As the Internet and computer networks continue to grow, computer viruses are becoming a bigger threat to users, and viruses are distributed more rapidly. The main problem with the newer viruses is that they can cause considerable damage to your computer.
Since viruses can infect your computer in a number of different ways, it’s always a good idea to protect your computer against viruses in every way possible, such as the following steps:
1. Backup up your data files (for example, text files, spreadsheets, and graphic files) on a daily basis. Be sure to make your data back-ups to a separate, external back-up device. External back-up device include hard drives, flash cards, compact discs, and others.
2. Try using an automatic back-up software program. There are several different software programs available for backing up files. You may want to do a search on the Internet to find one. Some software back-up programs are available for a small fee or no charge at all.
3. Since software programs and applications are fairly large, and take up a lot of disc space, you may want to try backing them up to either a DVD or external hard drive. Software programs like Microsoft Word are typically 1 to 2 megabytes in size, so you’ll need a back-up medium that holds several hundred megabytes.
4. Be ready to reinstall your operating system in case you come in contact with a computer virus (heaven forbid). It’s always a good idea to have bac-kup copies of your operating systems (like Windows XP), as well as the different types of software programs you use.
5. Use Firewall software to protect your Internet connection. Firewall blocks any potentially harmful viruses from entering your computer via the Internet.
As a general rule, you need to always take precaution and save your data on a regular basis, simply because you have too much to lose.