Beyond Antivirus Software

So you've installed virus-protection software on your computer, such as Symantec's Norton AntiVirus or McAfee's VirusScan. Now you can sit back, relax, and be virus-free, right?

Wrong. Though a critical line of defense, antivirus software alone will not guarantee a safe computer. To help keep your system truly safe, you must make sure that you have the latest bug patches, virus definition files, and security fixes for each of your software applications — and exercize some common sense as well.

Download Security Patches and Bug Fixes

Fixes and patches, usually offered for free through software manufacturers' Web sites, are small files that you can download to repair newly discovered problems with a software program on your system — problems that could become a gateway for viruses or other hazards. By making it a standard practice to keep your software current, you'll help protect your computer from this type of risk.

To be sure that your software is operating at its best, it's a good idea to periodically check the software manufacturer's Web site, along with sites devoted to news about product patches. When you see a patch related to security, download and install it on all machines using that application. Be sure to verify the version of the software you are running so that you can get the appropriate updates; some programs will automatically inform you of new updates when you start them up. Also, in some cases, software companies will no longer issue bug fixes or security patches for older programs, so you might have to upgrade to a newer version.

Viruses frequently exploit email and Web browser programs. So while you should investigate security patches for all of your software, be especially certain that your Internet tools, email programs, and Web browser are up-to-date.

Newer versions of the Windows include a feature that will automatically deliver security patches for Outlook and the actual operating system. To enable automatic updates in Windows XP, go to Start > Settings Control Panel> System. Click the Automatic Updates tab and check the box labeled "Automatic." If your operating system does not support Automatic Updates, you can find updates and patches at Microsoft's official downloads page.

If you want to download the latest Internet Explorer patches, you can obtain them at Microsoft's Get It Now page. Mozilla Firefox users can get the lastest browser updates by clicking the Help menu item and choosing "Check for Updates."

Update Virus Definition Files

If you've installed your virus software according to the instructions, updating your virus definition files will be a fairly painless and automatic procedure. The trick is to make sure your computer is on when the updates are scheduled to happen. If you've set your updates to occur during the night, don't power down your computer when you leave the office. Also, make sure your Internet connection is on and ready when you need it.

However, you may wish to update your virus definitions before the next scheduled time. It's a good idea to do this when:

• Anyone in your organization or anyone that regularly sends you email has received a virus.
• You have reason to suspect you may be infected, but your virus scan is not picking anything up.
• You hear about a new email-borne virus propagating through the world's computers.

Run Manual Virus Scans

If you've set all the preferences as described in the antivirus software installation instructions, you should be fairly well protected. Your settings should provide for automatic scanning of files that are identified as high risk. However, feel free to manually scan software, downloaded files, and any other materials that make their way onto your computer. This is especially necessary if you share files by disk in your office.

If you've turned off automatic scan features to prevent system slowdowns or conflicts, be sure to run a manual scan at least once a week. And as with updates, make sure your computer is on when the automatic scans are scheduled to take place.

Use Common Sense

Common sense is what stops you from opening the door to thieves even though you have a security alarm in your building. Use it with virus-protection issues as well:

• If you receive an unexpected attachment from someone — even someone you know — don't open it. Check with the sender to see if it's legitimate. And if you don’t know the sender, don’t bother to send a reply, as this will tell potential spammers that your email address is indeed real.
• If you download programs or files from the Internet, be sure they are from a trusted source. Also, scan the programs and files for viruses before opening them.
• Do not propagate email virus warnings unless you have checked hoax sites and determined the threat is, indeed, real. Symantec's Threat Explorer site was created for this express purpose.
• If a virus strikes you, warn people on your network and in your address book as soon as possible.

In the age of the Internet and other networks, it's easy for a virus to spread like wildfire. However, if we all practice safe computing, we can make sure our systems stay healthy.

Editor's Note:

This article was originally published in 2001 and updated by TechSoup Staff Writer Brian Satterfield.