Protecting your PC is time and money well spent. If you don't, expect trouble.
Consider it as a public duty, since your protection helps to protect others.
This advice is primarily for Windows PCs.
If you have a non-Windows operating system, take similar steps.
- update Virus Definition files daily how and why?
- install the latest version of anti-virus software how and why?
- keep Windows software updated with the latest fixes every month how and why?
- avoid Internet Explorer whenever possible how and why?
- use the most recent version of your chosen Browser and update all add-ons and plug-ins every month how and why?
- never open attachments or click links in emails from an unrecognised source how and why?
- keep application software updated with the latest fixes, especially MS Office how and why?
- if you have an 'always on' connection, install a firewall how and why?
- take action if you notice a news item about viruses or intrusions how and why?
How and Why
Update Virus Definition files daily scroll to top
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How?
All professional anti-virus applications provide services that update Virus Definition files.
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Why?
Virus protection is useless unless Virus Definitions are up-to-date.
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Install the latest version of anti-virus software scroll to top
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How?
Norton and MacAfee are the usual choices.
Subscriptions are usually annual. When your subscription runs out, upgrade to the latest version rather than taking a subscription for another year's Virus Definition files for the old application.
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Why?
If you have an older version of an anti-virus application, you won't benefit from the latest protection techniques.
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Keep Windows software updated with the latest fixes every month scroll to top
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How?
Update online using Windows Update.
If you haven't used Windows Update for some time, updating may take a long time. Leave the update running overnight if necessary.
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Why?
Viruses and other kinds of attacks often exploit weaknesses in MS software. If you don't install the fixes, your PC is very vulnerable.
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Avoid Internet Explorer whenever possible scroll to top
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How?
Use a different browser.
Firefox is recommended - see list of browsers.
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Why?
Whatever MS may say, independent industry sources are generally of the opinion that
Internet Explorer is inherently less secure than other major browsers, partly because of software architecture,
but also because it's the one that hackers concentrate on breaking.
Thus it is highly desirable to use a different browser except for that handful
of sites which only work with Internet Explorer.
Using a different browser is likely to significantly improve your online experience,
but of course there is a learning overhead when first switching.
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Use the most recent version of your chosen Browser and update all add-ons and plug-ins every month scroll to top
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How?
Always accept prompts to update your browser.
Use the Qualys browser check [new window] monthly
and resolve any identified issues.
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Why?
Browsers work locally, but connect globally to web pages, some of which are malicious. Good browser security is
one of the most important ways of minimising risk.
Security improvements are included in every new browser version. Hackers frequently
attempt to exploit the weaknesses in out-of-date versions.
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Never open attachments or click links in emails from an unrecognised source scroll to top
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How?
Always look to see who has sent you an email. If you don't recognise them, or if you are in the least bit suspicious, delete the email. Never reply.
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Why?
Viruses are often sent in attachments. Links may take you to a web page which attempts intrusion of your PC.
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Keep application software updated with the latest fixes, especially MS Office scroll to top
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How?
You can find fixes for MS Office through 'help' in any of its components or through the Windows Update pages. Always do the update immediately after installation. After than, once or twice a year should suffice.
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Why?
Apart from helping to keep Office running more smoothly, there are similar vulnerabilities and considerations as for Windows.
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Install a firewall scroll to top
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How?
Most protection applications (eg Norton 360) include a firewall. Use it.
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Why?
A firewall protects you from malign intrusions by stopping unwanted external processes from crossing the firewall boundary.
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Take action if you notice a news item about viruses or intrusions scroll to top
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How?
If you hear a news item about recent problems, update your Virus Definition files immediately and also run Windows Update.
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Why?
Some of the most recent viruses have spread around the world in less than a day. It's better to be sure.
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See also:
Images from our photo gallery Copyright © 1980-2013 by Mike Hall or Joan Hall, all rights reserved.
Terms of Use
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Monpazier: Hospital
photo Joan Hall 28/9/2008
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Lakes: Loweswater
photo Mike Hall 14/3/2010
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