10 Best Free Tips To Protect Yourself Against Computer Viruses

Computers, laptops and new gadgets have became the necessary part of our daily lives. Everyone uses computer for their work from basic needs to very specific and complicated work.

I first used computer when I was in 7th standard. I used it just for paintings, playing games etc. I had no idea about what is virus and why should I bother about it? until it crashed my computer. Computer viruses can do lots of damage to your computer as well as your personal information stored on that computer.

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Viruses are the self-replicating program (meaning they make copies of themselves), and can compromise your computer to extent that will make it go crazy or even stop from working. So to prevent this from happening and to stop viruses from penetrating your computer you need to follow some tips.

So here are Best Tips To Protect Yourself From Computer Viruses:

1. Learn about viruses:
   
   
   
   First and most important thing you need to do is learn about computer viruses. For this you can do a Google search or Wikipedia is also a best source for this information. Search for actually what is virus? How do they enter your computer? Who created them and why? What do they do when entered inside a computer? What type of damage they cause to your computer? And What can be done to stop them?
   
   
2. Install a Best Antivirus Software According To Your Needs:
   
   
   
   You alone can not fight against the most dangerous viruses found over the internet. Removing viruses manually is impossible for a basic or common user of a computer. You need to get an antivirus software which will protect your computer from viruses and other threats. There are lots of antivirus softwares out there who offers this service.
   
   Some are free and some are paid. First understand how you use your computer and for what purpose, then choose the antivirus that suits your needs. Most people think that why should I pay for antivirus when there are lots of out there which are free. But remember all free antivirus softwares don't protect you better than paid antivirus. But if want one I suggest you to go with Avast Antivirus which is free.
   
   
3. Regular Updates:
   
   
   Updating your antivirus software is as important as your installing it. An outdated antivirus program is like not having it. Antivirus updates contains new definition about new and latest viruses on the internet which helps antivirus program to detect and clean it. So update your Antivirus Software regularly.
   
   
4. Downloading:
   
   
   Internet is full of free stuffs which attracts people towards them but free stuff are the main sources of computer viruses and other threats. Carefully or don't download free stuffs like illegal softwares, cracks , pirated games, sexual pictures and videos, free screensavers etc. As if you do so you are giving invitation to viruses yourself, to attack your computer. So be careful. If you download anything, don't forget to scan it with your antivirus software.
   
   
5. Windows Updates:
   
   
   
   Always update Windows when protecting your computer. These updates contain security updates that will help in your fight against viruses. If you do not perform regular Windows updates you are leaving your computer in a vulnerable state. You can simple check to see if your computer needs updates by going to he start menu and typing in “windows update”.
   
   
6. Opening Emails:
   
   
   
   Be careful when opening emails. There are obvious emails that you know you shouldn’t open, however what about the ones you get from people you know? What if your friend has a virus and it is spreading itself through emails? An email cannot be important enough to risk getting a virus. Delete the email and send a fresh email to your friend asking them if they actually did send you the email. It is better to be safe than sorry. 
   
   You can also create a whitelist so only certain emails get through. You will still have to be careful though, as you do not know what security the sender has installed on their computer. It’s like driving on the road, you need to watch how others are driving to stay safe.
   
   
7. Change your settings to protect your computer from viruses:If you are really serious about protecting your computer you can change your email settings and receive text emails only. You can also disable the ability to open email attachments. Virus travel in HTML enabled emails and file attachments. They cannot travel in text email messages. I know this sounds very boring, however, I would rather be boring and protect my computer from viruses.
   
   
8. Peer to Peer file sharing – ways to protect your computer:
   
   
   
   Do not use peer to peer (p2p) file sharing programs. These include programs such as Limewire, Bearshare, Gnutella, Morpheus, Torrents, etc. These programs let you download files from other computer users connected to their program network. You have no way of knowing what you are actually downloading until it is on your computer.
   Even if you share files from a cd from a friend, it may have a virus. Protecting your computer from viruses is the most important priority for you and you do not want to risk your computer safety just because you trust your friend.
   
   
9. Do not download files from websites:
   
   Again, there is no way of knowing what you are downloading. The file can appear to be named like the file you want, however it could be anything. Most of the time, this is how a virus is unleashed, it usually seems like a harmless, familiar object. If you are looking for a driver for a certain brand of computer then make sure you are getting the download from the genuine website. Many websites on the Internet offer free driver downloads, however, many of them contain viruses. Everything is not what it seems, so be very careful.
   
   
10. Have Firewall Protection:
    
    
    
    Make sure you have a firewall enabled on your computer. Windows comes with an inbuilt firewall or you can use a third party firewall program like Zone Alarm. Either way, make sure the firewall is on…To check the Windows Firewall go to the security settings in your control panel.

If you are careful and are serious about learning how to protect your computer from viruses, it is possible to stay safe. My top 10 tips will help you keep your computer running smoothly, and virus free.