How To Avoid a Computer Virus

To decrease the chance of contracting a computer virus, avoid probable places of contamination.  Where is that?  Ask any Mac owner “on a scale of 1 – 10 how worried are you about contacting a computer virus?”  Chances are, the answer will be between 1 – 3.  Why?  There is not much hostility toward Steve Jobs and Apple.  That emotion goes to Bill Gates and Microsoft.  The culprits that create malicious software, such as viruses, hate Microsoft!

Mozilla Firefox

If you are like me and have not made the switch to Apple here is a tip to help decrease the chance of catching a virus.  If you are using Internet Explorer as your browser, sample another one.  Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, or Opera are three popular choices. If you desire a Mac feel then download Safari for PC.  If you like to fine tune and customize your browser, Mozilla Firefox may be for you.  If you are like me, and like speed, then download and install Google Chrome.

If you want to explore the reviews on each browser go to http://reviews.cnet.com/?tag=hdr;brandnav and insert the browser of choice in the search bar.

If you just want to jump in and try one, go to http://download.cnet.com/windows/?tag=hdr;brandnav and scroll down until you find the browser you want to try.

Google Chrome

I recommend downloading from cnet.com because of its safe reputation.  Downloading from unknown sites can be unsafe.

Once you download and install your new browser, you can transfer over your current links and try it out.  This does not replace your current browser such as Internet Explorer, it just gives you another browsing option.

Sometimes customers came into the store with such badly infected machines it was impossible to get on the internet using Microsoft’s Internet Explorer browser.  When Safe Mode did not work we had to download a copy of Firefox Mozilla on to the computer to access the Internet and remote with our tech to get the machine cleaned up.

Opera

It is a good idea to have more than one browser installed on your computer in case one goes down.  If you do not want to install a second browser I recommend saving two or more browser programs on an external hard drive or flash drive.  This may come in handy someday soon.  Search Amazon.com for portable hard drive.

If you do this simple and free preventative step, you reduce the chances of a virus molestation.

Tomorrow, how to fix an infected computer that is beyond normal repair.  A retailer wants to charge over $120 but you can do it for Free!

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The definition of a chump:

a gullible person, a sucker; someone easily taken advantage of, the target of a scam.

Learn from a former salesperson and trainer how salespeople drive sales. Learn how to keep more money in your pocket where it belongs! There are two ends of every sales stick!  One end cries 'chump.'  The other end boasts 'champ.'  I know which end of the stick I want to be.  How about you?