No one wants a virus or malware to obstruct the functionality of their computer, but the increasing use of the internet and email has increased the risk of virus attacks. A virus can not only corrupt your data but can also wreak havoc on your hard disk and operating system. A virus or malware attack on your computer can destroy all of your memorable images and other important information within a few seconds. For this reason, it is better to take some precautionary measures to prevent a virus or malware attack on your computer. Let’s look at a few tips on how you can avoid a virus.

Open Emails, Even Coming From Friends, Carefully

A virus attack on your computer can be avoided by scanning each and every email attachment before opening them even if your friends have sent them. Often times when a virus travels by email, it comes in attachment form, especially video files. If the scan has any suspicion about the attachment, then you should avoid opening that attachment.

Install Anti-virus Software and Keep it up to Date

It is important that you have a working anti-virus program on your PC. Here are a few recommendations from PC Mag on antivirus. More importantly, you need to make sure it is always running and up to date. New viruses come out every day and keeping your virus definitions up to date can help to prevent these viruses from attacking your system. Generally, most anti-virus software comes with an auto-update feature. I would recommend that you turn this on.

Scan Your System Regularly

In order to be sure of any virus or malware attack you should scan your system at least weekly. Even though your anti-virus program is always running, some viruses can still slip through the cracks. Scanning the files of your system weekly can protect them from attack and catch any viruses that may have snuck onto your PC.

Browse Safely

While surfing the internet you may come across a number of pop-ups and banners inviting you to click on them. If you are on a reputable site, you are likely ok. However, if you are on less reputable site, like a free tv streaming site for example, the risk of a virus is magnified. Some of these pop-ups can be misleading be really careful and try not to click on them. You can also use different but safe browsers like Chrome or Firefox. These generally have a better reputation for security when compared to the other browsers out there.

Download Files Carefully

While working online you may find various files that seem to be useful to you, but before downloading them you should ask yourself whether you really need them. If really want to download any file then you should download them from a reliable resource like the site of its developer. There are more chances of viruses and malware if the files downloaded are illegal. If the file you want to download has fake extensions then you should avoid it to keep your system protected from virus attack.

These are just a few tips to help you to avoid a virus.