How To Prevent Your Computer From Viruses?
Keeping your computer safe from viruses is a lot like keeping yourself from catching a cold. Just as you might wash your hands regularly or avoid sick friends, there are simple steps you can take to protect your computer. Here are some easy tips:
1. Install Antivirus Software: Think of antivirus software as your computer’s doctor. It works around the clock to detect and block viruses before they can infect your system. Make sure to keep it updated!
2. Update Regularly: Keep your operating system, software, and apps up to date. Updates often include fixes for security vulnerabilities that viruses could exploit.
3. Be Cautious with Emails and Downloads: Don’t open emails or download attachments from unknown sources. If an email looks suspicious, even if you know the sender, it’s best to delete it.
4. Use Strong Passwords: Protect your accounts with strong, unique passwords. Consider using a password manager to keep track of them all.
5. Backup Your Data: Regularly back up your data to an external drive or cloud storage. If a virus does slip through, you won’t lose everything.
By following these steps, you can help keep your computer virus-free and running smoothly.
What is a Computer Virus?
A computer virus is a type of malicious software program (“malware“) that, when executed, replicates itself by modifying other computer programs and inserting its code. When this replication succeeds, the affected areas are then said to be “infected“. Viruses can spread to other computers and files when the software or documents they are attached to are transferred from one computer to another using a network, a disk, file-sharing methods, or through infected email attachments.