How to Avoid Computer Viruses And Spyware
Viruses and spyware is one the biggest problem that haunts internet users. They not only cause the performance of the computer to drop, but can also steal important information and transfer it to a third-party. Therefore, it is extremely important to prevent viruses and spyware from infecting your system.
Instructions
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1
One of the best ways to prevent your computer from getting infected by viruses and spyware is by installing a quality antivirus and real-time anti-spyware software on your system. While there are a number of free antivirus and anti-spyware software available on the web, it is best to go for a professional, business-grade software despite having to pay for it. The free antivirus and anti-spyware software are not as effective and often fail to keep your computer safe from malicious attacks.
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2
Perform a regular scan on your computer for viruses and spyware. Do not wait until the viruses and spyware start taking their toll on the system and make it slow and unpredictable. Instead, remain proactive and perform at least a weekly scan of all your hard-drives to remove viruses and spyware. Keep the software active even when you are not scanning your computer for malware.
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3
Keep your antivirus and anti-spyware software updated. Developers keep making improvements to their products and adding new virus definitions to prepare your software against them, which is why it is extremely important to perform updates from time to time. Some software will prompt you to perform an update themselves when an update becomes available.
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4
Do not click on e-mail links or attachments. Even though this warning has been repeated countless times, links and attachments remain the most common reasons for the system getting infected by malware. Even if you received the e-mail from a familiar contact, do not click the link or attachments. The e-mail may have been sent automatically from your contact’s id due to a virus on their computer.
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5
Always keep your Windows Firewall active. Turning it off under any circumstances is not advisable, as it can make your computer vulnerable to malicious attack.
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6
Always be smart while surfing the internet. Majority of the pornographic sites infect your computer with viruses and spyware, which is why you should avoid visiting them. Also take caution while visiting websites offering freeware.
