Keeping the Computer Virus-Free

<!–[if !supportLists]–>1. <!–[endif]–>Keep Antivirus software updated. You should check for new definition updates daily. Antivirus software can be configured to do this automatically.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>· <!–[endif]–>To update Antivirus, refer to document Updating My Anti-Virus.doc attachment.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>· <!–[endif]–>Make sure that the Anti-Virus is updated every time the computer is used.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>· <!–[endif]–>If you don’t know how to update, ask for assistance.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>· <!–[endif]–>If the computer you’re using doesn’t have any anti-virus software, find one and install it immediately.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>2. <!–[endif]–>Thoroughly scan floppies, thumb drives or external hard drives before using them – This is always important, especially if you are using the disk to carry information between one computer and another. It’s easily to pick up a virus from an unsecured network or computer and introduce it into your system. Scanning before launching any of the programs on the disk will prevent infection.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>· <!–[endif]–>Before connecting any external drives make sure it is scanned thoroughly.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>· <!–[endif]–>Make sure that the external drives was not used to any public domain, network or computer cafes.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>· <!–[endif]–>If you don’t know how to scan, ask for assistance.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>3. <!–[endif]–>Don’t download programs or files from the web - Unreliable sources such as Internet newsgroups or web sites that you haven’t heard of may be willing providers of viruses for your computer. Avoid downloading files you can’t be sure are safe. This includes freeware, screensavers, games, and any other executable program – any files with an “.exe” or “.com” extension, such as “coolgame.exe.” Check to see if the site has anti-virus software running on their side. If you do have to download from the Internet, be sure to scan each program before running it. Save all downloads to one folder, then run virus checks on everything in the folder before using it.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>· <!–[endif]–>Before downloading any programs, applications or files (*.exe, *.mp3, *.doc, *.ppt , *.html, etc.) make sure that it ican be trusted.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>· <!–[endif]–>Make sure you’re downloading from trusted and reliable websites.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>· <!–[endif]–>After downloading, scan each file before running or opening it.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>4. <!–[endif]–>Don’t automatically open attachments – It’s always better to err on the side of safety. If you’re unsure about an attachment, Delete it. Especially if it’s from a source you don’t recognize. If there are tempting animations on a site that look highly unprofessional, don’t download them. Be sure your email program doesn’t automatically download attachments. This will ensure that you can examine and scan attachments before they run. Refer to your email program’s safety options or preferences menu for instructions. Be sure to run each attachment you plan to open through the anti-virus check. Do this even if you recognize and trust the sender; malicious code, like Trojan horses, can slip into your system by appearing to be from a friendly source.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>· <!–[endif]–>Never share files using Instant Messaging application; ask permission before accepting any file sharing.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>5. <!–[endif]–>Limit Disk and Folder Sharing on the network- Another common way that viruses are spread is via disk sharing or folder sharing in the network. Eliminate disk sharing unless it has been allowed by Decode.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>· <!–[endif]–>Never share Disk or Folder on the network, ask permission before sharing any folder or disk.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>6. <!–[endif]–>Backup Files Regularly – If a virus does infect your computer it may corrupt one or more files. It is important that you regularly backup all your files.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>7. <!–[endif]–>Final Reminders – If a virus has been found, make sure to delete to treat first the virus before opening the file or application. If you don’t know how to clean Virus, ask for assistance and never used the file, folder or disk again unless that it is thoroughly clean.

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