How To Correctly Protect your Windows computer from viruses (OT)

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How To Correctly Protect your

Windows computer from viruses

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tired of viruses, spyware and other forms of malware sneaking

into your computer?

http://www.softwarecandy.com/shop/free-tips/how-to-correctly-protect-your-windows-computer-from-viruses

 

 

Contrary to popular belief, the #1 key to running a

virus-free Windows PC is not a good anti-virus

program*.

Read on to understand why -- and how to really protect your

computer from viruses, spyware and other types of malware.

 

* We have yet to find a single anti-virus program with 100% success

rate in detecting and eliminating all threats. That does not mean,

however, that we recommend uninstalling your antivirus software. It

only means that you simply cannot count solely on an antivirus

program to magically protect your computer from existing and future

threats to your PC.

 

This surprising revelation can explain why so many computer users

are suffering from viruses, trojans, worms, spyware and other types

of malware -- despite the popularity of antivirus suites: An

antivirus program by itself, is

not sufficient

for providing the trouble-free operation that you expect from your

computer.

 

The following is a summary of proper configuration,

use and habits that will help

you enjoy years of

malware-free operation of your Windows computer. It is based

on over 30 years of virus-free experience. The priority in

which you implement each tip below is important:

 

 

 

 

 

Priority

DO

DON'T

 

 

1

Create an

additional user

account. Change its type via Control Panel to Limited.

Conduct all your work from that account.

Do not work,

read email, or use your

Internet browser when logged into an account of the Computer

Administrator type.

 

Exception: You must be logged in as Administrator to

install

new software, to perform updates to Windows and other applications

that are installed in your computer, and to configure certain

system settings. Keep your Administrator session to minimum.

 

 

 

 

2

After

downloading an application,

view its digital signature tab details and

verify its

validity.

Do not install

software that triggers

the "The publisher could not be verified"

warning.

 

 

3

Use two browsers. Install

plug-ins (e.g. Flash) on one of them only! Use the "plug-in equipped"

browser (e.g. IE) for entertainment. Use the "bare-bones" browser (e.g.

Firefox) for article reading and secure transactions (i.e. online

shopping, banking, etc.).

Do not use only one browser for

your entire Internet activity - especially if it has additional

plug-ins installed and Javascript

enabled, where each component introduces additional potential

for a security hole.

 

 

4

Always work

behind a properly

configured router.

Do not connect

to the Internet

without a trusted firewall. If you don't have one, Google "download

sygate personal firewall" for a highly recommended free personal

firewall. Make sure it is digitally

signed, of course.

 

 

5

Visit only

trusted websites.

Do not visit

dubious websites.

Exercise careful judgment when deciding to click on that link that

shows up in your Google or Bing search results.

 

 

6

Exercise

caution when opening email

messages in HTML mode. If you have an antivirus installed, perform

a scan on attachment before deciding to open it.

Do not click

links in email that

comes from unknown sources.

 

 

7

Install a lightweight

antivirus program.

Do not install

an antivirus suite

that takes significant resources from your computer and slows it

down to the level of being worse than the virus itself.

 

 

 

 

 

Please remember to check this article regularly as we continue to

update it to keep current with new versions of Windows, new

threats and new insights.

 

The most important message here is: You can never claim that you

seriously protect your

computer if you continue doing your work, reading email and

browsing the web while logged in as Administrator. We know, some of the

measures described above make computer use somewhat less convenient,

but this is a tradeoff that may well be worth the effort -- especially

if you value your time and money.

 

Stay tuned for updates...

 

 

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