MSN Messenger Virus

As has happened to us all at one time or another in our lives, I experienced a virus in my computer last week. It worked its way into my computer by way of a file I received as I used the internet phone. Unfortunately, to make matters worse, it weaseled its way into my MSN Messenger program, hopping onboard my instant messages, and taking up residence in the computers of my friends and colleagues, as well.

Fortunately, I had backed up my computer, so in retrospect, the virus actually did me a favor – it forced me to take the time to format my laptop, and set it up on a much cleaner and safer level.

My situation was far from being an exception in today’s online world, so it is important to make sure that you are prepared should a virus or worm strike your own PC. Indeed, there isn’t any way to virus-proof your computer, but it is possible to make it good and virus resistant.

Your first step is to regularly backup your computer. This way, if you do have to format your drive, it will be more of an inconvenience than an actual disaster. Make sure that you have disk-copies of all of your essential programs, and that you have saved all critical files – or anything else you’d like to save for the future – on disk as well. Saving it to your computer won’t cut it – after all, if your computer isn’t functioning or if it needs to be formatted, you won’t be able to do much with something on your Windows desktop.

The next step shouldn’t come as a surprise to you, but if you haven’t done it, you should do it immediately. Install an antivirus software into your computer, and always have it running. There are lots of great antivirus programs available, some at a very low price, and others absolutely free – it all depends on the features you want, and whether your computer is for personal or business use. Same thing goes for a firewall program.

You should also look into your internet browser and email programs. They should have their own security features that you can adjust. Their default settings are typically secure, but if they have been changed for some reason, then you could be open to quite a few problems, and be consistently downloading viruses without knowing it. Make sure that you keep your security levels high on the programs you use to most frequently for connecting to the internet.

Always download and install all of the latest security updates for your Windows or other operating system.

You will also want to download an anti-spyware program. Spyware is rampant among websites these days and no matter what you do, it will make its way into your computer at some time or another. Unfortunately, spyware frequently carries viruses along with it. Check your computer frequently for spyware and get rid of it as soon as it’s found.

These simple, regular steps should help you to keep on top of any potential virus problems. Should one happen to make its way in to your computer, at least you will be prepared.

So I am clean now :) thank god!