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The Computer Virus Breakdown

The dreaded computer virus is a common problem that many PC users face on a daily basis.  Once they’re in your computer, they can be hard to be removed depending on the severity.  Most PC users don’t understand why their computer is always coming down with viruses, but the most common reason why they occur is primarily due to the individual using the computer.  Most people don’t really even know what a computer virus is.  To sum it up, a computer virus comes from malicious programs, internet websites, music, and email to name a few.  Pretty much, these viruses contains trojans, worms, malicious code, etc. that migrate into your machine based on the way you use your computer.  Computer viruses can be avoided and there 3 main practices you can do to limit your changes of catching one of these trojans or worms.

Are You Paying Attention To The Websites You Visit?

There are many websites out there that get hacked into by individuals known as “crackers.” They’re the one’s installing malicious code into programs and websites to steal information and hopefully get you to click something that leads to your computer getting infected with a virus. You need to practices “safe search” which means exactly what it says.  Don’t go to sites that you wouldn’t want your Mom to know about.  If you’re still confused about what I mean, I’m talking about porn sites.  These are some of the most common places on the internet where your computer can become infected.  Not to mention, the type of browser you use can play a large role in how protected you are when surfing the web.  I’ve always recommended PC users to use Mozilla Firefox.  If you are running a Windows based operating system, I highly recommend you download Firefox now.  Why?  First, it has a built in firewall within the browser to fight against intrusions, its a safe browser, and is one of the faster browsers to use.

Its a major mistake to use Internet Explorer to surf the internet.  Number one, IE already has malware and spyware built in into it.  Its not that the people of Microsoft are trying to infect your computers, its the simple fact that IE is easy to hack.  Its not hard for crackers to get into the developers code for IE, input some bad code, and have you as a sitting duck for a computer virus. So, be sure to pay careful attention to the websites you visit, along with the web browser you are using to get there.

Are You Remembering To Keep Up With Your Daily Maintenance?

Time and time again, this is by far the biggest issue users face when encountering a computer virus.  There are little things you can do to help yourself and your computer from being infected. The tools are there for you at your fingertips.  Most of the time these tools are free, yet you fail to keep up with your daily computer maintenance.  What do I mean by this?  Well, I’m talking about disk cleanups (delete temporary files), disk defragment (rearrange your hard drive to leverage the most space possible), weekly virus scans, and running a malware/spyware program.  These maintenance tasks may not all make sense to you, however, I go into detail in my free blueprint to increase your computer speed.  You NEED to do the little things to help yourself.  You need to have a anti-virus and anti-spyware program on your computer and run those weekly.  Sometimes its things like this that when implemented successfully keep your computer at a functioning level.

What Are You Downloading Now?  Do You Know Where Its From?

This problem is one of the biggest reason for computers getting viruses.  If you’re downloading music illegally from sites like Limewire or anything involving file sharing, you can be sure you’re putting yourself in danger.  The biggest reason, these files your downloading are coming from other people.  You don’t know that these files are safe.  For all you know, the individual you are downloading the song from has a computer virus of their own.  Now, guess what?  Now you have the virus.  Its the easiest way to bring harm to your computer, even if its not intentional.

This doesn’t just apply to music, but downloading programs as well.  Taking the easy way out to get something for free instead of spending money is just ignorant.  If you’re spending money on a product, you can be confident that, that program is spyware free.  You’re taking a chance with free programs.  Yes, that includes anything on the internet to download – even attachments from emails.  People tend to let downloading email attachments go by without giving it a second thought.  Its always important to remember to never download attachments from an email address you don’t know.  More times than not, those emails contain attachments that can cause a virus.  Honestly, even downloading attachments from someone you know can be dangerous. Now, I’m not saying your friend is trying to give you a virus, but the channels that email had to go through to get to you – you don’t know if any phishing attacks may have occurred in the process.

Still Don’t Want To Listen?  Here’s What Can Happen…

If you choose to not adhere to these tips, you can be sure your leaving your computer wide open for a potential computer virus.  If you’re anti-virus program doesn’t catch the virus or can’t quarantine it – your computer can face a lot of issues.  Anti-virus programs are great tools, however, you have to be prepared for them not catching everything.  Take it from me,  my computer became infected to the point where it was damaging my hard drive and I can’t getting the blue screen of death.  I think you know what that is.  If that keeps reoccurring, you can be sure you will need to replace your hard drive.  I suggest looking into information assurance training where you can find information on how to stop computer viruses and how to maintain data integrity.

Remember, you want your computer to work properly, so do the things necessary to take care of it and help prevent your computer from getting a virus.  I hope these tech tips were useful for you and open your eyes to some common, yet ignored ways to keep your computer functioning properly.  What techniques do you use to keep your computer in tip top shape?  What have you done when you’ve encountered your computer containing a virus?

Further reading:

Tech Consulting Made Simple

Software Chat Live On Frugal Brothers

Interview With David Risley On Different Aspects Of Technology

4 Questions To Help Assess Your Technology Back Up Plan

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