Safe Practices to Prevent Viruses and Malware
Install anti-virus software
Purchase and install the latest version anti-virus software from one of the leading vendors. Schedule scans on a daily basis. Update the program regularly!
Install anti-spyware software
Use recommended software such as
Both are free of charge.
Use Windows Update
No matter which Windows operating system you use, you can benefit from Windows Update. Windows Update scans your computer and provides a list of updates specific to your operating system, software, and hardware, including critical security updates.
Use a Firewall
Firewall software provides a layer of security between your computer and the Internet. Windows XP comes with it's personal firewall already turned on. If you have an older operating system with no firewall installed, call us at 4571 1676 to secure your computer today.
Be prepared! Back up your data on a regular basis.
Whether you backup your files using a tape backup drive, a CD burner, floppy disks, or anything else...just do it! You don't want to have to learn this lesson the hard way.
Never open e-mail attachments without virus-scanning first
It doesn't matter who it's from: e-mail addresses can be spoofed! Save the file to your computer's hard drive, and then use virus software to scan it for viruses. This goes for files downloaded from web sites, as well.
Never respond to SPAM!
Don't even click the alleged "unsubscribe" link (it wont unsubscribe you!) It encourages the spam-makers to continue sending spam. It also lets them know they've found a "live" address, and consequently your address will then be sold to hundreds more spammers. The best way to deal with spam: use a program such as IHateSpam, or simply delete it. For more help with this problem, call Computus Australis today.
Don't fall for "fishing" scams!
Have you gotten an e-mail from Such-and-Such Bank, titled "Important Online Banking Alert"? Did it ask you to "confirm your bank account records" by clicking a link? But yet you have no account with that bank?! That's because someone is "fishing" for customers of Such-and-Such Bank. Don't be fooled... never divulge personal information such as passwords, PINs, or account numbers over the Internet. Call your financial institution if you have any questions.
Ignore Pop-Ups!
Pop-up messages are not just annoying, they can be hazardous. A click on a pop-up window may start a file download, with or without your consent. Be especially cautious of pop-up windows that simulate legitimate windows from your operating system (ie. "WARNING! You may have critical errors on your PC"). Close these pop-ups by carefully clicking the "x" in the uppermost right corner (sometimes there are two, to deceive the user) or use the keyboard combination of the alt and F4 keys.
Turn off Preview Panes in Outlook and Outlook Express
With the advent of VBScript-based viruses being spread by e-mail, it is possible, with Preview Panes on, to launch a virus as soon as you receive the e-mail. To turn Preview Panes on or off in Outlook, click the View menu and Preview Pane. In Outlook Express, click the View menu, then Layout, then click the Show Preview Pane checkbox to deselect it, and then click OK.
Disable VBScript in Outlook Express
Outlook Express has scripting enabled by default, meaning scripts will execute when you open an e-mail message, or merely view it in a Preview Pane.
To disable VBScript in Outlook Express 5 for Windows 98/95 and Windows 2000
- On the Tools menu, click Options, and then click the Security tab.
- In the Zone box, click Restricted Sites, and then click OK.
- Start Internet Explorer, and then click Internet Options on the Tools menu.
- Click the Security tab, click Restricted sites, and then click Custom level.
- In the Security Settings dialog box, click Disable under Active scripting in the Scripting area.
- Click OK, click Yes, click OK, and then click OK.
Protect removable media - Zip and Floppy
Scan all zip and floppy disks prior to using them. When moving a disk between computers, ensure that it is virus-free and copy-protected before putting it in the next computer. This prevents the spread of viruses. Note: Viruses can also be spread via CDs... ensure your files are virus-free before burning that CD!