Protection against Viruses - Part 3 of 3
Prevention
The easiest way to clear your computer of viruses is by simply never getting any. How is this done? This is nearly impossible to do, except to never get on the internet which is simply not an option. One way that I prevent viruses is to not use Internet Explorer. Some people will swear by Internet Explorer (”IE”), but statistically, it is still the most targeted web browser by viruses, and with its rather insecure “Add-Ins”, it poses more flaws. Instead, I use Firefox (www.firefox.com). I have NEVER gotten any viruses through this browser. It is free, which is another very strong point. If you do plan on using Internet Explorer, upgrade to IE 7 which is by far the best version. Another way to prevent viruses is to not use programs which have been known to be a virus magnet. Some of these include Kazaa, which is a music downloading tool, LimeWire, which is a Peer-to-Peer file transfer utility which breaks nearly all copyright laws, and any other program that is from a shady web site (like one that the address bar is 3 pages long of junk). Lastly, run Windows Update often, and use antivirus software. There are many great packages out there that are cheap to free. I use AVGFree, and Ad-Aware which are both free and can catch most viruses. Good Luck.