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Antivirus Protection Tips

Keeping our computers safe and secure is paramount in the 21^st Century. We rely on our PC’s and laptops for so much these days that without them, we’d be severly hindered in terms of work and communications. Viruses are a realistic part of computer usage, and of course can be potentially fatal to the information and operations of our computers.

When it comes to protecting your computer from harm, antivirus software is of course the logical option. These handy programs provide us with a safeguard against any potential harm we may encounter as we surf the web, preventing and eradicating viruses from causing any drastic harm. However, there are other simple tips to follow to ensure that you antivirus software isn’t working overtime whenever your turn your computer on.

Emails

The first and still one of the most prominent places for viruses to spread, emails need to be opened with a fairly high sense of caution. It’s a smart idea to not open email attachments from addresses you do not know, or from addresses that seem untrustworthy or suspicious. Good practice is to refrain from opening any emails from a source you do not know. Some virus are able to replicate themselves though email, so even if you are reading a message from someone you know, the attachment may not necessarily be from them. If you have any suspicion, contact the sender and get clarification.

Downloads

A similar approach should be taken for downloads. It’s best practice to not download any files from websites or users that are foreign to you, as they have a higher potential for harm. You should always ensure that the source is a credible one and ensure that your antivirus software checks the file before download if you choose to proceed.

Updates & Backups

It is vital that you update and monitor your antivirus software regularly. Out of date antivirus software is doing your computer no favours, and won’t be there to protect you should you open a file or download a document that is corrupted. An up to date antivirus systems ensures a healthy, functioning computer.

Furthermore, system backups are a fantastic idea should the worst occur. Take the time to think how much vital information is stored on your computer – what would you do if it was suddenly all gone? Complete system crashes may be rare for your average computer user, but they are possible. Take the time out to back up all your major files and folders and you won’t be left in the lurch when it comes to restoring your system.

Portable Hard Drives are a great accessory for backing up your computers documents. Not only do they provide you with an easy place to save all information, they are flexible enough to act as a regular place to save and store, freeing up vital memory space on your computers actual hard drive.

Reputable Antivirus Software

Don’t just trust any anti virus software to protect your computer. Turn to reputable sources and providers to buy your software, not just some company you found in a Google search. Shop around, ask friends and your local computer technicians what they use and make an informed decision on what antivirus software you opt for. Also, don’t let price fool you – there’s some great antivirus software options available that are completely free to install and use.

Let common sense prevail

The bottom line of dealing with viruses and avoiding corrupt files is common sense. If you’re having doubts, steer clear – that way you’ll be able to operate virus free, prolonging the life of your computer and saving you money in the process.

Follow the above tips and your computer will go a long way to being healthy and virus free. As we move more and more into the computer age, it’s going to become increasingly important to have a fully functioning PC or laptop, so get into good practices now and benefit long into the future.

About the Author: Calum Ravesi is an avid computer user and antivirus specialist. He has many years experience working with antivirus programs and removing viruses from PCs. He runs his own home business for virus removal and computer repairs, assisting family and friends to install the best antivirus software and adopt appropriate computer usage habits.

 

Posted by km. Filed in AntiVirus, Guest Posts

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