How to Avoid Malware

Here are some tips to ensure malware is not given access to your computer:

• Keep your computer up to date.

• Keep your browser up to date.

• Install good antimalware.

• Download free software only from sites you know and trust.

• Avoid clicking links inside pop-up windows. 

  Keep Your Computer up to Date

  To keep Windows up to date, Microsoft uses Windows Update. Windows Update should run automatically on your PC. However, you should check if your PC is up to date. To check for Windows updates:

  1. Click Start, Run, and type:

  a. WindowsXP:wupdmgr

  b. Windows Vista/7: wuapp 

  2. PressEnter.

  3. Click Install Updates

  You may need to download the Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) tool, which checks to see if your copy of Windows is genuine.

  Windows may need to reboot your machine several times as new updates are installed.

  Your computer is now up to date.

  Keep Your Browser up to Date

  Browsers are a common source of computer vulnerabilities because they use so many plugins and programs that create loop holes that malware can exploit. To update your browser:

  Internet Explorer

  If you are using Internet Explorer (IE) as your browser, use Windows Update—explained above—to keep it up to date.

  Mozilla Firefox

  To check for updates for Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Firefox.

  2. Click Help > Check for Updates.

  3. If updates are available, follow the on-screen instructions.