- · Scan incoming and outgoing e-mail, even though it slows down the email process slightly.
- · Create a rescue disk as advised by your anti-virus software manufacturer.
- · Schedule updates to download and install at a time that is opportune for you. Preferably a time when you will not be using the computer but will be connected to the Internet.
- · Check for quarantined files twice a month. Delete files you know are harmful.
- · Enable instant messaging protection.
