Steps To Follow For An Infection Free Computer

Here are points to follow that should mean an infection free computer.

NUMBER 1 – Update 

• Check for updates for your operating system on a regular basis
• Turn on Automatic Updates on Windows and apply all critical updates immediately
• Microsoft issue updates throughout the month so check once a month – you can find Windows update in the control panel for pre-Windows 10 computers or in settings on Windows 10 or Windows 11
• Windows 10 and 11 will ensure that updates are done – updates not working, you may be infected

NUMBER 2 – Software

• Update your software – run modern versions such as Office 365
• Remove " old software"

NUMBER 3 – Email 

• Viruses and Malware will more often than not come from someone you know.
• Don’t open email attachments unless you know that the person sending it to you , really sent it. Email attachments are the number one way that viruses and malware can get onto your computer
• Beware of zip files – do not open them unless you are 100% certain they have been sent from a known reliable source
• Don’t click links in e-mails.
  • You could be taken to a phishing site and this may lead you to install malicious software. You should copy and paste the link into your browser or type the link into your browser.
• Switch to a web based e-mail program such as Gmail / Outlook.com which will scan your emails before they arrive on your computer.
• Gmail is probably the best solution on grabbing spam if you are having spam issues with your current email provider

NUMBER 4 – Browsing The Internet

• You should browse the Internet with the latest editions of browsers Google Chrome , Edge , Firefox ,
• Check that the updates for these browsers are being installed and learn how to check that you have the latest editions
• Turn off notifications in your browsers

NUMBER 5 – Ads On Websites

• Block ads when browsing the internet – if you can
• Install Adblock from the Google Chrome store

NUMBER 6 – Downloading Files 

• You should only download files from places you know are absolutely safe.
• The use of file sharing software often means you will download Malware and Trojans without knowing.
• If you download files you should quarantine them in a folder and then scan them a few days later with an updated antivirus software.
• Beware of downloading ” Free ” software as most sites that host ” free ” software are a hotbed for malware infections

NUMBER 7 – The Antivirus 

• Have an antivirus solution, the FREE one I recommend is Defender for Windows 10 and 11
• However Norton , Trend are just fine to use

Number 8 – Behaviour

• Look at what you are doing and when in doubt – think before you click
• Remember if you get infected it really is your fault.