There is a lot of hype in the media about viruses, ad/spy ware, hackers and the security of your computer. With the increasing popularity of the Internet the risk of contracting a virus or having an attack launched against your computer is ever present.
We don't profess to know everything. The knowledge and information we're sharing comes from experience and much research but it is subject to change. What is fact today can soon change into fiction. It used to be that you had to run a program or open an e-mail attachment to get a virus, then came the "bubble boy" virus to prove that just by viewing e-mail your system could become infected.

Don't let your computer become infected

Recovering from a virus or an attack can be costly and time-consuming. Safeguarding your system with a prevention and preparation plan for will save you time, money and aggravation. The extent of your plan should relate to the value of your data. To help you we've assembled a list of options to consider to help you developing your virus/attack prevention plans.

• Disconnect from the Internet when you're not actually using it. How this can be done depends on how your connected.
• Use password protection. Never use real words, combinations of real words, or use numbers that have any significance to you such as your birth date. The best policy is to use random sequences of characters for passwords
• Turn off any unused services such as TELNET, FTP etc.
• Install antivirus software on your computer. Keep it current by scheduling regular updates of the virus signature files. Schedule regular scans and include all file types, such as exe, dll, and zip files. Scan all incoming and outgoing e-mail and attachments.
• Keep your operating system (Windows) up to date, especially the security upgrades.
• Install an Anti-spyware program, keep it current and scan frequently.
• Do not open an e-mail attachment unless your expecting it.
• Enable all macro virus protection within software packages, such as Word and Excel.
• Avoid using data and program disks received from unknown sources, scan all unknown diskettes before they are used.
• Write-protect all data and program diskettes.
• Avoid using Client for Microsoft Networks and disable networks file and printer sharing when accessing the Internet.
• When using the internet keep a low profile. Give out as little as information possible.
• Consider using a Personal Internet Firewall or Personal Port Scanner.
• Stay informed of new virus and security threats. Update any programs as required.
• Don't believe everything you read. For example if you receive an e-mail stating that a certain file is a virus it may be a hoax. Deleting this file may cause problems. You should know what is fact and what is fiction, there is no better defense than knowledge to protect yourself.

For further information or inquires, contact The Computer Doctor by

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