skepticalcomputing

=Skeptical Computing=

The easiest way to catch and spread a computer virus these days is via e-mail, so use skeptical computing practices to avoid catching a virus, a worm or a spy:
 * Don’t open unknown attachments.
 * Don’t click on unknown links.
 * If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
 * If it's a chain letter, don't be the next link.
 * Don’t install unknown software.
 * Only give out professional e-mail to trusted sources, treat it like a credit card number. For everybody else create another e-mail address (mail.yahoo.com or mail.google.com).
 * Backup! At least monthly, backup all the important files from your computer to a memory stick.


 * Types of Malware**
 * viruses, cause harm to files on your harddrive
 * worms, a virus that propagates itself across many computers
 * spyware, collects and sends information about a user's web browsing
 * phishing, e-mail disguised as an official e-mail from a trustworthy entity, often directing users to enter details, like account information at a website


 * Signs your system may already be infected:**
 * Your anti-virus or spyware/adware scan tells you so. Follow the instructions in the program to repair or delete damages files.
 * You are having difficulty surfing the web. Very slow and/or lots of pop-up ads.
 * Your system is generally running slower.
 * You can’t get updated virus definition files and/or run anti-virus scan.


 * Protect your computer**
 * Run an Anti-Virus program. A trial version of anti-virus comes with new computers, but you will need to subscribe to service to keep virus definitions up to date.
 * Microsoft Security Essentials
 * AVG ([|free.avg.com])
 * [|Panda Cloud Anti-virus]
 * Run Spyware/Adware program.
 * Windows Defender (comes with Vista, you can [|download it for XP])
 * SpyBot Search & Destroy ([|www.safer-networking.org])