Preventive Measures

Last Updated on Tuesday, 04 October 2011 12:00 Tuesday, 04 October 2011 10:28

Web of Trust Plugin

Most of the viruses enter your computer when you visit some harmful website. You can prevent this from happening if you use a browser plugin that warns you about harmful websites . A popular browser plugin is called Web Of Trust (WOT), you can install it from its website on this link.
[ a video about WOT plugin ]

Java Script Blocking

Blocking Javascript of all sites by default can help to prevent drive by download infections. You can use Noscript Plugin for firefox as explained in this video.  Similar functionality can be achieved in Google's Chromium browser using the settings in Preferences > Under the Hood > Content Settings > Java Script > Select "Do not Allow". After that when you visit a site, you will see a pop up next to the address bar asking you if you want to allow JavaScript to run for that particular site.  The author of NoScript is writing a similar plugin for IE9 called GoodScript. Keep an eye on when it becomes available. 

Cleaning the Cache and Temp Files

Some of the viruses are downloaded in Internet Cache or in the Temp folder of the windows. The viruses get activated when these files are executed. You can reduce the risk of virus infection if you empty your browser cache and remove windows temp files occasionally, ideally at the end of a browsing session or before closing down your computer. Some programs like CCleaner can be set to do these things automatically. [ a video about CCleaner ]

Keeping an eye on the Firewall 

A firewall is your best defense from unwanted downloads from the internet. Most viruses try to download more files once one file makes inroad into your computer. This communication can be detected and blocked from keeping an eye on active connections in the Firewall. Take some time to learn all the basic and advanced features available in your Firewall. Here is a video in which I have explained it in detail. Video on Free Comodo Firewall

Do not leave your computer infected and insecure. If you doubt that there could be some undetected virus on your computer, don't leave it like that. Format the hard disk and reinstall windows and all other programs. That is the sure way to clear doubts.