Re: Anti virus help needed

From: Dazz (cashdj_at_hotmail.com)
Date: 08/24/03 

Date: Sun, 24 Aug 2003 22:55:02 +1000

On Sun, 24 Aug 2003 12:19:46 GMT, "M." <esaelp.m@ps.on> wrote:

>What can I do (besides my anti virus scanner) to stop viruses? What settings
>on my computer can I tweak? Any settings in Windows or Outlook I can change?

You can do a lot.

This is by no means a comprehensive guide, and nor is it in any
particular order, but it's a start.

1. Use anti-virus software, but more importantly, keep it up to date
with the latest virus definitions. Scan your computer on a regular
basis. Always scan files that you've received from friends or
downloaded from the internet, before using them.

2. Keep your OS up to date with the latest security patches, and be
aware of what's happening (ie be aware of the latest
viruses/worms/trojans that are doing the rounds).

3. Use a firewall, read the documentation and have a good
understanding of what it's doing, and interpreting the firewall logs.

4. Avoid file/printer sharing on your computer (turn it off if you
are using it, or at the very least, use strong passwords - made up of
alpha-numeric-characters).

5. Avoid M$ Outlook like the plague. Use an email client such as
Eudora.

6. Never assume your computer is completely immune.

There's many more things that could be mentioned, but alas, it's late
and my brain isn't working. :D

Most of these things are common sense, but as the old saying goes,
there's no such thing as common sense. If there was, everyone would
have it. ;-P

Heres a couple of links, though.

http://www.trendmicro.com/en/security/general/guide/overview.htm
http://www.cknow.com/vtutor/vtsafecompute.htm

Cheers,
Dazz

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