I am new to computer land.?

Question

Why is it that even though I have anti-virus, I still get viruses on my computer?

Answer 1

The only thing anti virus does is scan your computer to REMOVE viruses. You need to activate a firewall which prevents viruses from entering your computer. A firewall can be 99.99 percent effective only if you can recognize what info you are given by the firewall. For example with McAfee, the firewall will tell you if something is trying to enter your computer. It is up to you to allow it are reject It. I hope this helps!! Get a Firewall.

P.S. I don't mean literally!! It is a program that monitors what enters and leaves your computer!!! :)

Answer 2

Ask yourself these questions as to why your computer keeps getting infected with viruses.

Is my Windows operating system 100% updated and patched with Microsoft critical security updates every month?

Do I never open an e mail attachment unless I am expecting it and I know the sender?

Do I never click on links from off-line instant messages, even if they look like they are from someone I know?

Do I "pirate" lots of "stuff" using Limewire or another P2P program, so I won't have to pay for it, even though pirated files are often loaded with malware?

Do I turn my firewall "off" when a certain game won't play or I can't view a website instead of learning how to properly configure a firewall?

Do I ever lower my browser security settings because I want to do something on-line and then forget to change them back?

Do I click on a lot of advertising that offers "free" screensavers, smilies, and icon downloads?

Do I use only geniune software, not some software that a friend stole using P2P?

Are my anti-virus and anti-spyware apps updated at least once a day?

Do I click yes when a website wants to download an active-X control or a codec etc. without trying first to see if I really need that download to make the site work?

Always remember, the absolute best computer security tool resides between the keyboard and the chair!

Answer 3

I have been on the internet for over 10 years and have NEVER had a virus. You have to watch what you are doing. Just clicking on a popup without reading it can download a virus. Many popups look like system messages indicating you have a problem. Clicking on them is what will cause the problem. Downloading items from limewire and other free sites will also introduce viruses. An anti-virus program only catches viruses not malicious programs.

Answer 4

answers above are right, any security program needs to be updated often. reliable companies release updates once or twice or even more a week. maybe your anti-virus was not updated. also if you got a virus, maybe your antivirus program is a scanner only and it can't prevent things from coming on your computer? search the internet for your antivirus reviews and see what features it got.

there's also another possibility. you say you have anti-virus, but what about anti-spyware? spyware/adware/things like these are much different from viruses, so anti-virus can't catch them.

so make sure you update your antivirus and turn the real-time protection on ;)

Answer 5

Amanda,

I hope the below infomation helps and its length doesn't turn you off. On todays Internet, protecting your computer and yourself is not easy.

Just having an anti-virus program is not enough. There are many types of infections that require different programs and measures to protect your computer.

The first step and most important is to know what is out there on the internet in the way of Malicous Software. This first site is a long read and has lots of information. You will probably not want to read it or think you will not understand all it discusses. You might not understand all of it, but please read it completely. You will remember information as you need it. I would bookmark or save it to your favorites so you can go back to it when needed. I read it once a month because they continually update it. Trust me, when your friends have problems with infections you will remember what you read and will be able to help. Not only will they be amazed at your knowledge, but so will you.

http://www.internetinspiration.co.uk/computer_privacy_and_security.htm

After reading the above site you will better understand everything below:

You need to make sure the Windows XP SP2 Firewall is turned on. Go to the Start>Control Panel>Security Center>Firewall>make sure the radio button is dotted next to "ON".

If you have DSL service you have either a modem or a router. If the box only allows one computer to connect to it, it is a modem. It it allows two or more computers to connect, it is a router. Router come with a built in firewall. This is known as a Hardware firewall. The Windows firewall is a Software firewall. If you have a router, be sure the built in firewall is working.

You can use one Anti-Virus program only. Using more than one will cause them to conflict and will not protect your computer. This could also cause physical damage to your Hard Drive and Motherboard.

You should have and use more than one Anti-Spyware program. Microsoft estimates that 1500+ new spyware type programs are introduced on the Internet every month. It is impossible for one AS program to keep up with all this. It is recommended that you use at least 3 AS programs the provide full time protection (when your computer is on, they protect). Many free AS programs only provide "On demand" protection (they only scan and remove when you start them). Some of the free programs do provide full time protection. Here are some I use:

Windows Defender: This is free and is the primary AS program that will be built into the Window Vista OS due out later this month. It is very good. This is my main AS program.

Spybot Search and Destroy: This program has been around for a few years. Even though it was free many experts and users considered it one of the very best AS program available. It still is. It was recently updated with a new and faster search engine and other updates to improve it. In order to have Spybot provide full time protection you must turn on the "Tea Timer" feature. When the program is downloading some windows will appear for you to make approvals. One of the windows will offer the "Tea Timer" option. Be sure to check mark the box for it. Be sure to read the Tutorial it offers. This will help you use the program properly.

SpywareBlaster: This program is unique. It monitors what is coming into your computer. If it sees something it is programed to recognize it block it from entering. It does not scan and remove infections like WD and Spybot.

If you decide to use any or all of the above you can get them at this safe download site.

http://www.filehippo.com/

The above programs can only block, detect and remove infections they are programmed to recognize. This next program is a little different in the way it works.

CyberHawk: This is a unique program that works with your AV and AS programs to add additional protection. Cyberhawk looks for and recognizes common features that are in all Malicious software. Everything that is allowed by the above programs is then examined by Cyberhawk. If Cyberhawk decides it is an infection, it blocks any further download and removes what did enter. This is a great program. It has stopped 87 infection attempts on my computer. Remember, these are infection that got past the other programs. No telling how many has been blocked by them. You cannot use Cyberhawk as a stand alone protection program. It will only work properly when working with your AV and AS programs. Here is the site for Cyberhawk:

http://www.novatix.com/

Answer 6

Because not all viruses will be found. You should have a firewall up to be safe. Do not download music from limewire if you are so new to computers. Get McAfee SiteAdvisor to see if the sites are safe. Do not click on popups. Get Firefox or Opera Web Browser.

Answer 7

You need to scan ur computer for viruses as well as a having a security system such as norton internet security. You go in the program and there should be a "scan ur computer for viruses button"

Answer 8

As others have said viruses are released every day. The anti-virus companies have a hard time keeping up. See if the links below help you out.

http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-gwpO2kQjd65gVHQHhx0b5oc-?cq=1&p=29

http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-gwpO2kQjd65gVHQHhx0b5oc-?cq=1&p=24

Answer 9

Surfing with Firefox definitely helps, either downloading and running a file will spread the virus or surfing the net on some sites that exploit the sucky IE. that's why I surf only with Firefox.

Cheers

Answer 10

because it needs to be updated frequently...new viruses are released DAILY....