We see many computers in our shop that are infected with viruses, spyware, and malware.
They usually always have one thing in common: they are using no virus protection, expired anti-virus protection, or free anti-virus protection.
Many of our competitors will try and tell you that free protection (such as AVG Free, Avast, even Microsoft Essentials) is all you need, and that, it will never expire and it will keep you safe.
This is a fallacy. We see many virus infected computers that have updated versions of, the free versions yet they still are filled with malware or viruses. This also puts you in risk of identity theft.
While free is better than nothing I highly recommend you spend a few dollars a month for proper protection.
For me it comes down to economics: how can a company that is not charging for their product afford to pay their security researchers to be able to keep up?
That being said here are some things you can do to protect yourself:
- Purchase a good Anti-Virus program we recommend Node32. Some anti-virus programs are more resource intensive (slow the computer down) than others, and this is constantly changing. So read up on reviews.
- If you are strapped on cash and don’t want to purchase something check with your internet provider to see if they offer anti-virus protection included in your internet package. Both Bell and Rogers offer customers anti-virus. While we don’t find it is as good as NOD32, it is far better than free anti-virus protection.
REMEMBER NO ANTI VIRUS PROGRAM IS 100%,
3. Do all your updates all of the time. When Windows Updates comes up to install updates do not ignore them. Updates are really important as they patch security holes and keep your computer safe. To manually run the updates now and check to make sure you are up to date Go to Start à All Programs à Windows Update. Run Windows Update. Install all your updates and note you may be asked to restart your computer several times. You will likely need to repeat running the Windows Update after the restart to install a second round of updates, so do this to be sure you have them all.
4. Update your runtimes. This is stuff like Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash Player, Java, Shockwave, , and Silverlight Adobe Air It is critical to have all of these programs updated . as many viruses and malware will get into your computer just by browsing infected websites. Legitimate websites (government and corporations included) will get hacked, and just by opening a pdf file or browsing a webpage you are vulnerable. The solution is in addition to anti-virus software ensuring your runtimes are updated. Many of these programs will automatically come up asking you to update – click yes and run the update. Just watch out for the check boxes asking you to install toolbars or other trial software. General rule: If there is a checkbox: read it before clicking next.
5. Consider switching from to Chrome or Internet Explorer Firefox for browsing the web. Most viruses are written for Internet Explorer because quite simply IE has the most users. Chrome and Firefox are less used, and are faster and more secure. CIBC Bank now recommends Firefox over Internet Explorer because it is more secure. Google’s Chrome will verify every website it visits to Google’s database of malware infected websites. So you are much safer hands. Both are good but I find Chrome to be a little faster. To install Chrome go to and click download and install. www.Google.com/ChromeYour bookmarks, favorites, and settings will all be imported and stay the same.
6. Stay off of bad websites, and away from peer to peer file sharing. Whenever you go to these websites or download movies and music without paying for them you take a huge risk. File sharing websites or programs and pornographic websites are often filled with malware and viruses. If you are going to do it make sure you have the best virus protection installed and read review of the websites you are visiting or the torrent files you are downloading. Anything you download that is a .rar, .exe, or .zip are generally more dangerous. Don’t download the latest torrents, download the ones with the most reviews and most good comments. Or stay safe and just download your movies and music through iTunes.
7. Make sure your Windows Updates are set to automatic. To do this: Windows Vista and Windows 7
To turn on Automatic Updates yourself, follow these s
A) Click Start, type Windows update in the search box, and then click Windows Update in the Programs list.
B) In the left pane, click Change settings.
C) Select the option that you want.