best practices for protecting your pc
Keep your computer updated with the latest
critical updates and security patches
The easiest way to
do this is to visit the
Protect Your PC site, which guides you on updating your
Microsoft Windows® operating system by using the
Microsoft Update site, and using up-to-date antivirus
software.
Install and run antivirus software
Install an antivirus software program from a well-known,
reputable company, and run it as recommended by the provider. If
the program has an automatic virus-scanning feature, keep it
turned on. Remember that new viruses can be released every
single day. Therefore, if the product has an auto-update
feature, you should use it to help protect your computer from
the latest viruses.
Download files only from trusted sites
When downloading a file from a Web site, be sure you know the
source! You should try to download files only from known,
well-established companies. When in doubt, don't download the
file. As an extra precaution, you can download files onto a disk
separate from your hard disk, such as a floppy disk or a zip
disk, and then scan the files with your virus scanner.
Install only from authentic CDs
In
general, installing software from authentic, commercially
distributed CDs is the safest method. For example, all Microsoft
CDs have holograms to prove their authenticity.
Back up data regularly
Make regular
backups. If a virus erases or corrupts files on your hard disk,
a recent backup may be the only way to recover your data. Back
up your entire system regularly. At the minimum, back up files
that you can't afford to lose, such as documents, pictures,
favorite links, address books, and important e-mail messages.
Don't open suspicious e-mail messages or
files
Don't open suspicious or unsolicited e-mail messages or files.
In Microsoft Office Outlook® 2003, you can filter your Inbox and
send suspicious messages to your Junk E-mail folder.
