Top 5 Tips For A Clean Start To A Virus-Free 2010

If you have a new PC or have plans to purchase one this year, then chances are you will need to take necessary steps to keep it protected from viruses making your life as hassle-free as possible.

We have outlined several steps that you can take and practice at your leisure to ensure that your new computer is safely running at its full potential.

Top 5 Tips for getting a clean start to a virus free year 2010.

Tip #1

To start off things, you should create a system-repair disc. This is essential in the unfortunate event that your system crashes or is struck with a nasty malware infection. Windows 7 makes this easy. Just click Start, type repair, and then click Create a System Repair Disc. Put a blank CD or DVD into your drive (netbook users will need to connect an external one), click Create disc, and then let Windows do the rest.

Tip #2

Now let's talk security. As any regular home PC user knows, computers and their users are vulnerable to all manner of threats, from hackers to phishing to viruses. That's why it's critical that you secure your new PC properly right from the start. One good thing is that, out of the box, Windows 7 is already quite secure. Its firewall and built-in anti-malware tool (Windows Defender) offer good protection from normal threats.

Tip #3

The latest versions of Firefox (3.5) and Internet Explorer (8) also help keep you safe from pop-ups, phishing attempts, browser hijacking, etc. With email, both Gmail and Yahoo use Norton anti-virus software at server level, along with anti-spam and anti-phishing tools. If you happen to use either one, you will have taken precautionary measures to make sure you have clean mail messages. Web of Trust is also highly recommended, this free browser plug-in shows you if Web links are safe before you click them.

Tip #4

There are a couple tools of your own to consider adding to the mix when it comes to network security. One is a router, which has a built-in firewall that effectively renders your PC invisible to the Internet, so no hackers will be able to gain entry. Other steps that you can take are verifying your firewall settings. In Windows 7 this can be done by going to the control panel and clicking on Windows Firewall and then verify that the firewall is turned on.

Tip #5

For extra protection and piece of mind this year, it is recommended that you install an anti-spyware application such as Spyhunter's Spyware Scanner. SpyHunter's Spyware Scanner or similar programs will safely scan your entire computer for the latest security threats such as spyware, adware, trojan, malware and other known parasite infections. Run SpyHunter's Spyware Scanner on a weekly basis to receive the up-to-date spyware threats.

These steps will help ensure your new system is protected against malicious hackers and the thousands of computer parasites that are running loose over the internet.

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What steps have you already taken this year to secure your computer? Have you installed an anti-virus or anti-spyware application yet?