How to Protect Your Computer from Viruses

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Categories: Internet How Tos | Technology | Software | How Tos

  • Computer virus protection is of the utmost importance no matter what kind of work you do on the internet. And though there are plenty of horror stories about all different types of computer viruses, protecting your computer from a virus is as simple as installing a single program. From premium anti-virus packages to reliable free solutions, this guide will show you How to Protect Your Computer from Viruses.

  • Introduction

    • A computer virus is anything that copies and duplicates itself on a hard drive when you do not wish for it to do so. These duplicating devils can enter you system passively by taking advantage of a security breach in your network, which can be prevented by installing a reliable firewall. But they can also actively break into your system by hiding in a file that you open, which can be prevented by installing anti-virus software to keep your computer clean from whatever muck may be floating around the internet.

  • I Have A Mac, What About Me?

    • Although it's a common claim that Macs are immune to computer viruses, it is simply not true. Macs are just as vulnerable to malware as PCs are, and are simply lucky enough to be an uncommon target for malicious programmers. Fortunately, protecting your Macintosh computer from any threat, big or small, is not at all difficult. Some great programs to use to protect your Mac from viruses are:
      • Norton Internet Security: Norton Internet Security, by Symantec, is one of the most popular security programs available.
      • ClamXav: ClamXav is a free, open-source virus scanner.

  • Step 1: Download Windows Updates

    • Downloading Windows Updates not only keeps your copy of Windows current, it also contains necessary fixes for possible vulnerabilities

  • Downloading Windows Updates with Internet Explorer

    1. Go to the Microsoft Windows Update site.
    2. Windows Update will check to make sure you have the proper ActiveX controls.
    3. If you do not have the proper controls, you will be prompted to install them; go ahead and do so without any hesitation.
    4. Click the Express button.
    5. Windows Update will now begin scanning for available updates.
    6. After Windows Update loads it will present a list of available updates.
    7. Click Install Updates.
    8. The updates will now download and install.
    9. After the updates are installed it may ask you to restart your computer. If it does, click on Restart Now.
    10. Your computer is now fully updated.

  • Downloading Windows Updates With Mozilla Firefox

    • Normally if you want to use a web browser other than Internet Explorer, you would be out of luck. But Windiz Updates allows you to use Mozilla Firefox or any other non-Internet Explorer browser to update Windows.
    1. Go to Windiz Updates and click on download and install.
    2. A yellow bar will appear below your address bar. Click Edit Options.
    3. Click the Allow button.
    4. Then click Close.
    5. Go back to Windiz Updates and you should be presented with a pop-up window.
    6. In this pop-up window, click the Install Now button.
    7. The Windiz Updates Firefox extension will begin installing.
    8. After the extension is installed click Scan your PC.
    9. Windiz Updates will now scan for available updates.
    10. If it prompts you to allow access to files on your computer, click the Allow this Site button.
    11. Install all the updates you are directed to install.
      • Your screen may flash a couple of times. Don't worry, this is completely normal.

  • Step 2: Install Anti-virus software

    • Anti-virus software is an absolute must. Not running anti-virus software leaves you open to viruses, which may lead to more malware invading your system.
    • Make sure that you install only one anti-virus software. Doing otherwise will cause severe system instability and the possibility of having to reinstall your operating system.
    • Please note that these are free anti-virus programs. If you're more interested in premium software suites, go ahead and skip on to the next section for information about pay programs.

  • Installing AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition

    • AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition is one of the best free anti-virus programs available. It has real-time monitoring and thoroughly scans all files and registry entries of malicious viruses.
    1. Download AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition from its official downloads page.
    2. Save the installation file to your desktop for easy access.
    3. Doubleclick the file that you have just downloaded.
    4. Click Next.
    5. Click Accept to agree to the terms of the license agreement.
    6. AVG Anti-Virus will now load files so it can proceed with the installation.
    7. When it asks if you want a Standard Installation or Custom Installation, make sure Standard Installation is marked and click Next.
    8. On the following screen, click Next.
    9. Click Finish.
    10. AVG Anti-Virus will now install to your system.
    11. Click OK when prompted.
      Updating AVG (Photo by Mahalo)
    12. AVG Anti-Virus will now show a window that states it has been successfully installed. Click Next.
    13. Click the Check for Updates button.
    14. Put a checkmark next to "Do not ask for the update source next time".
    15. Click Internet.
    16. When the update selection window comes up, click on Update.
    17. The updates will now download and install to your computer.
    18. After it updates you will be presented with the first run screen again.
    19. Click Next.
    20. Keep the default daily scanning selections and click Next.
    21. Click Next twice and then finally click Continue.
    22. AVG Anti-Virus is now set up and protecting your computer.

  • Installing avast! 4 Home Edition

    1. Download avast! 4 Home Edition from Avast's website.
    2. Save this file to your desktop for easy access.
    3. Doubleclick the file you just downloaded.
    4. In the window that appears, click Next.
    5. Read the information presented, then click Next.
    6. The license agreement will now display. Put a dot next to "I Agree" and click Next after you have read this.
    7. Keep the default installation directory and click Next.
    8. Keep all the typical installation guidelines and click Next.
    9. avast! will now show you all the program modules it will install. Click Next.
    10. It will now install to your system.
    11. You will get prompted whether you want to schedule a boot up scan. Click No.
    12. Click Finish to complete the installation and restart your computer.
    13. When your computer finishes booting up, it will ask that you register with them,
    14. Click on the avast@ Home Registration page button.
      The license key window (Photo by Mahalo)
    15. When the web page opens, click on I'm a new user and I need a registration key for avast! Home Edition.
    16. Fill out the form and click on Register.
    17. You will receive an e-mail from register@avast.com within the next 24 hours containing your free product key.
    18. Find the license key in the e-mail and copy it to your clipboard.
    19. Right-click the blue icon representing the resident protection in the system tray and choose "About avast!"
      • Or in the simple interface choose 'Help' -> 'About avast!...'.
    20. Press the License key button in the lower right corner.
    21. Enter (or paste) the license key into presented text dialog.
    22. Click OK and your copy of avast! Home Edition is activated.

  • Installing Comodo AntiVirus

    • Comodo AntiVirus provides powerful anti-virus protection. It is completely free for the life of the product.
    1. Go to Comodo's official site and download Comodo AntiVirus.
    2. Save this file to your desktop for easy access.
    3. Doubleclick on the file that you just downloaded.
    4. Click Yes when it asks if you wish to continue.
    5. Click the Next button when the installation wizard starts.
    6. Click Yes to accept the license agreement.
    7. Click Next to keep the default installation directory.
      Creating white list profile, remember to click Start upon restart (Photo by Mahalo)
    8. Comodo AntiVirus will now install to your system.
    9. When you get a prompt that it wants to create a user-profiled white list. Go ahead and click Install.
    10. Comodo AntiVirus will now finish installing.
    11. Click the OK button at the license activation window.
    12. Now click Finish to finish the installation of Comodo AntiVirus.
    13. When your computer starts back up you will be presented with a window that wants to create a whitelist. Click on the Start button.
      • -Note that the installation may take several minutes. Don't be alarmed if it's not an instantaneous process.
    14. When the scanning process is finished, click Finished.

  • Conclusion

    • You've protected your computer from viruses, which is a good first step. Unfortunately, it's not the only one. Viruses are not the only threat your computer faces; not every piece of malware is a computer virus. For more information and tips on how to keep your computer safe, make sure to read our guide on How to Protect Your Computer from Malware, as well. Surf safe!

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