Why pay for expensive Anti-Virus software (with a yearly renewal fee to boot) when you can get the same results for free.
By utilizing a minimal combination of free software downloads, exercising practical safeguards and keeping your computer clean (with a regular software cleaning) you can easily maintain a virus free system.
All software recommendations are freeware and can be found at the links below. They do not contain adware or spyware. I recommend them because I use them and they work.
Things You’ll Need:
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Spybot – Search & Destroy
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Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware
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CCleaner
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Active Firewall
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Active Pop-Up Blocker
Instructions
Step 1
Check with your ISP (Internet Service Provider) to see if they provide free virus protection software. Most large ISP’s, whether affiliated with your cable or phone company provide the service at no charge.
Note: Register online by logging onto your ISP website. After providing your account info, you will be able to download and run the Anti-Virus installation file. The programs set up menu will guide you from there. Once activated it will monitor your internet connection at no charge.
Step 2
Turn ON the Firewall. Windows systems have built in firewall protection which is really the first line of defense against unauthorized use of your computer. On most Windows systems, simply go to Control Panel and click on Firewall under the Security icon. Verify that it is active.
Step 3
Enable your Pop-Up Blocker. The two most popular web browsers, Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox both come with automatic Pop Up Blockers which block ads that Pop-up on screen when you visit a web page. Simply go to your active web browsers menu at the top of the screen and access the Pop-Up settings under Tools/Options.
WARNING: If a stray pop-up does show up on your screen while browsing, most can be removed by clicking on the Red X in the upper right corner of the pop up (don’t hit the OK button.) Some pop-ups – created with bad intentions – will not close directly, will be replaced immediately by another, will redirect you to another web page or may lock your web browser page (possibly downloading spyware.) If you suspect this, immediately disengage your internet connection, close your web browser and run anti-spyware software as a precaution.
Step 4
Run Spybot – Search & Destroy and Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware once a week. These are two of the most effective free anti-spyware programs available. Both remove all types of spyware and tracking cookies from your system. In addition, Spybot features a real-time monitor called Tea Timer which instantly warns of suspicious behavior (like registry changes.)
Note: Using both programs, I run the update feature and scan operation once a week or after a particular heavy computer use period.
Step 5
Run CCleaner once a day to keep your system uncluttered. CCleaner is an easy to use quick scanning cleaning tool which removes unused files from your computer system. Eliminating these files – which are automatically downloaded to your hard drive after each web page visited – optimizes your system allowing it to run faster and frees up your disk space. Its like emptying the daily trash that accumulates on your computer.
Note: I run the cleaner scan once a day and check for updates once a week. I also make use of the onboard registry cleaner which I run once a week to clean the system registry.
Step 6
Beware of File Attachments. NEVER click on an attachment file for an email or instant message from an unknown sender. This is the most common way to download a virus. You should delete the email immediately. Also verify that your communication software is not set up to automatically open attachments when you open emails or messages.
Step 7
Turn Off Your Modem when not actively using the connection for a prolonged period. Most external modems supplied by your ISP have a button which will disengage the internet connection. If not, call your ISP to see if they can provide you with one that does. If they cannot or won’t, unplug the power supply to the modem.
WARNING: “Do you leave your front door unlocked when you leave your house?” Well that’s exactly what your doing when you leave your computer unattended while connected to the internet. The modem is a doorway into your computer and can be an open invitation to the uninvited.
