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A
computer virus is usually an excectutable code that can
spread quite quickly and in fact may clone itself. Some
viruses can spread very quickly and can be extremely
hard to get rid of. They can be attached to many
different types of files and usually are spread from
computer to computer through e-mail and other means.
Sometimes they are spread or launched by simply opening
a webpage with malicious code
attached.
Besides just
spreading, viruses can do a lot of damage to your
computer. Some will destroy files, format the disk
drive and basically can just do a lot of severe
damage to your computer. Usually you will notice
problems with your computer's performance, such as
loss of memory and space. Here are a few common
sense things that you can do, while not completely
foolproof, should go a long way in helping you to
not pick up a bad virus on your
computer.
Number one: always
use a good antivirus program
Number two: make
sure your firewall is turned on
Number three: make
sure that your computer is up to date with the most
recent updates available.
Number four: check
your browsers security settings, and make sure they
are set at a level to give you adequate
protection.
Number five:
install a good anti-spyware program
Number six: do not
install browser search bars from unknown or
untrustworthy sources.
Number seven: if
possible, use a separate credit card just for
online shopping.
Number eight: most
importantly do not click on e-mail attachments
which are executable type of files.
A lot of companies
that have antivirus software may also have online
tools to scan your computer in the event that you
do not have antivirus installed. However, keep in
mind, in addition to the paid programs available,
their are a lot of good free antivirus software. So
really, there is no excuse or reason to not have
your machine adequately protected.
Jack Clarke has
been an author and content publisher for the past
12 years. He currently runs several review sites
including
http://jawbreakergame.net
Jawbreaker
Game among many
others.
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