My top 10 recommendations for preventing VIRUSES & MALWARE.

11/16/2011

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  1. Install a firewall on your computer.  Windows Firewall, included free with Windows, is a good choice for Windows operating systems.
  2. Install good anti-virus software.  For Windows systems, I like Microsoft Security Essentials because it works well, it's free, and it's unobtrusive.
  3. Keep your OS and other software up to date.  Use automatic updates.
  4. Limit admin privileges.  Most employees should have "standard" user accounts.  On a computers shared by a family, only Mom or Dad should have admin accounts.
  5. Be wary when opening email attachments or accepting file transfers.
  6. Avoid pirated software.
  7. Use strong passwords.
  8. Do not use any file sharing programs like Kazaa, Limewire, Gnutella, etc.  Avoid all websites that are unreputable, especially file-sharing or pornographic sites.  A virus can be installed on your computer simply by visiting a webpage with harmful content!  
  9. Install a good internet filter.  This will help you avoid sites with harmful content, including phishing sites.  OpenDNS is used by thousands of schools and business, and has a free version that is very effective.
  10. Last, but not least... be prepared for the worst! Have an effective backup strategy. Automatic is best. The backup service that I personally use is crashplan.com.


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