How is your computer protected from a virus?

Answer 1

Virus - and malware protection in general usually requires both technical and behavioral solutions.

From a technical standpoint, having a good email filter installed, using network and host-based firewalls, and installing a good anti-malware program that has both signature-based and heuristic malware detection capabilities (and keeping it up-to-date) will help.

From a behavioral standpoint, educating the users about good practices can reduce the incidents of malware infecting a computer.

Good practices include (but are not limited to) - not clicking on links in emails without knowing for a FACT what is on the other end, resisting the temptation to download that really neat "free" program (that may come with hidden malware), not falling for social engineering attacks, and not plugging in random flash drives that you found lying around.

Answer 2

Use an anti-virus program such as Symantec, avast! or a free version of AVG http://free.avg.com/

Also turn on Windows firewall or Comodo Firewall and use a hardware firewall such as a Linksys router or any other type of NAT device.

Answer 3

Answer

The first way to protect your computer from a virus is to install an antimalware program. Malware is any malicious code that harms your computer or does anything that you are unaware (for example collecting you keystrokes to obtain data such as your usernames and passwords). There are many different types of malware such as viruses, worms, spyware, adware, trojan horses, rootkits, etc. An antimalware program defends your computer from these threats. There are many antimalware programs out there. Some great options are free. I personally use Avast 7 Free Antivirus (Don't worry it will protect your computer from viruses, adware, trojans horses etc)

You can download it from here:

http://software-files-a.cnet.com/s/software/12/80/80/71/avast_free_antivirus_setup.exe?token=1354693630_b114b9f69d1df73fdf8ddd42387054ef&lop=link&ptype=3000&ontid=2239&siteId=4&edId=3&spi=b197f8a5479f980c412eb54e60d80a5c&pid=12808071&psid=10019223&fileName=avast_free_antivirus_setup.exe

Answer 4

You protect your computer through the use of Anti-Virus Software. They can be pricey, so here is a link to a free anti-virus software. www.AVG.com