by Matt Bird

Created on: May 25, 2009

Viruses. They're about as good for your computer as they are for your body - that is, not at all. Spreading rapidly and often without warning, computer viruses can range from virtually harmless to highly destructive, requiring a full formatting of your computer to get it working again. Chances are good you won't know how bad a virus can get until it's on your system, either, so the best thing to do is avoid getting them in the first place.

And the best way to do that is to get good anti-virus software. There are tons of brands these days, designed by companies that generally provide plenty of updates - albeit at a cost. Be prepared to pay a pretty penny for the protection you're looking for, especially if you're not just looking for detection but prevention. I personally use Norton Protection, but there are other, equally adept anti-virus programs out there as well. Just be sure that the one you pick up updates regularly, as new viruses pop into being constantly.

The primary culprit for viral outbreaks is the internet. Viruses placed online in downloadable files and on pop-up websites can hit you at any time, and it pays to be vigilant about your online activities. Here are a few tips to help keep viruses from getting on your system.

- Avoid adult sites. Yes, those naught pornographic websites are often fraught with malware and viruses that can screw up your computer. Typically they'll get onto your system through a slew of pop ups. At the very least have a pop up blocker working if you want to visit these sites, but beware, these blockers don't always work.

- For that matter, block pop ups. Not many sites make practical use of these things anyway. If you really need to enable them again for some reason, be sure to block them once you're done.

- Avoid P2P software like Kazaa and Limewire. Yes, it's nice to get MP3s for free, but these services have become glutted with viruses. And though it's usually pretty easy to pick out which files are malicious, not every entry will be obvious. Your best bet is to not install any P2P software in the first place.

- Check everything you download. More often than not you can tell if a file's going to be trustworthy just by virtue of the site it's on. The federal government, for example, is likely to offer virus-ridden files. If you're not sure about something, run a quick virus scan of it after downloading before you open it, just to be safe.

- Beware e-mail attachments. Unless you knew it was coming in the first place, don't open something tacked onto an e-mail. Nor should you necessarily trust something a friend has sent, as their e-mail could have been hijacked.

- Get a firewall. Generally these come complete with anti-virus programs, but if yours didn't be sure to snag one. Firewalls helps prevent viral attacks and keep out unwanted visitors.

Preventing viruses requires a smattering of common sense. You'll generally know if you're getting in over your head with something you've downloaded, and even if you do screw up once, don't worry - the pains of disposing of the virus will prevent future problems, as you'll never forget the experience.

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