How to avoid Malware

What is malware?
The term "malware" comes from the two words "malicious software," and refers to any software that is designed to cause damage to a computer, server, or network.

Viruses, spyware, worms, key loggers, and Trojans are examples of malware. If you click links that are disguised as images, audio, or video files which might appear on suspicious websites or in Instant Messages (IMs) or email messages, you might expose your computer to malware. In some cases, malware can even be hidden in files that have been uploaded to reputable websites. Malware can:

•Corrupt data.
•Slow down your computer.
•Use your email or instant message(IM) program to spread itself to other computers.
•Erase everything on your computer.
•Result in identity theft or give a criminal access to your web accounts.


1. Don't use file sharing applications. If I see Limewire, Bearshare, or Kazaa on a program list in a PC I can find malware approximately 100% of the time. There is simply no way to safely download with these programs because you can't trust the source.

2. Never open an email attachment if you don't know what it is. Even if you know the person who sent the email beware of attachments. Many computers with infections will send out email to everyone on their address book without the owner ever being aware.

3. If you get pop-ups when opening a web page don't click inside the pop-up to close it. Always click the red "x" in the upper right corner. The "cancel" or "close" button in the pop-up might have unintended effects. clicking inside the pop-up allows code to run that may not be what the button indicates. ie. by clicking inside the pop-up you may be allowing a virus to take control of your computer.

4. If you get a message from your computer warning you that it is infected and you need to download suchandsuch software to remove the virus, don't do it. At this point you are already infected, downloading the fake virus remover will only make it worse. No legit software ever uses this tactic.

5. Avoid free downloads unless you are absolutely sure you can trust the source. Often these freebies are packaged with a good deal of adware, so be careful.

Most of the time good common sense will keep your computer safer than whatever virus protection you have installed. Start practicing safe web viewing and you will find you rarely have a problem with malware.