Getting A Trojan Virus

How do you get a Trojan virus?

One of the most frequently asked questions, among both new and experienced internet users, is how do you get a Trojan virus? Unfortunately for everyone, there is no one answer to that question. The fact is that these Trojan horse programs come from a variety of sources, ranging from infected network files to emails to internet sites.

In fact, whereas a few years ago users were required to do something, such as clicking a link in an email or on a web site, many of the Trojan horse viruses written today require no user action at all. In some cases the answer to how do you get a Trojan virus can be as simple as visiting the wrong web site or simply looking at the wrong email.

What can the average user do to protect themselves?
Fortunately, this question is a lot easier to answer than how do you get a Trojan virus? In fact, the number one step all internet users must take, no matter what they use their computer for or how often they are online, is to run a quality virus protection software program at all times. Running an anti virus software program, and keeping it scrupulously up to date, is the best defense you have against viruses, spyware, adware and Trojan horse programs.

While in years past computer security experts recommended running updates to anti virus software once a week, most agree that this is no longer sufficient. Today most anti virus software companies provide daily updates, and it is a good practice for all computer owners to check for updates once a day. These updates can be scheduled for the middle of the night, so they will have no impact on your productivity. If you are on a dial-up connection, the computer will simply dial up at the preset time, download and install the update, then disconnect. If you have an always on internet connection the process is even easier. Since you are already connected to the internet the program simply downloads and installs the update at the appropriate time.

Other important steps
Aside from keeping your anti virus software up to date, there are a number of other steps computer owners can take to make sure their information is safe and secure. Perhaps the most important of these steps is to keep the operating system updated. For most people that will mean clicking on the Windows Update link on their Start menu. This link will automatically connect to the Windows Update web site. Once you are connected, the system will scan your PC to determine which updates are needed. Updates are constantly being released, so chances are there are at least a few that need to be installed.

Just as with virus signature updates, Windows updates can be scheduled to download automatically for installation at your convenience. This automatic update feature is a good idea, and it takes a lot of the work out of keeping the computer up to date.

Other steps you can take to avoid a problem with viruses and other malicious software include being vigilant, and paying attention to how your computer runs. If you notice a marked decrease in performance that cannot be easily explained, or if you see an icon you do not recognize on the taskbar, it is a good idea to scan your computer and look for problems. Paying attention to your own computer, and using your own common sense, is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your computer.

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