Registry Cleaner Geeks

Computer viruses have to be the most annoying thing an internet user can experience. Well, here are some easy and effective ways in protecting your computer in future from viruses.

Set up your front line defense

Even without any 3rd party utilities in combating viruses, your Windows operating system serves as a front line defense in virus protection and it’s all a matter of making sure your firewall is turned on and keeping all of your Windows updates in check.

1. Enabling your Windows Firewall

A firewall restricts internet access to trusted programs and since a lot of viruses rely on an Internet connection to propagate and spread, the protection of a firewall should disable most of the virus’s vital functions. Firewalls do not remove the virus though; so, virus scanning will still be needed, but at least the damage can be significantly lessened.

2. Keeping your Windows operating system up-to-date

A lot of viruses take advantage of system vulnerabilities and whenever these major viruses strike and take advantage of these in multiple computers, security patches are released to the public. These patches plug in these holes so that the viruses can bounce off. Always make a habit to download these patches when available and make sure you have the latest non-beta Service Pack installed so that a large portion of old viruses can be rendered inoperable. A simple trip to the Windows Update website can fully update your system protecting you with the latest security threats.

3. Arm your computer with 3rd party tools

After you got your front line defense all up and running, you should add an inner layer of security that further improve the chances of repelling viruses and making sure they don’t go near your computer. A reliable virus scanner can be all that you need in keeping the viruses at bay.

3a. Getting a virus scanner

Since the standard operating system doesn’t include a virus scanner, it is important in setting one up especially if you are an avid internet surfer. Viruses also have recently started to spread through external devices like USB drives so it’s recommended to have an antivirus program running.

A good virus scanner regularly updates itself with the latest virus definitions so that new viruses can be detected if they somehow appear on your system. Also, it should have some snappy real-time detection so that when mysterious viruses pop-up, they can be removed or quarantined right away. Virus scanners vary on their reliability and system resource usage so choosing the right one can be confusing. We recommended you use Pareto’s Anti Virus PLUS software as in our tests this was the most responsive. Make sure that your real-time protection is enabled incase of sneaky virus events and make sure that you keep obtaining the latest virus definitions so that you have protection against the newer breeds of viruses.

4. Using a 3rd party firewall solution

The Windows Firewall offers basic protection against attacks and if you find yourself still getting hammered with attacks and viruses, you may want to consider getting a 3rd party firewall solution that can give you advanced functionality. If you purchase Symantec’s Norton Internet Security, you can get both the anti-virus features and firewall capability all in one but be aware that Norton software considerably slows down your computer.

5. Know your stuff

New viruses are circulating the internet everyday and sometimes even the highest rated scanners can’t do the job and it is impossible for antivirus companies to update their definitions the moment a new breed is discovered.

You as the computer user can be the virus’s worst enemy if you are careful and knowledgeable.

6. Ignoring suspicious E-mail attachments and websites

Viruses can come in deceiving packages through e-mail, but can never be triggered unless you actually open them. Simply avoid opening strange files that come from unknown sources and going to strange websites and you should be fine.

Keeping your PC equipped and following these tips should ensure total virus protection.

If your PC is already infected click here to learn how to get rid of a computer virus or you can read our Anti-Virus comparison reviews here.