Five Tips to Protect Your Computer from Viruses, Malware and Trojans

At the very least, viruses and malware are a nuisance, but they can mean a total reinstall of your operating system and all your applications. Some viruses have even been known to ruin hardware. For example, the virus Chernobyl wiped out my motherboard, costing me time and money. Trojans can allow hackers to take over your system, steal your data and attack other people.

So, how do you protect yourself from all the nasty viruses, malware, and trojans out there on the internet? The only sure-fire way is to disconnect from the internet, but since that is not practical, here are a few tips to help protect your PC.

1. The single most important way to protect against infection is to keep your software up-to date, including your Operating System. Check regularly for updates or set up automatic updates.

2. Use quality Antivirus software from a well-known manufacturer. Check the manufacturer's recommendations for information such as set-up and configuration.

3. Avoid questionable sites, such as sites that offer commercial software (software that you would have to pay for normally) to download for free.

4. Avoid sites that offer software hacks and cracks. Hacks and cracks are usually a small patch or software file that circumvents copy protection or usage restrictions.

5. Never open e-mail from unknown sources. If you have any doubts about an e-mail, it is better to err on the side of caution and delete it.

The old saying 'No such thing as a free lunch' applies when protecting your PC. There is no foolproof way to protect your PC, but following these simple tips will go a long way toward keeping your computer healthy.