| Malware is an extremely broad term used to describe | | | | is how a lot of malware is circulated throughout the |
| viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, and adware. | | | | Web. Don't open files, and don't click on links if you |
| Malware is a concern because it can wreak havoc on | | | | don't know who they're from... period. Experts also |
| computers, causing them to run slower than they | | | | suggest using caution even if you know the person |
| should, corrupting data, and negatively impacting overall | | | | who sent you the e-mail. Check with your friend or |
| system performance. As such, every user should | | | | family member to make sure they actually sent an |
| make malware protection a priority. | | | | attachment. |
| Here are 4 tips that can help reduce the chances that | | | | #4: Think twice before using file sharing sites: They're |
| your system will get infected. | | | | a great place for free music and movies, but there's |
| #1: Invest in a good antivirus software program - This | | | | one major problem. When you double click to |
| should not be considered optional. Anyone who goes | | | | download a file, you don't know for sure what you're |
| online needs to have a program designed to protect | | | | getting. It could be your favorite tune, or it might be a |
| them from the abundance of malware out there. | | | | virus that will hijack your entire system. If you use file |
| #2: Practice diligent downloading - Any time you're | | | | sharing sites, be aware that the chances of picking up |
| online and you get a box asking if you want to | | | | malware are very high. |
| download a file or program, be very careful. Don't | | | | Prevention is the best remedy for computer problems. |
| download it unless it's from a site you know and trust, | | | | So if you can keep those nasty files from getting onto |
| and run a quick scan on the files to make sure they're | | | | your computer, you'll be way ahead. But if you are not |
| safe. | | | | so lucky, then run your antivirus programs to remove |
| #3: Be careful with attachments and links - This is | | | | them. Happy computing! |
| crucial if the e-mail is from an unknown sender, as this | | | | |