Reduce the risk of viruses with antivirus software

A virus is a program that can wreak havoc on your computer and use your internet connection to spread itself to other computers, usually the computers of your colleagues, friends and relatives. You can prevent many viruses by only opening e-mail attachments that you know the origin of this message and the content of the attachment. Unfortunately, sometimes doing so is not enough. Read on to find out how you can help prevent viruses from infecting your computer.

Step 1: Check if your computer has antivirus software

Most computers now have antivirus software installed. Follow these steps to determine if you have the software you need to prevent viruses.

1. Click Start and then click Programs .

2. Search for the word "antivirus". You can also see the names of some famous brands like McAfee, Norton, Trend Micro, or Symantec.

Step 2: Keep your antivirus program up to date

Don't expect that getting you flu three years ago will make you immune to this year's flu? Similarly, antivirus software will only help protect you from virus infection if you update it regularly. Antivirus programs work by comparing your computer to known viruses. When you update your antivirus software, you download information about all the latest viruses. Depending on your software, this information is often called a "virus definitions". Since virus programmers are always thinking of new ways to infect your computer, we recommend downloading all virus definitions monthly or even weekly.

Here are two ways to see when you last updated your antivirus program:

1. Click the antivirus software icon on the system disk in the bottom right corner of your screen, next to the clock. You will see the date you updated your software most recently.
2. Open your antivirus software by clicking Start , clicking Programs and then clicking the antivirus software. Find information about updated status.

If you have updated your software more than a month ago, update it now to help ensure your safety. You can download the latest virus definitions (antivirus software updates) by simply visiting your software company website.

Remember, you must have a valid antivirus registration to download updates for your software. If your subscription has expired, make sure you renew your subscription, or if you wish, take this opportunity to try another antivirus program.

Tip: Many antivirus companies offer automatic download services, which automatically update your antivirus software when you go to the internet. Check your antivirus software manufacturer's website for more information.

Step 3: Choose the right antivirus software for you

If you do not have antivirus software in your system, or if you want to install another program, here are two main factors to consider before you decide to:

1. Automatically updated. Downloading the latest updates is extremely important. Many companies offer automated options for their products.
2. Reputation of the manufacturer. If you find it difficult to search on the Internet, you will definitely find antivirus software that you don't have to pay. Yes, there are antivirus vendors that allow you to download a trial version of their antivirus software to see if you like it before you buy.

Tip: Two antivirus programs are no better than one. If you already have antivirus software but you want to try another software, always uninstall the old program before installing a new program. Running multiple antivirus programs at the same time can cause serious conflicts.

Next steps to enhance your computer security

Keeping your antivirus software up to date is just the first step towards safer online work. You can continue to enhance your computer's security by keeping your software up to date and using a firewall.