Clean Computer Of Spyware And Other Viruses And Keep It Clean
Like we said, the best way to avoid being the chump who had to clean computer of spyware and other viruses is to acquire some know-how. And what better way to do that than to familiarize yourself with the do's and don'ts of computer viruses?
What we have below is the first half of that list. An “I do” to each of these points will guarantee you a happy marriage with your computer.
DO
...perform frequent virus checks using credible anti-spyware and anti-virus programs. You never know when a virus might strike, and it's always better to be safe than sorry. Too many people still believe in the misconception that a regular virus scan means a check up every few months, or a scan once a year. Talk about poor computer maintenance.
The ideal routine is to have the computer checked after every few days, especially if you're the type of person who lives and dies by his connection to the Internet. Doing so won't give spyware and other viruses the opportunity to pile up, or have enough time to do considerable damage to your computer.
...consistently update your computer's security measures. This will allow you to deal with newer versions of spyware and viruses designed to get past outdated anti-spyware and anti-virus programs. Consistent updates also bolsters your security, helping you deal with older malware more efficiently. If you choose not to update your security, you'll be giving malware the decisive advantage.
...use a firewall. A firewall is a software device that protects your computer from outside threats. Anti-spyware and anti-virus programs are useful tools, but you'll further decrease the chance of an infection by investing in a good firewall and keeping it updated.
...back up your files on a regular basis. Though not really a means of preventing your computer from getting infected, it does prevent you from losing or damaging your files, which likely is the main reason you want to keep your computer from getting infected in the first place.
By having back ups available, you'll have less to do in terms of damage control if a spyware or virus does end up wreaking havoc on your computer. You can just reformat instead of having to clean computer of spyware and other viruses.
...double up on your anti-spyware and anti-virus programs. There's a saying that goes “Don't put all your eggs in one basket”. Otherwise, you risk losing them all. Same thing with your computer. If you pin all your hopes on one anti-spyware and anti-virus software, you could expose your computer to some risks in case your scan misses out on any.
It isn't uncommon for users to run different anti-spyware and anti-virus software and get different results. Some malware may be sophisticated enough to avoid detection by some security software, but is still unable to avoid detection by others. Though it's not really a rule of thumb, employing two or even three different security measures definitely ups your chances of prevention.
And that wraps up the first half of the do's and don'ts of computer viruses. But don't get ahead of yourself. If you really want to avoid having to clean computer of spyware and other viruses, then move on to the don'ts.
