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Computer Viruses Files downloaded from the Internet using Ares P2P software may carry computer trojans, worms, or viruses that can potentially damage your computer or cause other harms. These files will typically be mislabeled to disguise their true purpose. Configure Ares P2P to filter dangerous type of files  1) Hit "Control Panel" button.  2) Chose "Hashlinks" page and check "Filter Executable files and potentially dangerous file types" option. Install Anti-Virus Software Anti-virus software is the best way to combat computer viruses. There are two types available, generic virus-detection software and scanning software. Scanning software is the most common. It checks your system for known viruses, examines incoming files and warns of infection. When choosing scanning software, look for: Virus updates - New viruses abound, so it's vital to keep your software up to date. Look for a vendor that offers free daily updates from its website. Real-time scanning ability - Here the software runs continually in the background, checking and monitoring files as they are opened, executed and installed. Some software also checks email as it downloads. Generic virus-detection software monitors your system for behaviour common to viruses and checks programs and files for modifications. This type of software can even pick up on previously unknown viruses. A Behavioural Guard, for example, searches for viruses according to the sequence of their actions, rather than their unique code. An Integrity Checker checks files, folders and disk sectors for signs of infection. These programs are, however, prone to false alarms as some valid activities look like viruses in action. Your anti-virus software is your main defence, so get the best you can afford. To get an idea of what's out there, here's a review of some of the most popular anti-virus products available. Use your Virus Scanning Software Properly Once you've installed your anti-virus software check that it's configured to give you the best protection. Make sure it's set to scan all files. Also let it create a recovery or reference disk if it offers to. These disks may be your only hope of recovering from an infection. Installing virus scanning software is not enough; you need to use it. If you're loading it for the first time, scan your entire system so you start out fresh. Then make a habit of regularly scanning your files, or set your software to do it for you. Remember that there are new viruses released every day, so you need to keep your software current. Make a habit of collecting updates from your vendor's website, or if your software permits, automate the process. Subscribe to a variety of virus notification services, as some vendors release warnings earlier than others. You can also subscribe to Microsoft's security bulletin mailing list. Related informations Computer viruses. How they work & what they do Diagnosing and treating a virus |