**Please Note: The following information is provided for best practice reference only as a convenience to you. Kyle PC Repair is not responsible for any data loss, virus's and or problems resulted by using, trying, or applying any or all methods listed below. There are no guarantees that following these suggestions will completely protect you or your system from virus's, theft, fraud or any illegal activity.

1. Install antivirus software on your system. Keep it updated and running.

2. Install anti-malware / anti-spyware programs such as AdAware or Spybot Search and Destroy.

3. Install a hardware firewall between your network and your ISP connection. (for example a router)

 

4. Consider using a software firewall. (at least the windows firewall)

5. Keep windows security updated with Windows Update.

6. Avoid using PTP download programs such as limewire. Many of these files are infested with virus's.

7. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the antivirus and anti-spyware programs you have installed... If you are on a website and get a pop-up saying you have a virus "please click here to start your scan" or "please click here to remove the infection", check the name of the software. If it's not one of the programs you installed.. DO NOT click on it. If you are unable to close the window, go into task manager, choose the item displayed and end task on it.

8. Do not open e-mail attachments from unknown senders – delete the attachment from your computer immediately.

9. If you're unsure about an attachment from a friend / co-worker and it seems questionable, then ask them the question... Don't hesitate, it's better to be safe than sorry. It's always possible they could have a virus and don't know it.

 

10. Watch out for phishing emails trying to scam you out of your personal information or money. If it sounds too good to be true, then it more than likely is. These emails often make it look like the or a legitimate company so be mindful. If unsure, you can always contact the company to confirm. If still in doubt, just delete it.

11. Scan your discs, thumb drives and external hard drives with your anti-virus as soon as you connect them. Example: If you put your thumb drive in a friend's computer, bring it home to yours and they had a virus that propagated to the thumb drive, you are at risk.

12. Setup windows to show extensions for known file types, show hidden files and folders, and show protected operating system files.

13. Never run a program with any of the following extensions if you are not sure what it is: .exe, .zip, .ini, .vbs, .js, .bat, or .cmd. If you are unsure, you should at least scan the file with your antivirus software before running it, but be prepared for the worst. (backup any data you can't live without)

14. If you have kids or guests who use your computer, give them a computer account that does not have admin rights, this disables software installation and helps limit the possibility of them installing a virus.

15. If you are on a chat program (yahoo / AOL for example) and get a message with just a link or attachment, DO NOT click on it until you are sure what it is and or who it is from. Even if it's someone you know, they could have a virus or their account could have been hacked.