ZeroGov

How to avoid computer viruses when downloading files

Computers viruses are malicious software that can delete files, corrupt hard drives, and even render a machine unusable. There are many ways to avoid downloads that could contain viruses. When downloading files from the internet, always check the file extension. Common file extensions that virus software uses are “.exe”, “.scr”, and “.vbs”. If the file extension is something other than these, there is a much lower chance that it contains a virus. Another way to check for a virus is the file size. If the file is too large or too small for what it is supposed to be, it could be a virus. For example, a screensaver file should not be over 1 MB in size.

If you are unsure about a file, do not download it. It is better to be safe than sorry. There are many websites that offer free virus scanning. These websites will scan a file and tell you if it is safe to download. Some popular virus scanning websites are VirusTotal, Jotti, and Metascan. These websites will also show you a list of anti-virus software that recognizes the file as a virus.

When downloading files, always choose the “Save” option instead of the “Open” option. This will save the file to your computer without running it. Once the file is saved, you can then scan it for viruses. If the file is safe, you can then open it. If you choose the “Open” option when downloading a file, the file will automatically run. This can be dangerous if the file contains a virus.

Never click on links in email messages unless you are sure that they are safe. Some email programs will automatically block email attachments that could contain viruses. If you are not sure about a link, do not click on it. It is better to type the address of the website into your browser to be safe.

Some viruses will spread through instant messaging programs. If you receive a file from someone through an instant messaging program, do not open it unless you are sure it is safe. You can scan the file for viruses before opening it.

Some websites will automatically download files to your computer without you knowing it. These files could contain viruses. To avoid this, only download files from websites that you trust.

Keep your anti-virus software up to date. Anti-virus software is constantly being updated to recognize new viruses. If your anti-virus software is out of date, it will not be able to recognize new viruses.

Run a virus scan on your computer frequently. This will help to catch any viruses that may have been downloaded onto your computer.

When downloading files from the internet, always check the file extension. Common file extensions that virus software uses are “.exe”, “.scr”, and “.vbs”. If the file extension is something other than these, there is a much lower chance that it contains a virus. Another way to check for a virus is the file size. If the file is too large or too small for what it is supposed to be, it could be a virus. For example, a screensaver file should not be over 1 MB in size.

If you are unsure about a file, do not download it. It is better to be safe than sorry. There are many websites that offer free virus scanning. These websites will scan a file and tell you if it is safe to download. Some popular virus scanning websites are VirusTotal, Jotti, and Metascan. These websites will also show you a list of anti-virus software that recognizes the file as a virus.

When downloading files, always choose the “Save” option instead of the “Open” option. This will save the file to your computer without running it. Once the file is saved, you can then scan it for viruses. If the file is safe, you can then open it. If you choose the “Open” option when downloading a file, the file will automatically run. This can be dangerous if the file contains a virus.

Never click on links in email messages unless you are sure that they are safe. Some email programs will automatically block email attachments that could contain viruses. If you are not sure about a link, do not click on it. It is better to type the address of the website into your browser to be safe.

Some viruses will spread through instant messaging programs. If you receive a file from someone through an instant messaging program, do not open it unless you are sure it is safe. You can scan the file for viruses before opening it.

Some websites will automatically download files to your computer without you knowing it. These files could contain viruses. To avoid this, only download files from websites that you trust.

Keep your anti-virus software up to date. Anti-virus software is constantly being updated to recognize new viruses. If your anti-virus software is out of date, it will not be able to recognize new viruses.

Run a virus scan on your computer frequently. This will help to catch any viruses that may have been downloaded onto your computer..See page

What to do if you think you have a computer virus

If you think you may have a virus on your computer, there are a few things you can do to check and see if you indeed have a virus. First, run a scan with your anti-virus software. If you don’t have anti-virus software, there are many free options available online. Once you have scanned your computer, if any viruses are found, remove them immediately. If you can’t remove the virus, you may need to wipe your hard drive and reinstall your operating system.

In order to prevent getting viruses in the future, be sure to keep your anti-virus software up to date, and scan your computer regularly. Also, be careful about what websites you visit and what files you download. Only download files from trusted websites, and avoid clicking on ads or links from unknown sources.

Visit malwarezero.org to learn more about computer viruses. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.