7 Steps to Avoid Computer Viruses

Use these 7 steps to minimize the risk and protect your computer for a safer online experience.

1. Email Attachments - Be careful to only open attachments from those you know.

2. Email Attachments - Be careful to only open attachment types that you know and that they are from the people you know in step one.

3. Antivirus Software - Never go without. Never let your subscription run out. Companies offering decent products that we have used are Symantec, McAfee, Norton, Microsoft Live Care or Grisoft AVG (Free).

4. Microsoft Update and Office Update - Use it. Use it often. Note that you can set your computer to run this on a frequency of your choice automatically.

Step 1 - Right Click MyComputer and Select Properties
Step 2 - Click Automatic Udates Tab

5. Firewall - Microsoft XP and Vista have this built in. Make sure it is turned on.

Step 1 - Click Start
Step 2 - Click Settings and then Network Connections
Step 3 - Right Click Network Connection of Choice and Select Properties
Step 4 - Click Advanced Tab
Step 5 - Set Firewall Setting

6. Router - If you have multiple computers or just one ... routers serve as a great barrier between your computer and the internet. We recommend Linksys routers based on experience but we are not limited and will work with many of the competitors.

7. Email Address - Get two accounts if you find yourself signing up for crazy things online - One for sign ups and one for communicating with friends and business.  This helps cut down on spam by consciously knowing which companies you are giving your email address out to and makes it easy to change out / close your email account. Good free email accounts are GMAIL (2GB), HOTMAIL (2GB) , YAHOO (1GB) and AOL (2GB).

For assistance with configuring or setting up any of the above steps please contact us at CustomerCare@webgio.com.