How can you reduce the risk of getting a virus?
virusA small program written to cause harm to a computer. can be prevented by taking sensible precautions, including:
- keeping your operating systemThe software that manages the hardware and software resources in a computer system. up to date
- using up to date anti-virusAnti-virus software scans all forms of storage devices for viruses (programs harmful to computers) and, if found, attempts to remove them.
- not opening an attachmentA file that is sent with an email. unless you are expecting it and know the source (many email serverA computer that holds data to be shared with other computers. A web server stores and shares websites. scan emails with anti-virus software on the user's behalf)
- not allowing other users to use their own memory stickA thumb-sized portable storage device used primarily for transferring files between computers. on your system
- only downloadingTo copy a file from the internet onto your computer or device. files from reputable web sites
- avoiding software from unreliable sources
Anti-virus software can inspect computer files and email attachments for viruses and remove or quarantine any which are found.
It is good practice to backupA copy of important files that is kept separately in case the original files are lost or damaged. your dataValues, typically letters or numbers. regularly. If a virus does damage your data, you can restoreThe process of getting lost or damaged files from a backup. the damaged files from backup.