How to Avoid Virus Infection

The Bad News: Where there's a Way, there's a Risk.

No antivirus software solution will ever be 100% effective. Anytime your computer is connected to the outside world, whether it be through a network cable or wireless connection, it is vulnerable to an attack. While going completely "unplugged" is an option for some, the vast majority of us have a computer so we can do things online. Knowing we are vulnerable while doing so is quite disheartening indeed!

The Good News: You may be vulnerable, but Good Practices can keep you Safe.

Using a combination of tools and methods can help you avoid viruses as much as possible. Using recommended antivirus software, you will be able to scan and easily remove most viruses that you may encounter. You can also utilize firewall software to guard against attacks over your network—this is especially useful if you use your computer outside your home network (read: open wi-fi hotspots). There are other tools, such as anti-spyware software, that scans and removes spyware software from your computer. These will be discussed on later episodes of TechDish.

Definitions

Malware

also known as Malicious SoftwareM, Malware is a general term for software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer without you knowing. This includes viruses, worms, trojans, etc.

Virus

software that can copy itself and infect a computer without user knowledge. Can spread by storage media (external hard drive, flash drive, cd/dvd-rom), email attachments, software & file downloads, and network connection.

Trojan

malware that appears to perform a desirable function but in fact performs undisclosed malicious functions.

Definitions in part courtesy of Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia.