Web Stuff and Whatnot

This is part four of my computer security series (a series that will one day be put together as a comprehensive guide).

So far we have talked about spyware and adware, but now we’ll delve into their more malicious cousins- computer viruses. A technical definition, from Wikipedia, defines a computer virus as, “a program that can replicate itself by making (possibly modified) copies of itself.” Basically, a virus is an unwanted program that somehow infects your computer. Once a virus is installed on your computer, it’s free to manipulate your files or cause severe damage. The results of a virus can range from simply causing an annoyance to complete loss of all the data on your computer. There are several ways a virus can reach your computer, and preventing that from happening is your first line of defense. Several possible methods of infection are listed below:

• You install a program that is infected with a virus
• A virus infects your network (home or office, wired or wireless) and is passed to your computer
• Email: either by opening an attachment or even just viewing an email in an email client such as Microsoft Outlook
• Browsing the Internet: unscrupulous Websites could transfer a virus to your computer (only a real-time virus scanner can stand a chance at stopping this)
• File Sharing Networks: highly dangerous and likely to spread viruses prolifically

So how do you protect your computer from viruses? I would start by avoiding the danger areas listed above. Of course you can’t avoid using email, but there are some safe email procedures you can follow. Don’t open attachments you don’t recognize (even from a friendly email address), and definitely not from unrecognized email addresses. You may have heard not to open “.exe” files (executable programs), but other file extensions can be just as dangerous. If you aren’t expecting to receive an attachment, or if you’re unsure about an attachment for any reason, I believe it’s best to just delete the email.

An anti-virus program is essential. If you don’t use one, you can assume that you will get a virus one day. Buy one! Don’t hesitate. The cost will seem irrelevant if your computer gets infected and you lose all or most of your data. Go buy one now!

Be very careful when visiting unknown Websites. Don’t click anything that seems even just a bit suspicious. Make sure you have a real-time virus scanner running (I recommend Trend Micro’s PC-cillin).

Use File Sharing Networks (such as LimeWire, BearShare, or Kazaa) at your own risk. If you don’t have a good virus scanner running, and things like editing the Windows’ registry sound scary to you, you probably should not visit these sites at all.

Buy a Mac! Of course, a Mac is not 100% secure, but it is much closer to that number than any Windows OS will ever be. Once you use one, you will most likely fall in love with the interface anyway. (Disclaimer: I’m writing this on a great little Windows XP system that I use every day. I also own a Mac though and the next new system I buy will be a Mac).

Following these guidelines is a good start, but a computer without effective anti-virus software is still an easy target. In my next article, I will review some specific anti-virus programs.