As PC owners (in contrast to Mac owners), we have the distinction of having to protect ourselves from bad software which is out to get us. Now, before I get all kinds of angry emails making it sound like I hate Macs or Mac owners, I have to clarify this - I am not a Mac hater. I happen to love Macs. In any case, back to our subject matter. Even before the days of the Internet, we've been dealing with viruses on our PC's. I remember the first virus I ever saw was after I unknowingly bought some "discount" software in Hong Kong while I was in the Navy. I remember the utter shock I experienced when I typed in "dir" at my command line and up popped:
Your computer is stoned.
Viruses have gotten a little more evil since those days. But, did you know that it is possible to never run across a virus at any time in your computer life? It's true! However, this comes at the expense of a few behavioral practices. I'm going to list some things to do - or not do - which will help you avoid ever seeing a virus.
1. Get virus protection software. Now, I know you're thinking that I said it is possible for a person to not ever run across a virus, so why am I suggesting getting virus protection software? It's simple, it's the same reason why you lock your car when you go into the store. You might not see criminals hanging around in their "criminal clothes" in the parking lot, but you just want to make sure. It's the same with this.
2. Don't open any email attachments - period. HUH?? Don't open any email attachments? How is that possible. Remember, I'm giving you steps on how not to ever run into a virus.
3. Don't ever go to a web site looking for free copies of copyrighted media. By this I mean free copies of software like Microsoft Office or Adobe CS, or movies or music. I know of so many people who took on a virus because they heard of a way to download free movies, only to find out that their computer had a virus. I can't stress this item enough. In fact, every time I have helped someone out after they had contracted a virus, it was because of this single cause.
4. If you are a parent, don't let your teenage kids use your computer. I'm only joking. Sort of.
Have you ever wondered what a virus is? It's not software that "went bad". Instead, it's software that some otherwise really talented person wrote to purposefully install itself on your computer and do bad things. I'm a person who is always looking for someone's angle on why they do things, and for the life of me, the only reason I can think of for a person to create viruses is to support their own narcissistic goals. I really have a low opinion of people that make viruses. The reason for this opinion is because I think about all of the good these people could do if they focused their efforts on productive endeavors.
Here's what I do. I have used many other anti-virus software packages throughout the years and I've really grown to trust and recommend Trend Micro's anti-virus products. I use them on my own personal computers and on my company's servers as well. Most anti-virus software will cost you an annual subscription fee, but it's money well spent.
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