Hardly a day goes by when you don't hear about a computer virus in the news or from someone you know. As a matter of fact, there are well over 8,000 active computer viruses in the world in any given twenty-four period and 5 new viruses are introduced daily. The majority of computers will catch a virus through an e-mail attachment or link. Most viruses will use an infected computers address book to distribute themselves, so you are much more likely to receive a virus from someone you know rather than a total stranger.
However, the best way to identify whether or not any attachment could be a potential virus hazard is by looking at the extension (suffix) of the attached file. Hazardous file attachments are .pif, .exe, .com, .vbs, .bat, .bin, .dot, .reg, .js, .scr, .xlm and .dll. While this list is by no means exhaustive these are the definite ones to be on-guard for. In case you're wondering, catching a virus by file sharing is the second most popular way to get infected. File sharing whether you use removable disks, CDs, DVDs, memory cards/sticks or even synch cables can make your "never connected to the Internet" computer, vulnerable to catching a virus.
Protecting your computer from a computer virus infection is relatively easy if you follow these simple steps:
1. Put anti-virus software on all your computers whether they are Internet connected or not.
2. Don't open or download file attachments (attached files) in your e-mails. Especially the ones with the extensions .pif, .exe, .com, .vbs, .bat, .bin, .dot, .reg, .js, .scr, .xlm and .dll.
3. Don't click on links in the body of your e-mails.
4. Don't download software from web sites that you do not know.
5. Never install software on your computer unless you know where it came from.
6. Run a manual anti-virus scan for every 24 hours you use your computer.
7. Be sure that your anti-virus software is up-to-date. All anti-virus software products usually provide updates every 2 - 4 weeks and this service is free of charge to registered users for up to a year.
8. Received an e-mail from someone you know but didn't expect them to send you a file attachment? Call the person first, before downloading or opening the file attachment to confirm that it really came from them. Some virus programs are very good at making it look like they are just files sent to you from someone in yours or your friends e-mail address book.
9. Put firewall software on all your computers that are temporarily or permanently connected to the Internet.
If you follow these simple steps you should be able to stop a virus before it infects your computer.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Ing is a forensic intelligence specialist and has appeared on North American news networks on the issues of technology crime, computer security, privacy and identity theft.
For more articles by Dr. Robert Ing please visit
Robert Ing, DSc, FAPSc, CPO
More Articles
Have You Invited A Spy Into Your Computer? - Maria Marsala
Yes, it's true. You may have inadvertently invited a spy into your computer. This spy is known as "spyware, adware, or trojans", and once it is in your computer it starts taking statistical information as you travel the Internet. In some cases, it...
Notebook or Desktop Computer -- Which Should You Choose? - Reid Neubert
On TV and in the movies, we see a lot of portable computers being used in homes and offices. Does that mean that's the trend? Is that what you should get?
Portable computers cost more, so unless you really have the need for one, you get a lot more...
Organization Tips - How to Organise Your Computer Files - Lorraine Pirihi
Everytime Mary had to find a file on her computer, she always had great difficulty. And it was no wonder why. Every file had been saved under the folder "Mary" and that was it. There were no other categories. Consequently every time Mary...
How to Increase Your Computer Speed Fast - Gio Mangano
I'm sure you've come across tons of articles and even
suggestions from some of your friends on how to get your
computer to work faster. Its really not that hard to increase
your internet speed. I'm going to make it real simple for you
and you...
Jobs Online :: How To Get Your Computer to Work For YOU! - Eric Roberts
Ever since you first got your computer and plugged it in -
you've probably been "at its mercy" - trying to learn a new
language of terms and acronyms. You've probably spent a lot of
time just "trying to get stuff to work." Well, now it's time...
The Trials and Tribulations Of Learning A New Computer Skill - Georgie Farmer
It all started several years ago when I walked out on a well-paid job of 11 years. I needed to get another job fairly quickly. My monthly mortgage repayments were pretty hefty. Something I hadn't thought about during my dramatic exit. I eagerly...
Refurbished Computers on the Internet - Bryan Wayt
What is a Refurbished Computer?
Refurbished Computers. Remanufactured Computers. Reconditioned Computers. Essentially, all of these terms refer to the same thing. But what does refurbished really mean? A refurbished computer is one that is...
Be Prepared in the Event Computer Disaster Strikes - Sharon Housley
Computers Businesses and individuals alike have all grown to rely on computers. The reliance is never more apparent than when something happens to the horrid little box that makes our lives easier. We expect computers to react a certain way, in...
Help Keep The Computers On Earth Clean And Healthy: Protect Your Techno-Friends From Viruses And 'Sickness' - M6 Net
Help keep the computers on Earth clean and healthy: Protect your techno-friends from viruses and 'sickness'.
"Aaaaaahhhhhh! I've been invaded by a virus!" Getting a virus means getting sick and no one in their right mind wants to be ill....
Buying computers at a discount - with peace of mind - frann leach
I'm one of those people who loves a bargain. I spend hours rummaging around in junk shops, charity stores, jumble sales and discount outlets. After playing with computers, it's probably one of my favourite relaxations. And browsing around for...