Millions of dollars are lost every year to system downtime due to the cost of lost time spent removing viruses from computers and networks. Here are some tips for keeping your computer safe from viruses.
Update your antivirus software
Most antivirus software need to be updated to let them protect your computer from the latest viruses. To do this you would normally need to go to the website of your antivirus software and download an updater. Other antivirus programs let you automatically download updates when they become available. Once you've updated your software scan your data for viruses once a week to detect and prevent any infection from spreading.
Install or activate firewall software
The latest operating systems for computers now come with built in firewalls, software that protects you from attacks to your computer from the internet or other computers in your network. Some new viruses spread by copying themselves to other computers in the network or thru the internet. If your computer's operating system is Windows 2000 or XP, or Apple Computer's Mac OS X, you can set your firewall thru the system control panel. If you have an older operating system, you can download Zone Alarm for Windows.
Update your operating system
Microsoft or Apple usually issue patches or updates to their Operating System when security problems are detected. You should regularly check their websites for updates and patch your computer if necessary. If you have a high speed Internet connection you can also set your computer to download updates automatically. Be aware that some updates may no longer be available for older operating systems and some patches might cause problems with programs you are currently using, so read any warnings from your vendor.
Move to a more secure system
Some operating systems, like Windows 95, 98 or Me were, according to some security experts, not designed to be secure. Thus, a lot of viruses were able to take advantage of these weaknesses and cause damage to computers running these operating systems. Windows 2000 and XP improved on this, but still is vulnerable as it leaves open a number of security holes in which viruses can take advantage of. Other operating systems like Linux or Mac OS X doesn't have any holes open, making them more secure, and until now doesn't have any specific viruses written for them.
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