Customer Resources > Tech Tips
Virus Protection and Spyware
Rule number one-Make sure that your computer is protected. McAfee, Norton, or AVG are all good programs. But the Anti-Virus rotection is only as good as its latest update. It is imperative that you update that program. If your subscription has expired, renew it.
Email-If you don't recognize the name that sent it to you, DON'T open it. Even if you do recognize the name, if there is an attatchment, make sure that you scan it first. Many of us use the "Preview Pane". When you are viewing your inbox, many times there is a split screen, and you are actually viewing the message at the same time. This is not recomended. If there happens to be a virus, it has already been activated.
Spyware-
Does this popup window look familiar?
Those Spyware guys are tricky, aren't they? This is one of the most common ways of getting a user to install spyware, popups, trojans, etc. No matter what the box says, click that little "X" in the upper right hand corner. It's actually kind of odd. The casual user is more likely to click on the "OK" when the popup says "VIRUS!" or "CRITICAL ERROR" than if it says "YOU JUST WON $1000!" The spyware companies use your fear of spyware, to get you to install their programs.
Microsoft- OK, they are really not the devil. First of all, Windows Defender is a wonderful tool. If you don't have it, get it HERE . It will do a good job of keeping your computer clean from spyware. But just like your anti-virus, you must keep it updated. Also, do your Windows updates. To learn how, click here . Or, to do an update, Click Here. It will save you a lot of headaches.
