How to Avoid Computer Viruses

Everyone shudders at the thought of getting a computer virus. Losing all your files is not what computers hope for at the end of the day. Although there are virus checkers, you still have to be very careful. Computer viruses are triggered when the user is not paying attention or when the user is not being on guard. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you are on your computer:

• Do not download files from people you don’t know. Try to scan the file before you download it.
• Be careful when downloading attachments from your e-mail. If it has a .pif or .scr extension, it is most likely a virus. Viruses can also be embedded in a file that does not have that extension. So be sure to scan the file for viruses before you download the attachment.
• Make sure your virus-scanning program is up-to-date.
• Be sure to get an anti-spyware program.
  

It is better to be safe than sorry. Consider investing time in how viruses work and how you can best protect your computer.

Brad Harmon is the President at a leading financing company, First Star Capital (www.firststarcapital.com). Brad is a frequent contributor to online publications and newsletters, and is the author of this blog on commercial financing topics.