It’s not always enough to be well-prepared, we can’t protect ourselves from everything on our own.
If you have a conversation about antiviruses with a group of technology fans, at least one of them is sure to say that this kind of software is not necessary if you are careful when you use your computer. This statement is partly true, because the most important way of avoiding infecting your computer with malware is to have common sense and to follow certain parameters which will keep it secure. However, this does not mean that you will be fully protected all the time, which is why, in most cases, it is necessary to have an anti-virus installed.
If you use Windows you have to be more careful than ever, not because this operating system is not secure, but because it has been the most popular one for many years. Linux and OS X have far fewer users around the world, and therefore the developers of malicious software usually create malware which attacks Microsoft’s operating system, simply because there is more likelihood of success.
The truth is that, even though you take all possible precautions, you will never be completely safe from malware. However, by installing an antivirus (if you don’t have one by default), showing common sense and following some tips for your security, you can achieve some success in staying clear of malicious software.
Stay protected
Beware of the websites you visit. If you frequent websites with adult content and others from which pirate software is downloaded, the risk of your computer becoming infected greatly increases. In this case you should avoid these pages completely or show caution when you visit them. Unfortunately, legitimate web pages can also be compromised by malware. This is one of the reasons why it is a good idea to have an antivirus which always protects you.
Use a modern operating system. It is true that Windows XP was excellent, but it is no longer supported and it is therefore insecure. So try installing Windows 7 or a later version.
Install updates. Always install the updates provided by the system because they are made to protect the user. If you tend to forget to do so, configure Windows so that it automatically installs them or informs you when they are ready to be installed. This rule also applies to the applications you use.
Create guest accounts on your computer. You should only consider this if you lend your computer to other people. The idea is to have another user who is not an administrator in order to prevent a friend or relative from infecting your PC without realizing it.
Download software from its author’s own website. There are web pages offering all kinds of software from which you can download whatever you want. The problem is that many of them transmit malware. It is therefore best to download programs by using their creators’ official websites.
Install an antivirus and keep it updated. If you use Windows you should run Microsoft Security Essentials, which is installed by default on Windows 8. You can also download it here. Another good free option is Avast!
