Best Practices to Avoid Infecting Your Computer

Have Anti Virus Software, Anti-Spyware, & Firewall:

The first thing you need to do in order to protect your computer from computer viruses is to install a good anti-virus protection system.  This generally consists of good anti-virus software, a spyware program, and a firewall.  RCG provides VIPRE Antivirus with our Monitoring & Maintenance as well as Total Care service packages.  RCG has chosen VIPRE because of its all-in-one features including Virus, Spyware, and Malware protection.  All computer viruses work differently and there are some programs that aren't actually viruses at all, but can do damage nonetheless.  No antivirus program is perfect, so it's best to take as much precaution as possible.

Secure Your System:

Always be sure to set a secure (numbers and letters) password on your Windows based computers!

Careful What You Download:

When you download a file from a website, be sure you know the source!  You should download only files that are from known, well-established companies.  When in doubt, don't download the file.  As an extra precaution you can download files onto a disk, separate from your hard drive, such as a floppy, zip, or flash drive, and then scan the files with your virus scanner.  If you need to download software, patches, or other updates, be sure you download from a reputable source.  Additionally, never download any files you haven't sought out; sometimes websites try and automatically download files.

Careful of Email Attachments & Instant Messaging:

Attachments and hyperlinks regularly arrive in email, instant messages, pop-ups, and other kinds of electronic communication.  While hyperlinks are convenient, unfortunately they can also lead to harmful websites loaded with malware.  Focus on only visiting reputable or tested websites.

When you receive an email attachment that looks fishy, yet it is from someone you know, it's better to check with the source and see if they sent you the file.  If the email is from a stranger, it is better to simply delete it.

Always be cautious in downloading files from other people.  Before you download any attachment, be sure you know what you're opening.  With computer viruses, due to the reproductive nature of their cycle, friends and family may send you a virus attachment unknowingly and without realization that they have been infected.

Careful of What Websites You Visit:

If something looks questionable or begins to download files, shut the webpage down immediately and run a scan with your virus scanner.

Careful of What Applications You Use:

You should always use legitimate applications for music and video, such as iTunes, Rhapsody, etc.

Avoid applications such as Bittorrent, Kazaa, Limewire, and other peer to peer sharing applications because they do not have any virus filtering or content control.  Many people distribute illegitimate files via these sites and you could end up downloading a virus.