geeklog- ultimate geek knowledge: Preventing Infection : How to prevent infection of Virus? : Concerning Viruses III

The most reliable and thought-out measures cannot provide you with 100% protection from computer viruses and Trojans, but, with this set of rules in mind, you will significantly lower the likelihood of virus attacks and the level of potential damage. One of the basic methods of battling viruses is, as in medicine, well-timed prevention. Computer prophylactics involve a rather small number of rules that, if complied with, can significantly lower the likelihood of being infected with a virus and losing data. Below is a listing of basic safety rules which, if followed, will help mitigate the risk of virus attacks.

Rule No. 1: Use antivirus software and Internet security programs. To do so:

Install Anti-Virus program as soon as possible.

Regularly update the application databases. Updates may be performed several times a day in the event of virus epidemics. Under such circumstances application databases on antivirus software update servers update immediately.

Select the security settings recommended by the antivirus company for your computer. You will be protected constantly from the moment the computer is turned on and it will be harder for viruses to get onto your computer.

Configure the settings for complete scan recommended by the experts of your antivirus company and schedule scans for at least once per week.

Rule No. 2: Use caution when copying new data to your computer:

Scan all removable storage drives for viruses (floppies, CD/DVDs, flash drives, etc.) before using them.

Treat e-mails with caution. Do not open any files that have come through e-mail if you are not certain that they were really supposed to be sent to you, even if they were sent by people you know.

Be careful with information obtained through the Internet. If any web site suggests that you install a new program, be certain that it has a security certificate.

If you are copying an executable file from the Internet or local network, be sure to scan it with Anti-Virus.

Use discretion when selecting which web sites you visit. Many sites are infected with dangerous script viruses or Internet worms.

Rule No. 3: Pay close attention to information from Antivirus company websites.

In most cases, the Antivirus company announces a new outbreak long before it reaches its peak. The corresponding likelihood of infection is still low, and you will be able to protect yourself from new infection by downloading updated application databases.

Rule No. 4: Do not trust virus hoaxes, such as prank programs and e-mails about infection threats.

Rule No. 5: Use the Microsoft Windows Update tool and regularly install Microsoft Windows operating system updates.

Rule No. 6: Buy legit copies of software from official distributors.

Rule No. 7: Limit the number of people who are allowed to use your computer.

Rule No. 8: Lower the risk of unpleasant consequences of a potential infection:

Back up data regularly. If you lose your data, the system can fairly quickly be restored if you have backup copies. Store distribution floppies, CDs, flash drives, and other storage media with software and valuable information in a safe place.

Create a Rescue Disk that you can boot with, using a clean operating system.

Rule No. 9: Review the list of software installed on your computer on a regular basis. This can be accomplished using the Install/Remove Programs service under Control Panel or simply by viewing the contents of the Program Files folder and the startup folder. To do so, open Install/Remove Programs in the Control Panel or view the contents of the Program Files directory or the startup folder. You can discover software here that was installed on your computer without your knowledge, for example, while you were using the Internet or installing a program. Some of them are almost always potentially dangerous programs.

Related Links:

The information presented herein is adapted from Help and Support Section of the Kaspersky Anti-Virus 7.0, details of the notes can be pertained from related links as following: