Follow these steps to 'vaccinate'
your computer against most damaging viruses.
Step
1: Install anti-virus software
This software is different to
Spark's email anti-virus filter, and adds another layer of protection against
viruses.
Why anti-virus software
As a Spark customer, you automatically get protection from known viruses that travel by email. But viruses can also spread in other ways, such as via the Internet or being passed from one computer to another on a floppy disk or CD.
When new viruses do appear, there's usually a small time lapse between when they're first detected, and when anti-virus software is updated to block them.
There is a small chance you might receive email with a malicious attachment before Telecom's email anti-virus filter can block it. That's when having anti-virus software on your computer can be extremely useful.
As a Spark customer, you automatically get protection from known viruses that travel by email. But viruses can also spread in other ways, such as via the Internet or being passed from one computer to another on a floppy disk or CD.
When new viruses do appear, there's usually a small time lapse between when they're first detected, and when anti-virus software is updated to block them.
There is a small chance you might receive email with a malicious attachment before Telecom's email anti-virus filter can block it. That's when having anti-virus software on your computer can be extremely useful.
How anti-virus software works
Once you have installed anti-virus software on your computer it will automatically scan files as you open them to make sure your computer isn't infected.
Better still, if you do have a virus on your system, most anti-virus software will automatically take out it.
Once you have installed anti-virus software on your computer it will automatically scan files as you open them to make sure your computer isn't infected.
Better still, if you do have a virus on your system, most anti-virus software will automatically take out it.
Keep it up-to-date
Anti-virus software is regularly updated with information about the latest viruses. It's important that you regularly download software updates from the Internet to protect yourself from the newest threats.
Anti-virus software is regularly updated with information about the latest viruses. It's important that you regularly download software updates from the Internet to protect yourself from the newest threats.
Where can I get anti-virus software?
We recommend you use Spark Security Suite, which makes it easy to protect your computer from internet threats. Powered by award-winning technology from McAfee, the security suite combines anti-virus with all the other tools you need in one easy solution.
We recommend you use Spark Security Suite, which makes it easy to protect your computer from internet threats. Powered by award-winning technology from McAfee, the security suite combines anti-virus with all the other tools you need in one easy solution.
Step
2: Update your Microsoft Windows software
Microsoft regularly reviews its
software to fix any security problems that viruses might exploit. To make sure
your software is protected as well, you need to regularly update it. If a
problem is discovered, Microsoft will develop a security 'patch' to fix it. The
patches are small programs designed to fix a particular problem.
When Microsoft releases a new
security patch you can download it from the Internet for free and install it on
the version of Microsoft Windows you're using.
How to update your Windows software
The easiest way to update your Windows software is to use the automatic 'Windows Update' feature, which will automatically update your software whenever you are connected to the Internet.
The easiest way to update your Windows software is to use the automatic 'Windows Update' feature, which will automatically update your software whenever you are connected to the Internet.
To run Windows Update, follow these
steps:
- Close any files or programs running on your computer
- Open Internet Explorer and connect to the Internet
- Click the Tools menu
- Select Windows update
- You may be asked to accept a security certificate, click Yes
- You will then be asked to scan for updates.
- Click Scan for updates
When the scanning is completed, a list of available updates will be displayed - Pick the updates you want to install from the list and follow the prompts from there.
Once the installation is completed
you may be prompted to restart your computer
Step
3: Install a firewall on your computer
Having a firewall on your computer
is like having a security guard on your front door - you can see who's at the
door before you decide if they can come in.
A firewall checks everything that
tries to connect with your computer over the Internet. If the firewall thinks a
hacker or a virus is trying to break in, it will block it.
Use the firewall that comes with
Windows XP
If you're running Microsoft Windows
XP software you can use the firewall that comes with it.
To turn on the firewall Microsoft Windows XP
To turn on the firewall Microsoft Windows XP
- Make sure you're not connected to the Internet
- Click Start then Connect To then Show
All Connections.
If you have Windows XP set to Classic View there is no option for Connect to in the Start menu - Double click on the Spark Internet icon. This should take you to the Connect to Telecom page. Then click on Properties
- In the Internet Connection Firewall section select the Advanced page tab, and select one of the following:
5.
- To turn on the firewall, select Protect My Computer and Network by Limiting or Preventing Acess to this Computer from the Internet
- To turn off the firewall, clear the Protect My Computer and Network by Limiting or Preventing Access to this Computer from the Internet check box
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