Dealing With Viruses

The computer viruses that plagued us last Spring are still around and others are sure to follow. Make sure you take the proper precautions to prevent your computer from spreading these viruses.

ü Go to Microsoft’s Windows Update page to download the latest updates for your computer.

http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/

ü After you click on Product Updates, the window below will popup as your computer is scanned to see what updates you have and don’t have. If this is your first time at the site you may be asked to install some software. Agree to install whatever software is necessary.

ü The next screen will have Critical Updates and Recommended Updates. You need to install any Critical Updates that are not installed. Check off the critical updates and click the Download button in the top right corner of the screen.

ü Be patient, you may have to wait a while if you have a lot of updates to install. Follow any instructions presented as the install proceeds.

ü If you haven’t updated Internet Explorer, scroll down to the recommended updates and look for Internet Explorer 5.5. I strongly urge you to update your Internet Explorer to this version. This will help prevent some of the viruses transmitted over the net and over email.

ü If you have virus software, I would suggest that you download the latest virus definitions from the manufacturer.

o If you have Norton Antivirus go to this site: http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/index.html

o If you have McAfee Antivirus go to this site: http://www.mcafee.com/

ü If you don’t have anitvirus software I would recommend either Norton Antivirus or McAfee Antivirus.

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