Inside the brain of a Geek: 5 ways to avoid viruses and spyware

You should consider security software, anti-virus and anti-spyware, your last line of defense.  You, the user, are at the best protection against infections and here are some tips to help.

1.  Keep all software programs that access the internet up to date.    These include web browsers, auto-updaters (Adobe & HP), Windows, IM software (Skype), etc..   The people who write these malicious programs prey on known vulnerabilities.
2. Consider using an alternative web browser.   All web browsers have vulnerabilities.  When they are detected it then becomes a race against the clock.  Will it be fixed fast enough to minimize the risk to the user?  With Microsoft’s schedule of pushing updates only once a month it leaves a large window of opportunity for infections before any fix is available.  Carlos uses Google Chrome as his primary browser and I use Mozilla Firefox.
3. Turn off auto-preview and reading panes in Outlook and all email programs.   Using these features is exactly the same as opening an email whither you want to or not.  
4. Don’t click on links sent in emails.   Instead open your web browser and type in the website address.  Links can look innocent and safe but there are easy ways to hide malicious code.
5. When in doubt don’t open, click or download.   Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you are ever unsure about a pop-up, download, website, or email.