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Question Title Email Worms

Update Windows To Combat Worms and Viruses

Email is the primary medium for the transmissions of viruses.  No longer does one have to go to a site and download and open an executable file.  These days, sophisticated trojans and worms infultrate a computer that has not been properly patched and turns that PC into a zombie machine that's hidden purpose in life is to infect other machines through your Email.  A worm will use your Email address book and begin sending itself to your friends, relatives and business contacts.  You can combat this, though, with a few easy steps.

If your machine is not updated with Microsoft's latest security patches, then your computer is probably compromised.  You should frequently visit Microsoft's update site.  If you have Windows SP2 you can configure Windows to automatically update via the security settings in the Control Panel.  Generally, new updates are available every couple of weeks.

Use A Good Anti-Virus Program

While this seems obvious, a lot of antivirus programs do not scan incoming and outgoing Email messages.  Antivirus programs that look at each Email are likely to catch and quarantine a virus before it infects your system.  While some of the free clients offer this protection, Kaspersky and Bit Defender are top commercial choices.

Use Throw Away Email addresses

Although no one likes to admit it, Email is ruined.  SPAM and viruses are overtaking the Internet and it is extremely expensive and improbable to protect an Email address from being found by a virus or SPAMming bot.  Use throw-away Email addresses whenever you sign up for anything online, and try to avoid keeping an address book on your machine that can be used against your friends and family.

Authored by: David This question has been viewed 2295 times so far.
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Article Number: 14
Created: 2007-01-07 1:48 AM
Rating 3 Stars
 
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