• Back up your files. Viruses are one more very good reason to always back up your files.If you back up a file that is already infected with a virus, you can re-infect your system by restoring files from the backup copies. Check your backup files with virus scanning software before using them.
  • Keep your original application and system disks locked (write-protected). This will prevent the virus from spreading to your original disks.
  • If you must insert one of your application disks into an unknown computer, lock (write-protect) it first, and unlock your application disk only after verifying that the machine is virus-free.
  • Obtain public-domain software from reputable sources. Check newly downloaded software thoroughly using reputable virus detection software on a locked floppy disk for any signs of infection before you copy it to a hard disk. This can also help protect you from Trojan Horse programs.
  • Quarantine infected systems. If you discover that a system is infected with a virus, immediately isolate it from other systems. In other words, disconnect it from any network it is on and don’t allow anyone to move files from it to another system. Once the system has been disinfected, you can copy or move files.
  • If you use a desktop version of Outlook, minimize use of the preview or reading pane feature.

  • How to prevent getting a virus, worm, and Trojan Horse on your computer:

    Here are some signs you can look for that may help you determine whether you have a virus, worm or trojan horse!

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    Here is a great list of things to look for if you suspect you computer has a virus. Keep in mind just because you may have some of these symptoms does not mean you for sure have a virus. Its possible to have these symptoms without a computer virus. Read this list, if any apply you will want to get an anti virus like described above immediately to clear them out!

  • Applications that don’t work properly.
  • Disks can’t be accessed.
  • Printing doesn’t work correctly.
  • Pull-down menus are distorted.
  • File size changes for no apparent reason.
  • Date of last access does not match date of last use.
  • An increase in the number of files on the system when nothing has been added
  • Uncommanded disk drive activity.
  • Unusual error messages.
  • System slows down, freezes or crashes.
  • Remember if you computer is suffering from any of these symptoms do not panic, it could be caused from other things. It is a good idea however to download and run an anti virus.

    Check out below for some high risk behavior you should be avoiding or being very careful of!


    How to prevent getting a virus, worm, and Trojan Horse on your computer:

    Here are some great examples of high risk behavior you should either avoid or be very careful while doing!

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    Basically if you are on the internet and are not protected you are always at risk, no matter what. But there are things you can do on the internet to incredibly increase you chances of infecting your computer with a virus. Here is a list of things that you need to either be very careful while doing, or just avoid all together!

    • Sharing computer programs and system disks, or downloading files and software through file-sharing software such as BitTorrent, eDonkey, and KaZaA.
    • Clicking on links in an instant message from your friends. Its possible if their computer has a virus it could send you an automated message to click on something that looks to be sent from your friend.
    • Downloading any free applications from public domain or billboard.
    • Using your personal disk space with public computers or other computers that are used by more than one person
    • Opening any kind of email attachment from either friend or stranger without first scanning it with your anti virus.

    So remember to be careful when you are running around the internet. Any time you browse the net without an anti virus you are sending your computer on a suicide mission!