There is nothing as frustrating as finding you have downloaded a virus onto your computer. I have had this problem a number of times. Each time I promised myself that I would find a way of avoiding getting a computer virus the next time.
But like saying "I was sick once, it wasn't much fun, and don't think I'll do that again", unless you live in a bubble chances are you will come into contact with some malicious germ that could knock you get sick. The same holds true with working online. Sadly there are evil people who seem to have nothing better to do than wreak havoc to the online world by creating hellish viruses and worms. There is always the threat of such bugs or breaches of security that can and will occur if you operate a computer.
There are ways of protecting yourself against getting the annoying and sometimes fatal computer virus. It is a matter of having a better idea of the more common places you get a virus and the type of protection that you can have in place to help to keep you safe.
Oh those dirty little pictures!
No I'm not talking about porn. Though, statistics do show that those who surf on unseemly sites, are much more prone to come in contact with unsavory computer creeps. Probably similar to hanging out in the wrong part of town, you are much more likely to run into danger there. I'm talking about a computer tool that I have come to Love, that is my Ultra Flip Camera.
It's not the Camera itself that is the problem, it's that it just happens to be a piece of software with it's own storage function. Little did I know that each time I was plugging the camera into the USB port, I was reinfecting my otherwise healthy computer. It was just like sending a kid to school, where there is a classroom infected with some bug, chances are the child will pick it up and bring the beast home.
The problem with software that has a self storage function is they usually do not have self cleaning abilities. So if you are using a thumb drive, or flip camera that had picked up a virus it will be stored along with your picture s or data until you remove it. When you plug it into your computer, viola, you have shared the nasty virus with the next computer you plug it into.
Luckily the removal is as simple as plugging the device into your computer at the time you are going to do a scan and clean-up. Which to be on the safe side should be done on a daily basis. By the way this will not interrupt the use of your computer. I use to think I could not be on my computer while a scan was running, not true.
This gets me to the key component to staying safe:
1. Have and maintain healthy patch levels. Patch levels are various security applications or software that will fend off and kill viruses before they have a chance to do damage. If you do run these daily, (have it set to do it automatically), you can save yourself from getting a lot of the bugs before they get you. Keep them up to date! A good anti-virus provider will keep you posted as to needed up-dates.
2. Have several back-up systems in place. It may sound like overkill, but the joy of being able to recover your work after a serious virus or a crash makes it all worth your time and money. I back up my work each night. I use an external back up system along with a off premises back up service. I will tell you the heartaches these have saved me were huge.
No you there is no way to completely protect yourself against getting a computer worm or virus. If you follow these rules you will be less likely to get them. Again:
1. Keep your self-storage devices clean (like keeping your nose clean).
2. Have good security in place (like taking your vitamins and antioxidants).
3. Have back ups in place both on site and off, (have your information stored in a safe place).
Following these simple practices will give you peace-of-mind and a better chance of staying safe.
