Virus Protection


	Home Computer Virus Protection [ Home ] [ Spyware ] [ Virus Protection ] [ How to Google ] [ Computer History ] [ Satellite TV ] Always have the most current version of your AntiVirus program. The two most common AntiVirus programs are Norton Anti-Virus and McAfee Virus-Scan. Norton Anti-Virus is the product of choice at 5th Street Computer Service. Staying up to date with your product's version guarantees you the best protection and scanning technology. Always keep your virus scanning software ON! Enabling auto-protect (Norton AntiVirus) or virus-shield (McAfee VirusScan) keeps your system protected. Both of these programs scan files or disks you use as well as information downloaded from the Internet while your computer is on. Update your virus definitions at least ONCE A WEEK! Both McAfee and Symantec (makers of the Norton products) have active antivirus research centers that will post new definitions for download every seven days. Having the most recent definitions provides maximum protection. If you have a high speed internet connection that allows your computer to always be connected, make sure to schedule regular program updates. If you use a dial-in connection be sure to manually update your virus protection software regularly. You can contact 5th Street Computer Tech Support at 951-927-4412 or 702-4204575 for more information on configuring automatic updates. Exercise caution with email attachments. Viruses are spread today mostly by email attachments. You should never open attachments if you do not know the person who sent them. You should also scan the attachment before downloading if you know who sent the email (this is done automatically if you are using a protected computer). Even if you know who sent you the email, it is always best to scan the entire email and attachment to make sure it is virus free. A friend that may have been infected with a virus could easily send you one. On top of that, viruses can automatically send themselves to anyone in your address book without your knowledge! Use the Email Scanning option. If your AntiVirus program comes with an email scanning option, make sure you use it. Norton and McAfee products have this option and can scan email before it is downloaded to your computer. This is a valuable tool especially if you use Outlook, Eudora, or another email program. All Computers should be configured to scan all email. Never open a floppy disk until you have scanned it. Believe it or not, there are still people who spread viruses the old fashioned way. Don't save unsigned downloads. A company signs a program to let you know it has been verified and that the distributor can be held liable for any problems. Unsigned programs are thresholds for hackers to compile malicious code that can destroy your computer and network. NEVER SEND OR FORWARD ATTACHMENTS IF YOU DON'T KNOW HOW IT GOT TO YOUR EMAIL BOX! Useful links: symantec (http://www.symantec.com/) - website lists latest threats, alerts, and security and antivirus downloads. Distributor of Norton AntiVirus software. McAfee Security (http://us.mcafee.com/default.asp) - website gives virus advisories. Distributor of McAfee VirusScan and SpamKiller. Microsoft Windows Update (http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp) - security information, checking routine, and patches Questions or comments should be directed to 5th Street Computers 951-927-4412 702-420-4575 http://www.laughlinnevadaguide.com