Virus Protection

DO IT:  Daily.

OK, there are only three things to know and remember about virus protection.

1. Get yourself some – now! 
2. Always keep it running.
3. Update your virus definitions or signature files regularly. 

Now, what does all that mean?  First, let’s talk about why we even need to worry about viruses and virus protection.  Very simply, if you use your computer for anything other that a centerpiece on your desk, you need virus protection! 

There are lots of evil hackers out there who develop viruses, worms, spyware and trojan horses that can get into your computer to ruin your files or even steal your identity.  It’s not a pleasant experience, and one that has the potential to consume much time and money to fix once it has happened. 

Trust me on this one.  Even if you decide to try to eliminate the viruses yourself and not take your computer into the shop, I guarantee you will spend much time and aggravation trying to banish them to a land far away.  As a matter of fact, I just had the pleasure. 

If you’ll bear with me a moment, I’d like to tell you a story. 

I’m a safety girl.  I have my anti-virus software, 4 pest control programs, two firewalls, and all the bells and whistles I discuss in this book to keep my computer safe.  Well, sometimes it’s just not enough. 

As a matter of fact, I was on the phone with Microsoft a little while back (calls are free to Microsoft ONLY if they are in regards to a security patch).  They told me that if I had the latest Windows Updates that I was protected from the four trojans I found during my anti-virus scan that same day!  I “shouldn’t” have gotten them.  They don’t even make a security patch for those trojans since supposedly Windows doesn’t allow them entrance. 

Well, needless to say, they found a “back door” into my computer.  I literally spent hours on live chat with my anti-virus software company and then on the phone with Microsoft.  Without going into detail, I will NOT recommend that anti-virus software program here (based on their level of service and support).  I got no help or direction.  I had to take the matter into my own hands and figure it out myself. 

And I did.  Many hours and tears later, my computer was clean.  Once I got done with my happy dance, I realized that keeping our computers “clean” and running optimally is not a one-shot-deal.  It’s an ongoing process and we must be ever vigilant in doing so. 

OK, off the soapbox and on to more details. 

We’ll discuss e-mail security in more detail in the next section, but in the meantime, don’t think for a moment that just because an attachment or e-mail came from a friend that it is not infected.  One of my friends recently had to call everyone she had e-mailed in the past week because she just discovered she was unknowingly passing around a virus. 

She had to take her computer into the shop (she works from home), be without it for 4 days and it cost her over $200 to fix.  That doesn’t cover her loss of business from being without her computer for 4 days.  She will never be without virus protection again! 

Now here’s the cool part – while nothing is foolproof, you don't have to worry about any of this as much if you use good virus protection and update it regularly. 

Is it really that simple?  You bet it is. 

There are several excellent virus protection programs out there – and the best part is that some of them are free!  Yes, even the good ones.  If you don’t already have anti-virus installed on your computer, I’m going to show you an excellent, free anti-virus program here. 

Made by Grisoft, AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition is an excellent program.  If you are more inclined to purchase the full version – which offers superior protection, it is very reasonable and comes with 24/7 live support.  (When I called my anti-virus software company, one hour of telephone support was going to cost me nearly $50.  You can get unlimited telephone support AND the software for less than that at Grisoft! – yes, I am mad at my anti-virus company)

Click here for:  Free Version
Click here for:  Paid Version (this Anti-Malware program includes anti-virus and anti-spyware protection)

Once you purchase a good virus protection software program, be sure to update the signature files or virus definitions once a day, or set it up for automatic updates if you think you’ll forget.  That may sound a bit extreme, but consider this: 

As of January, 2005 there have been 97,535 documented virus threats in existence, and estimates are that 10 to 15 new viruses are discovered each day. 

Many viruses are easy to detect and neutralize before they do any damage, but only if you have an antivirus program using the latest virus definitions.  Without these new virus definitions or signature files (those terms are used interchangeably), your computer is unprotected from the most current viruses. 

If your virus definition list is out of date, the antivirus program doesn't know it is a dangerous program, since it isn't on the list. So it lets the program or code pass on by and it is now inside your computer and free to attack it!

Fortunately, updating your virus definitions is a snap. How do you do it? That depends on the antivirus program you use.  If you are unsure of how to update your virus definitions, visit the Web site of your antivirus software manufacturer and look for their "download," "update," or "technical support" section.

 Cautions: 
Only run ONE active antivirus program. By running two or more, the active components will conflict with each other. You probably won't see the effects of the conflict, but you will make both programs less effective. Choose one antivirus program and uninstall the other one. (This same rule DOES NOT apply to Spyware/Adware/Pest Control).